J. Alexander, (born
Alexander Jenkins), known also as
Miss J, is an American
model,
television personality, and
runway coach known for his work as a runway
coach and judge on
America's Next Top Model.
[Staff report (February 28, 2007). Tyra, 'Top Model' back. Washington Times] He travels extensively for the fashion and modeling industries.
Alexander currently lives in
Paris.
Early life
Alexander was born in
South Bronx to Julius and Mary Jenkins and cites his mother as the first person to introduce him to fashion.
As a teenager he turned to modeling when he met the president of
Elite Model Management, Monique Pillard, while dressed in
drag. Pillard was so impressed with his look that she signed him to her agency, and he walked for designer
Jean Paul Gaultier in New York City.
He is openly gay.
Alexander and
Tyra Banks have been friends since he was sixteen years old. Alexander and Banks met backstage at a runway show, and he began to give her walking lessons. Banks coined Alexander's title
Queen of the Catwalk.
Career
Alexander's career as a runway coach began accidentally; he would coach models backstage and eventually became recognized for his skills as a coach. He has been coaching and casting since 1991.
He rose to prominence in this field when he coached
supermodels
Naomi Campbell and
Kimora Lee Simmons.
After a modeling stint in Tokyo, he eventually decided to settle in Paris and since 1991, has helped with casting and coaching models for well-known designers such as Hervé Léger,
Bill Blass,
Valentino,
John Galliano,
Chanel,
Alexander McQueen, and
Nina Ricci.
Alexander travels globally for charity events and modeling competitions.
His expertise is frequently sought after by journalists.
America's Next Top Model
Alexander appeared on every cycle of the popular
television program America's Next Top Model as the runway coach to the contestants. He was made a judge starting with
Cycle 5, though he still acts as the runway coach.
Alexander's
nickname "Miss J" came from
Cycle 1 contestant Robin Manning, who often confused Alexander and
Jay Manuel and on several occasions referred to Alexander as "Miss J" by accident because of his flamboyant clothing (Alexander often dresses drag and usually wears a skirt and high heels during runway walking training) and personality. Accordingly, Jay Manuel is referred to as "Mr. Jay", and
ANTM contestants often call them "The Jays" "The Two Jays" or "Mr. and Ms. Jay" when they appear together.
He has also appeared on international versions of
Top Model, such as
Canada's Next Top Model and
Scandinavia's Next Top Model. Alexander appeared on the
4 May 2008 episode of
Finland's version of
ANTM Suomen huippumalli haussa . J has also appeared on
Lisa Snowdon's
Britain's Next Top Model on 27 April 2009.
As of cycle 14 of the show, Alexander will be replaced as a permanent judge on the panel by
Vogue editor at large
André Leon Talley and will focus on the runway coaching.
[ 'Top Model' to get major makeover with Kimora Lee Simmons as new judge Amanda Sidman, New York Daily news, November 12, 2009.]
Designer
Alexander also is interested in designing and has handmade all his clothes on
America’s Next Top Model with the exception of the nurse’s outfit, "I did make the hat and the bag."
"All the dresses that you see me wear at the challenges, I actually sit down with a needle and thread, not even with a sewing machine, and make them all by hand. I made the ruffles and everything."
Awards and nominations
