You love him as the sarcastic, creative, guiding light on America’s Next Top Model. What you don’t know is how he got to be the #1 catwalk trainer in the world, and part of the Top Model show. The story of J. Alexander’s rise to fame is chronicled in the book Follow The Model.
“I thought, as much as I can talk I can probably write just as much if not more! By writing a book I get to share my thoughts not only with people who I know or stop me on the street, but to everyone who likes to read.”
We caught up with Miss J. at his home in Paris. Something that stands out about the book is its ability to draw in the reader with his life story. Even if someone has never watched the TV show they can enjoy the book and learn a few things.
“It was a conscientious decision,” he said of making the book accessible to anyone. “The models were already getting the help, so I thought the average non-fashion person can learn a tip or two or three. My life is not about Top Model. It is a journey from the South Bronx to Paris, and all the stops along the way.”
The story of the book is interspersed with advice, from a simple “stay in school” to “don’t throw it away, re-create it.” There are certainly some important messages to be gleaned.
“People stop me all the time wherever they can, asking me for tips, usually fashion tips. Everyone, male and female, straight or gay, and I mean they ask everywhere: in airports, shops, restaurants, walking down the street... even public restrooms! Yes, when necessary I do go public!”
Fans have been getting tips and meeting their fashion hero at book signings.
“It has all been good so far! A few Queenagers (gay teens) have said that it was good to have someone on TV living his life that has become successful not only doing what he loves but being his crazy ass gay self! I’ve also had people come up to me and say they learned from watching me on TV, which I never would have imagined.”
With the next cycle of ANTM on the horizon we of course had to ask Miss J. about some of her experiences on the show.
“I have been involved since Cycle One and became a judge in Cycle Five. I have known Tyra for about 21 years. Her mom Carolyn called me and said I had to do it and asked what I thought. I thought, hmmmm...street walking downtown on the stroll would be the next best thing, but then maybe TV would be better than street walking? Everything has gotten bigger and flashier with extra colour, flair, and a bit of fashion knowledge! The viewers get ‘Miss J’ as camp at Christmas!”
The show has had diverse competitors including plus sized, short, and transgender contestants. It’s in many ways changed viewers perceptions of the modeling industry.
“All of the above have been part of the industry for awhile in one way or another so for me it was no big deal. What it did do was open the eyes of the public who have no fashion or modeling knowledge of how diverse the industry is and can be.”
So will we ever see an all-male cycle?
“Unless they are a room full of screaming queens girrrrrl, it won’t be the same! We have that already with RuPaul’s Drag Race! A room full of hetero male models would be boring TV. Although now that I think about it, they may fight over a protein bar or two, and the weight machine, all of course in front of mirrors.”
He certainly gets frustrated with the drama that occurs during makeovers and photo shoots.
“I do get annoyed with the girls who come to the casting screaming that they will do whatever it takes to be on the show and become America’s Next Top Model and then cry over three inches of hair, or blonde vs. brunette.”
While initially not looked on positively in the industry, the show has changed that perception as well.
“In the beginning the industry turned its nose down on the show, claiming Top Model didn’t know what it was talking about, that the girls are not in any fashion shows, you don’t see them on magazine covers, that it is not real. Once it was successful and the big picture came into focus, they saw Tyra’s vision and results many cycles later. They all started to become closet watchers and then later wanted to be involved or on the show in some way, shape, or fashion form. The show is all over the world and most countries have their own version as well.”
One country that has its own is of course, Canada, hosted by Jay Manuel. Miss J. has appeared on the Canadian version, as well as versions in Finland, Britain, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. I asked about the differences between the Canadian and American shows.
“Are you trying to start some shit?!” she laughed. “The obvious for sure is Mr. Jay Manuel, or is he really Tyra in ’Mrag’ (Male Drag). The production team is smaller and has a smaller budget but they have huge results. I would not expect anything less from Jay than perfection!”
On a show that has had a lot of memorable moments, one thing stands out to Miss. J.
“Me of course!! I stand out! All 6’4” of me in all my gay glory! What is more memorable than that? Tyra’s screaming at Tiffany in Cycle 4? Jay’s blonde hair? Darling I say Me! Me! Me!”
Fashion designer, TV personality, Catwalk Consultant and now author, Miss J. is an amazing success story for a gay black kid born in the Bronx.
“I feel wonderful and blessed. It all comes from a good place in spite of what others may say or think. I think others can take from my success that it is important to be yourself and love yourself.
As for her Canadian LGBT fans, she had a few words just for you.
“Thanks for watching and reading! Just do you before you do others, meaning love yourself, all the good and bad parts and all the little things in between. You have all my support as I’m sure I have yours. Love OXOX, Miss ‘Gay Alexander’. Oops, I mean…Miss J.”
