J. Alexander (model) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids J. Alexander
Alexander hosting the It Gets Better Project Holiday Show 2014.
Born	Alexander Jenkins (1958-04-12) April 12, 1958 (age 67) The Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.
Other names	Miss J
Occupation	Runway coach, consultant
Years active	1979–present
Known for	Television personality and runway coaching
Children	1

J. Alexander, also known as Miss J, is a famous American TV personality. He is also a runway coach. He is best known for his work on the TV show America's Next Top Model. He helps models learn how to walk on the runway.

Early Life and Fashion Beginnings

Alexander Jenkins was born on April 12, 1958. He grew up in the South Bronx, New York City. His mother, Mary Jenkins, first showed him the world of fashion.

When he was a teenager, Alexander started modeling. He met Monique Pillard, who was the president of Elite Model Management. She was very impressed with him. She signed him to her agency. He then walked the runway for designer Jean Paul Gaultier in New York City.

Alexander later met Tyra Banks backstage at a fashion show. He started giving her lessons on how to walk. Tyra Banks gave him the nickname "Queen of the Catwalk."

Career as a Runway Coach

Alexander became a runway coach by chance. He would help models backstage. Soon, people noticed how good he was at coaching. He has been coaching and helping with model casting since 1991.

He became well-known for coaching famous models. These included supermodel Naomi Campbell and model Kimora Lee Simmons. He also worked with models like Nadja Auermann and Julia Stegner.

After modeling in Tokyo, Alexander moved to Paris. Since 1991, he has helped many famous designers. He coached models for brands like Chanel, Valentino, and Alexander McQueen. In 1993, he was interviewed on the British TV show Eurotrash. He talked about his work as a runway coach.

Alexander travels around the world for charity events. He also helps with modeling competitions. Journalists often ask for his expert advice.

Working on America's Next Top Model

Alexander was the runway coach on every season of the TV show America's Next Top Model. He taught the contestants how to walk like professional models. He became a judge on the show starting with Cycle 5.

Later, for Cycle 14, Vogue editor André Leon Talley took his place as a permanent judge. However, Alexander continued to be the show's runway coach. He has also appeared on many international versions of the show.

His nickname "Miss J" came from a contestant named Robin Manning. She sometimes mixed up Alexander and Jay Manuel. She accidentally called Alexander "Miss J" because of his unique style. He often wore skirts and high heels during training. Jay Manuel is called "Mr. Jay." Contestants often call them "The Jays" when they are together.

Alexander has also appeared on other Top Model shows. These include Canada's Next Top Model and Britain's Next Top Model. In May 2020, Alexander and Jay Manuel started an online series. They share their experiences from working on the show.

Fashion Designer

Alexander also enjoys designing clothes. He has handmade many of his outfits for America's Next Top Model. He once said he made all the dresses he wore for challenges. He made them by hand, without a sewing machine.

Personal Life

J. Alexander has a son named Boris. He has shared that he plays a very active role in Boris's life. He even joked that his "fashion genes" might have influenced Boris.

In 2010, Alexander wrote a book called Follow the Model: Miss J's Guide to Unleashing Presence, Poise, and Power. The book shares his story. It also gives tips on how to be more confident.

Alexander was featured in a song called Jay Walk (feat. Miss Jay Alexander). This song is on Leikeli47's 2022 album Shape Up.

Awards and Nominations

See also

In Spanish: J. Alexander para niños

• LGBT culture in New York City
• List of LGBT people from New York City
• NYC Pride March