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

Alexander Jenkins (born April 12, 1958), known as J. Alexander or Miss J, is an American TV personality and runway coach. He is most famous for his work on the TV show America's Next Top Model.

Early Life and Fashion Beginnings

Alexander Jenkins was born in The Bronx, New York City. His mother, Mary Jenkins, first introduced him to 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 his unique look. She signed him to her agency, and he soon walked the runway for designer Jean Paul Gaultier in New York City.

Alexander later met supermodel Tyra Banks backstage at a fashion show. He started giving her tips on how to walk the runway. Tyra Banks then gave him the special title "Queen of the Catwalk."

Career as a Runway Coach

Alexander's career as a runway coach started by chance. He often helped models backstage with their walking. People soon noticed his amazing skills. He has been coaching and helping to choose models since 1991.

He became very well-known for his coaching when he worked with famous models like Naomi Campbell and Kimora Lee Simmons. He also coached other top models such as Nadja Auermann and Julia Stegner.

After modeling for a short time in Tokyo, Alexander decided to live in Paris, France. Since 1991, he has helped many famous designers. He has coached models for big names like Valentino, Chanel, and Alexander McQueen.

Alexander also travels around the world. He helps with charity events and modeling contests. Many journalists often ask for his expert advice on fashion and modeling.

Working on America's Next Top Model

Alexander appeared on every season of the TV show America's Next Top Model. On the show, he was the main runway coach for all the contestants. He taught them how to walk and pose like professional models.

Starting with Cycle 5, he became one of the main judges on the show. He later continued as the runway coach. Alexander has also appeared on many international versions of the Top Model show.

His famous nickname "Miss J" came from a contestant named Robin Manning. She often mixed up Alexander and another coach, Jay Manuel. Because Alexander often wore fancy clothes, like skirts and high heels, Robin accidentally called him "Miss J." Jay Manuel is known as "Mr. Jay." Together, they were often called "The Jays" or "Mr. and Miss. Jay."

Alexander has also appeared on international versions of Top Model. These include Canada's Next Top Model, Holland's Next Top Model, and Britain's Next Top Model.

In 2020, Alexander and Jay Manuel started an online show. They shared stories about their experiences working on America's Next Top Model.

Fashion Designer

J. Alexander is also interested in designing clothes. He has made many of his own outfits that he wore on America's Next Top Model. He once said that he makes all his dresses by hand, using a needle and thread, not even a sewing machine. He creates all the details himself.

Personal Life

Alexander has a son named Boris. He has mentioned on The Tyra Banks Show that he is very involved in his son's life. He even joked that his love for fashion must have passed on to Boris.

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

Awards and Recognition

See also

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