Dating & Relationship status

In May 2021, Alexander and his America’s Next Top Model colleague, Jay Manuel, began a weekly IG username Live series, later syndicated to FB account name and YouTube, based on their experiences working on the show.

Alexander is also 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.”

On April 20, 2012, Alexander was fired from America’s Next Top Model by Banks after 18 seasons due to the show’s plummeting ratings. Alexander was fired together with Nigel Barker, and Manuel, though it was confirmed on February 14, 2014, that he would return to the judging panel for Cycle 21 following the firing of Rob Evans.

In 2010, Alexander wrote Follow the Model: Miss J’s Guide to Unleashing Presence, Poise, and Power, which “shares his story and offers tips on how to be more confident”.

Alexander’s nickname “Miss J”, or “Siss’ J” after the word “sister”, 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 in 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. In 2008, the Jays were cast in Operation Fabulous, a show to makeover “plain Janes” similar to Queer Eye For The Straight Guy, also produced by Tyra Banks.

He has also appeared on international versions of Top Model, such as Canada’s Next Top Model, Holland’s Next Top Model, Korea’s Next Top Model, Estonia’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. In 2009 and the 2011 final, Alexander appeared on Britain’s Next Top Model.

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 supermodel Naomi Campbell and model Kimora Lee Simmons. He has also worked with Nadja Auermann, Claudia Mason and Julia Stegner.

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, Lars Nilsson, Bill Blass, Valentino, John Galliano, Chanel, Alexander McQueen, and Nina Ricci.

Alexander Jenkins (born April 12, 1958), known as J. Alexander or Miss J, is an American reality television personality and runway coach best known for his work on America’s Next Top Model. He travels extensively for the fashion and modeling industries. Alexander lives in Paris and New York City.