If you are a fan of America’s Next Top Model, you probably know who Ms J Alexander is. He is the fierce and fabulous runway coach who taught aspiring models how to walk the walk and talk the talk. He is also a former judge on the show, and a close friend of Tyra Banks, the creator and host of ANTM. But how much do you know about his life and career before he became a reality TV star? And how much is he worth today? In this article, we will explore the journey of Ms J Alexander, from his humble beginnings in New York to his glamorous lifestyle in Paris and beyond.
Early Life and Modeling Career
Ms J Alexander was born Alexander Jenkins on April 12, 1958, in the South Bronx, New York City. He grew up in a poor and violent neighborhood but found solace in fashion and art. His mother was the first person to introduce him to fashion, and he would often raid her closet and dress up in her clothes. He also developed a passion for drawing and painting and dreamed of becoming an artist.
He attended the High School of Art and Design in Manhattan, where he honed his artistic skills and met other creative people. He also started to experiment with his gender expression and embraced his homosexuality. He was bullied and harassed for being different, but he did not let that stop him from being himself.
After graduating from high school, he moved to Paris to pursue his artistic career. He worked as a sketch artist for various fashion houses and also modeled for Jean Paul Gaultier, one of the most influential and avant-garde designers of the time. He was discovered by Monique Pillard, the president of Elite Model Management, who was impressed by his unique look and personality. He walked for Gaultier in New York and became one of the first black male models to achieve international success.
Runway Coach and Consultant
While modeling, Ms J Alexander also developed a knack for coaching and mentoring other models. He would give them tips and tricks on how to improve their runway skills, and also help them with their confidence and attitude. He became known as the “Queen of the Catwalk”, and was sought after by many top models and designers.
He worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Naomi Campbell, Kimora Lee Simmons, Nadja Auermann, Claudia Mason, and Julia Stegner. He also helped with casting and coaching models for prestigious shows and brands, such as Hervé Léger, Lars Nilsson, Bill Blass, Valentino, John Galliano, Chanel, Alexander McQueen, and Nina Ricci.
He also met Tyra Banks backstage at a runway show and became her friend and mentor. He taught her how to perfect her walk and pose, and gave her the nickname “Black Barbie”. He also supported her when she decided to transition from modeling to acting and producing.
America’s Next Top Model and Beyond
In 2003, Tyra Banks launched her reality TV show, America’s Next Top Model, which aimed to find the next big supermodel from a group of aspiring contestants. She invited Ms J Alexander to join the show as the runway coach, and he accepted. He became an instant fan favorite, with his witty remarks, flamboyant outfits, and tough-love approach. He also became a judge on the show from cycle 5 to cycle 13 and returned as a guest judge and coach in later cycles.
He also appeared in many of the international versions of the show, such as Canada’s Next Top Model, Britain’s Next Top Model, Australia’s Next Top Model, and Asia’s Next Top Model. He also starred in his spin-off show, Operation Fabulous, with fellow ANTM judge Jay Manuel, where they gave makeovers to ordinary women.
Ms J Alexander also wrote a book, Follow the Model: Miss J’s Guide to Unleashing Presence, Poise, and Power, which was published in 2009. The book is a memoir and a self-help guide, where he shares his personal stories, insights, and advice on how to achieve success and happiness in life.
He also became a father in 2011, when he adopted a son, Boris, from Ethiopia. He said that becoming a parent was one of the best decisions of his life and that he loves his son unconditionally.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
According to various sources, Ms J Alexander has a net worth of around $7 million. He earns his money from his modeling, coaching, consulting, and TV appearances. He also has endorsement deals and investments in various businesses.
He lives a luxurious and jet-setting lifestyle, traveling around the world for work and pleasure. He owns several properties, including an apartment in Paris, where he spends most of his time. He also has a collection of art, antiques, and designer clothes.
He is very active on social media, where he has over half a million followers on Instagram. He often posts photos and videos of his daily life, his son, his friends, and his travels. He also interacts with his fans and gives them encouragement and compliments.
He is also involved in various charitable causes, such as the It Gets Better Project, which supports LGBTQ+ youth, and the Smile Train, which provides free cleft lip and palate surgeries to children in need.
Conclusion
Ms J Alexander is a legend in the fashion world and a role model for many people. He has overcome many challenges and obstacles in his life and has achieved his dreams and goals. He is also a loving father, a loyal friend, and a generous philanthropist. He is an example of how to live with presence, poise, and power.
