It's quite possible that the term "one of a kind" was crafted expressly for J. Alexander -- also known as Miss J, but best known as the outspoken judge on the CW's 'America's Next Top Model.' After all, how many boys from the Bronx grow up to become international fashion icons, beloved reality show judges and best-selling authors? Alexander's latest book, 'Follow the Model,' charts his journey from New York to Paris and back with lots of feel-good advice and a fashion dictionary thrown in for good measure. By the time you reach the end, you'll understand how Miss J single-handedly worked his way from messenger boy to a television personality as famous for his sexy legs as his sassy mouth. Of course, you have some questions for the fashion diva -- but we took care of that for you in this one-on-one Q&A. Check it out after the jump!
What inspired you to write this book?
I talk too much as it is, and I am a great storyteller. I thought telling stories would be great in a book about my journey. With a push from agent Nancy Josephson and a shove from agent Suzy Unger, we all made it happen!
You reveal a lot that your fans don't know about you. Was writing about your life therapeutic?
Maybe I revealed too much! In a way it was therapeutic. I got my mind to think about other things, other than designer ball gowns and the latest pair of this season's heels. It opened up a thought process of memories, which made me relax and smile.
I love little touches like the designer pronunciation guide and the guide to Karl Lagerfeld. What made you include these instead of doing a straight bio?
Because the average person outside of fashion who buys this book may not know who some of the latest designers are, let alone how to pronounce their names!
I was shocked to read that you once considered becoming an accountant. What made you think it was a good idea at the time?
My sister, who I idolized, Barbara Ann, who died of breast cancer, worked at an accounting firm. That is where I had my first job in Manhattan as a messenger. I was fascinated by calculators and key-punch machines. Calculators because of totaling up my future earnings and key-punch machines because the cards that came out of the machine reminded me of perforated leather jackets. Plus, I knew one day I would need to know how to manage my money and to make sure I get every penny owed and promised to me!
Ultimately, what do you think empowers us to unleash presence, poise and power?
Presence is when you enter the room. Poise is when you are standing there being photographed in the room. And power is owning the room.
'Follow the Model' is available on Amazon.
Read more from Zandile on The Blay Report!
Comments: (15)
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By: asiatickhemitqn7 on 11/18/2009 7:56AM
peace jay,love you so much,peace
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By: linlinda08 on 12/15/2009 11:06AM
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http://www.googlejoy.com
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h ave so me che ap thi ngs ...
ni k e sh o es , fa s h i on cl o th es ; br a nd ha n d b a gs , wa l l et ...
I f y o u th ink o ur w eb site is go od , y ou c an p ut th is w eb si te t o book marks or ot her pl aces , ea sy t o fi nd
*&^56h
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By: EL VEE Ess (L. V. S.) ELVIS on 11/18/2009 11:01PM
WoW. going to get your book. Iam a project construction manager & own my own business.
Iam always looking to see what you will design & wear on the ATM show.
Tell Ms. Banks a fifth set of eyes from someone like me on the next cycle would be a great mix on the judge panel, because Iam always looking from the audience point of view, thru the side window. I judge the contestants all the time & can see some things that the audience sees without the worldwide expert opinion!! Any way only in America can we go as far as we want.
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By: Touria on 11/19/2009 12:43PM
What is this? I never heard of this person before. Is it a cross dressing male or a woman that looks like a man? I'm amazed at how interested people seem to be in a book written by such a person.
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By: Touria on 11/19/2009 12:43PM
I guess I should have written the entire article before posting. I see now that it's a cross dressing MALE.
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By: tony on 11/18/2009 3:09PM
This creature feature should have nothing to do style, fashion or beauty.
"It" couldn't win a dogfight if it was fighting.
How can "it" judge style, fashion or beauty when it doesn't even know what it is?
I use the term "it", because I can't figure out what "it" is.
And "it" has no style, no fashion, and no beauty!
It needs to fade to black... Oops, too late!
uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuugly !
he? she? .........IT
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By: Kalynn on 11/18/2009 3:47PM
This is an insult to African American women and all Black women everywhere!!! I've had enough of this LIBERAL, it's all good mentality. Enough is enought!!! He can't teach me a darned thing!
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By: Kalynn on 11/18/2009 3:49PM
Didn't want to go there, but IT is an affront and embarrassment to black women! If yall buy this book, shame on you! It is disgusting!
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By: Brown Sugah Baby on 11/18/2009 6:39PM
If the purpose was to amuse, mission accomplished. There are, however, certain places where uplifting an atrocity as this is more than welcome - in the industry in which most know him from, modeling. There seems to be more gender-confused men on hand in this particular venue than any other form of entertainment.
The fact is, outside of modeling, in the real world you'll find few (if any) women willing to take advice on how to present themselves as women, from a tall, lanky, knobby-knee'd brotha, who just happens to be less than average looking.
At the end of the day, we can get our laugh on and simply move on - its just possible that something as ridiculous as this can bring something as positive as a smile to your face, so its all good.
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By: thmjan on 11/18/2009 7:29PM
This can't be for real. What a ugly man that looks like Aunt Jamama. He is a big joke and there is nothing beatiful about him. Jay, people are laughing at you and not with you, you clown!
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