By L.G. McCord
SCAD Style week was highlighted with impromptu guest speaker Alexander Jenkins, better known as “Miss J,” a sought-after expert “Queen of the Catwalk.” Born and raised in the South Bronx of New York City, he credited his mother for introducing him to fashion. Alexander has worked with the SCAD Fashion Show for the past 10 years, preparing models and enhancing their poise and grace for the catwalk. He stopped by SCAD Atlanta to speak to the fashion department and shed some insight from his experiences in the fashion industry.
During his speech, Alexander recalled stories from his childhood. He also told students how he became involved in the fashion industry. An accidental run-in with Monique Pillard, president of Elite Model Management, while he was dressed in drag began Alexander’s modeling career. Miss J expressed to the students that the best way to succeed is to “work, work, work, work, work — hard work. Dream big, big, big — huge. Plan your work, work your plan.” Alexander wished that he could learn everything through osmosis. He also admitted to taking advantage of every opportunity that came his way.
Through modeling, Alexander met Tyra Banks; they have been friends since the age of 16. He often advised Banks on her walk. Over time, he worked with fashion supermodels such as Naomi Campbell and Kimora Lee Simmons. Alexander’s passion eventually developed into a skill, launching his career. This led to a partnership with Banks and the global television show, “Next Top Model.” Alexander took time during his speech to acknowledge the influencers in students’ lives — teachers. He also encouraged students to listen with their ears and to know that they are their own best guinea pigs. Students should experiment their ideas on themselves and even on their friends.
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