![Life Lessons From Miss J. Alexander](https://static.thehoneycombers.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/01/FotorCreated1-300x225.jpg)
Not that we're complaining about his oh-so fabulous ways, ever. And neither will you after hearing what he has to say about Asia's rising talents, the dark side of modelling, and his fashion fairytale story.
Tyra Banks calls him “the king of the catwalk” – and for a very good reason. Even after two decades in the fashion industry and twenty seasons as a runway coach and judge on America’s Next Top Model, Miss J. Alexander shows no sign of slowing down.
His take on Asia’s fashion scene
“The people I see on the streets of Asia constantly inspire me. That’s what I love most about fashion – there are ordinary people who don’t care about fashion and have no idea how inspiring they are. Asia is still quite conservative in many ways but now it’s the younger generation who are breaking the rules. That’s what fashion is all about – breaking the rules. If I didn’t break any rules, I wouldn’t be where I am right now.”
Asia’s next Alexander Wang
“I love the creativity that I’ve seen in Asia’s fashion scene. I believe anyone has the chance to become the next Alexander Wang but it’s not just about talent. Sometimes you need the right people to support you – journalists, PR, models… It’s also all about the timing. Unfortunately, some people give up too soon.”
His journey from South Bronx to Paris
“I actually studied to become an accountant – yes, really. At that time, I really looked up to my sister who was an accountant. I got a summer job, working as a messenger at her company but I remember always going to the department stores in Manhattan and looking at all the things I couldn’t afford.
A woman who owned a boutique on Madison Avenue stopped me and suggested that I watch the Jean Paul Gaultier fashion show. That was the beginning of my career in fashion. One thing led to another and I found myself coaching top runway models like Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, and Kimora Lee Simmons.”
The good, the bad, and the ugly side of modelling
“Modelling allows ordinary girls to travel the world and gain access into some of the most exclusive places like into the ateliers of Christian Dior or Saint Laurent. But as we all know, the fashion industry can be absolutely brutal on your confidence and on your health. It can make even the strongest person break down and feel insecure.”
On being a TV star
“I didn’t grow up having any dreams; I tend to go along with things as they happened. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I was going to be on TV. When Tyra Banks asked me to be on America’s Next Top Model, I had no expectations. Only she knew that it was going to be a worldwide phenomenon.”
The best advice he’s ever received
“Have manners because manners will carry you where money cannot.” – taught to me by my dear grandmother.
“It’s hard to be hated but even harder to be envied. Because people just want to tear you down and see you fail.” – it was none other than the Imelda Marcos told me this.
“You appear to be smarter by asking questions than not asking them at all.” – my former boss from Bergdof Goodman taught me this after I made a major mistake at work.”
His advice
“Have patience! Some people walk into situations thinking the world owes them. Sorry honey, the world doesn’t owe you a goddamn thing. It just gave you a place to play in and be creative.”
Special thanks to Savannah College of Arts and Design (SCAD) Hong Kong for co-ordinating this interview!
Image: Miss J. Alexander by Ernest Collins