If you followed the autumn 2022 runway shows during the previous fashion month, you may have spotted a new star on the catwalks. That would be IMG model Alex Consani, who walked for Alexander McQueen and Versace, among others (she made her high-fashion debut last season, for Tom Ford). With her characteristic bleach-blonde hair and eyebrows, the 18-year-old model is quickly becoming one of fashion’s most exciting new faces. However, she originally rose to prominence on TikTok, where she currently has over 719,000 followers on her @captincroook profile.
Consani established her TikTok during quarantine in 2020 and has swiftly acquired a following for her frank, unedited, and unscripted videos, all of which are distinguishing characteristics of Gen-Z humor on the platform. She will record herself attempting to enter the Tripp NYC showroom or imitate Euphoria’s Jules in the club. Consani says of her TikTok approach, “Gen-Z humor is vastly different from any other humor I’ve encountered.” “It emphasizes spontaneity, as opposed to prepared sketches. I observe that on TikTok, in particular, viewers tend to choose content that has no origin or explanation.”
What else do her admirers adore? Consani’s fashion from the early 2000s, includes shield sunglasses, miniskirts, and Y2K scarf tops. Consani is thrilled to be introducing her passionate TikTok audience to the world of modeling, where she has amassed a significant fan base. It is a career that means much more to her than merely wearing great garments on the catwalk. Consani states, “I was always fascinated in [modeling].” “As a young trans woman, I was always aware of the absence of representation. I wanted to fill a hole and demonstrate to other trans and nonbinary people that being trans is lovely and nothing to be embarrassed about.”
Consani talks about how she got her start in modeling, where she shops in New York, and what TikTok concept she hopes to implement.
What motivated you to begin creating on TikTok?
I began using TikTok out of boredom when confinement began. Since I can remember, I have always used social media to publish memes and humorous content for my friends’ amusement. Friends and relatives informed me how humorous my videos were, and because I too found them amusing, I chose to continue my experience on the site.
How do you go about generating TikToks? How do you generate ideas?
TikTok is something that I experience in the present. Usually when I am walking with pals or when I am bored in my room. I feel social media is most genuine and effective when made in this manner, as it allows the content creator to be viewed as a person, rather than a social media personality. Conversations I have and social activities occurring around me inspire me to generate ideas. Permitting me to express my views on matters I feel strongly about, as well as expressing my overall sense of humor.
Tell us a bit about how you got started in modeling.
I began modeling in early 2015 when my mother discovered an advertisement on Facebook. It has always piqued my interest. I wanted to demonstrate to other trans and nonbinary individuals that being trans was beautiful and not anything to be ashamed of, especially as a young trans woman. In 2018, I finally understood the job’s potential and signed with my current mother’s agent. I ultimately signed with IMG at the very start of 2019
You dominated the catwalks during fashion month! What were your thoughts on the entire experience?
I cannot express how appreciative I am for this last [fashion] month. I have accomplished things I never imagined I would be able to do. From traveling the globe to meeting wonderful individuals and working with fashion businesses I could only have dreamed of, my life has been a dream. The entire experience has been precisely what I had hoped for. Everyone along the way, including my agents, other models I get to meet, the designers, and the casting teams, has given me so much encouragement to be myself.
How did you prepare to walk in such prestigious fashion shows as Versace and McQueen?
As a human, a student, and a working model, I find a healthy mindset to be of great importance. Typically, I appreciate the things I have in my life and center myself on simple activities like listening to music and simply breathing. My little trick for reducing nervousness before a performance is playing the mobile game Subway Surfers. Something about it eliminates my worry and anxiety and improves my mental state.
How would you characterize your style?
Even though I am still in the process of discovering my particular style, I believe my aesthetic is most similar to that of the brand Diesel if it were to attend Woodstock. Leather, moto jackets, and miniskirts abound. I enjoy revival 2000s and ’90s pieces with lace or beads, revolving primarily around grunge. I get a great deal of inspiration from the 1980s and 1990s runway shows.
Where do you shop in New York City? Where do you frequently visit?
Recently, I have developed a passion for vintage items that retain their value. James Veloria in Chinatown is currently one of my favorite locations to shop in that market. They possess an abundance of exquisite investment pieces that never cease to astonish me. Including frequently gowns and coats that suit wonderfully in my closet. Cafe Forgot on the Lower East Side is another. On their wall is a rack of clothing that can be rotated using a controller, allowing all of their outfits to be viewed. However, nothing beats a trip to a thrift store, which is where I find the majority of my wardrobe.
What are your future modeling objectives?
I wish to continue representing my transgender community and demonstrating that embracing these differences can lead to self-love. I adore walking the runway and would love to do more fashion shows in Europe, where the history of the design houses is so great. After watching Breakfast at Tiffany’s with Audrey Hepburn when I was a child, Givenchy has been one of my childhood fantasies. I have always desired to be able to wear their garments and experience the feeling of beauty that their silhouettes evoke.
What is your favorite TikTok video that you have created? What took the most time?
I recall posting the most random things, capturing every small thing I found amusing throughout the day and turning it into a post. Now, as my relationship with my audience has evolved, I create content that focuses more on revealing who I am beyond these humorous moments, where I can discuss issues and concepts that truly matter to me. Thankfully, I’ve always created videos as soon as I had an idea, so the process normally takes less than a minute. I strive to keep my thoughts light so that they are always present and natural.
What is the next major concept you wish to explore on TikTok?
I simply want to be able to communicate honestly with my audience and allow my platform to develop and mature. I believe focusing on moments of happiness, despair, or any other emotion I experience in my films allows me to establish a more honest and direct relationship with viewers. A notion that I only wish to expand upon as the app’s designer.
