Miss J Alexander stepped back into the spotlight with a rare public appearance more than three years after suffering a serious stroke.
The former “America’s Next Top Model” star attended an event at the Bowtie Bar inside the Renaissance Times Square Hotel on March 12, where he reunited with former co-star Nigel Barker.
The gathering celebrated National Espresso Martini Month and featured Barker’s company, The Barker Company, along with a signature cocktail created for the occasion.
Alexander, 67, arrived in signature style, wearing a blue coat layered over an all-black outfit.
Barker opted for a sleek look as well, pairing black jeans with a black button-down shirt and a gray sports coat as the two posed together for photos.
The outing marked one of only a few public appearances Alexander has made since experiencing a stroke in December 2022 — a medical emergency that dramatically changed his life.
Alexander Recently Open Up About His Stroke
He later reflected on the terrifying ordeal in the Netflix documentary “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model,” recalling the moment he first regained consciousness.
“I woke up. I didn’t know where I was other than in the hospital,” he said in the film. “I spent five weeks in a coma, and I couldn’t walk. And I couldn’t talk.”
The experience was deeply emotional for the longtime fashion figure, who built his career teaching models how to command the runway.
“It was emotional,” he said. “I cried. I am not ashamed to say that I cried.”
During his hospitalization, Alexander received visits from Barker and fellow former “America’s Next Top Model” judge Jay Manuel.
The trio had previously worked together on the reality competition series before departing in 2012.
Barker later described the emotional moment he saw his friend during recovery.
“When he saw me, he was happy to see me and the two of us cried together and I held him,” Barker recalled, admitting the situation was “really upsetting and horrifying and scary.”
Alexander Has a GoFundMe
Despite the difficult road to recovery, Alexander has remained determined to keep moving forward. In the documentary, he spoke openly about the challenge of rebuilding his strength after the stroke.
“I’m the person who taught models how to walk, and now I can’t walk — not yet,” he said. “I’m determined to walk.”
According to a GoFundMe campaign created to help with medical costs, Alexander continues to undergo physical, speech and occupational therapy as he works toward greater independence.
As of writing, it has raised almost $35,000.
The campaign aims to help cover the cost of ongoing care and daily support as he continues rehabilitation.
Even with those challenges, Alexander remains optimistic about the future.
“It’s not over for me yet,” he said.
And with his recent appearance in New York, the beloved fashion personality showed fans that he’s still determined to return to the spotlight.
