Mr. Jay Manuel (born August 14, 1972) is a Canadian make-up artist, fashion photographer and model. He is most recognizable as the director of photo shoots. Manuel is also the host and lead judge of Cycle 2 of Canada's Next Top Model, a spin-off to the original.
Personal Life[]
Manuel was born in Springfield, Illinois, to a mother of Italian and Czech descent and a South African father of Malaysian and Dutch descent[1]. He moved to Canada when he was two and was raised in Toronto[2] where he attended the Dr. Norman Bethune Collegiate Institute and York University.
He and friend Miss J. Alexander, also an America's Next Top Model personality, often appeared on E!'s Fashion Wrap with Debbie Matenopoulos. Manuel also hosted his own show Style Her Famous on the Style Network. In September, 2006[3], he introduced his own make-up line, Manuel Override, on QVC. He was the personal make-up artist of former supermodel Tyra Banks.
America's Next Top Model[]
From the very beginning of Cycle 1, Manuel is a staple of the show. He is the director of photoshoots and not only decides the art direction for the shoot but also works closely with each contestant on-site to help them take their best pictures. He is known for his no-nonsense demeanor while working but usually has a good sense of humor. He often presents new exercises and challenges throughout the competition as well. While not a judge, he has some influence in the process as he leaves notes for Tyra on each model after every photoshoot.
Manuel's nickname "Mr. Jay" came from Cycle 1 contestant Robin Manning, who often confused Manuel and J. Alexander, and on several occasions referred to Alexander as "Miss J" by accident because of his flamboyant clothing (Alexander often dresses drag and usually wears a skirt and high heels during runway walking training) and personality. Accordingly, Manuel is referred to as "Mr. Jay", and ANTM contestants often call them "the Jays" or "the two Jays" when they appear together.
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| Judges |
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| Hosts: Rita Ora • Tyra Banks
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