Alex Consani: The first transgender model to hold the title of “Model of the Year” is redefining fashion standards.
Credit : Victoria’s Secret / Alex Consani
At just 21 years old, Alex Consani became the first transgender model to receive the title of “Model of the Year.” This milestone highlights a shifting landscape in the fashion industry. Known as “Captain Crook” on TikTok, Alex captivates her audience with bold humor, personal stories, and a unique perspective on fashion. Her videos, both spontaneous and authentic, connect with a global audience, offering a fresh lens on an industry often perceived as exclusive.
Originally from California, Alex grew up in an environment where transgender representation in fashion was nearly nonexistent. At 16, she joined Slay Model Management, the first agency exclusively representing transgender models, determined to carve her own path despite the industry’s reluctance to embrace diversity. “I realized early on that waiting for change wasn’t an option—I had to create it,” she shared in an interview with Teen Vogue.
Credit : Mugler / Alex Consani
While there have been visible milestones, like Alex Consani being named Model of the Year and Valentina Sampaio walking for Victoria’s Secret, the fashion industry still struggles to address deeper structural issues. Many brands highlight diversity in their campaigns, but this rarely translates into inclusive leadership, creative teams, or hiring practices.
Alex herself has criticized these shallow approaches to representation. In an interview with Dazed, she remarked, “Adding a transgender face to a campaign doesn’t create real change. It has to be backed by systemic shifts in how brands operate.”
She actively pushes for projects that prioritize marginalized voices. In her recent work with Mugler, Alex advocated for the inclusion of transgender stylists and creators from underrepresented backgrounds in the production process, showing her dedication to meaningful progress within the industry.
CREDIT : ALEX CONSANI
Alex believes inclusion goes beyond simply showcasing diverse faces in advertisements. It requires deeper structural reforms within the industry. On her social media, she amplifies the voices of emerging models and sheds light on projects that challenge the status quo in fashion.
In an interview with Vogue, she said, “It’s crucial to ask the right questions. Who is making the decisions? Who is left out of the conversations? Without addressing this, the same patterns of exclusion will persist.”
Her activism isn’t limited to online platforms. During the latest Fashion Week, she contributed to a discussion on inclusivity, where she encouraged fashion houses to create mentorship programs aimed at supporting underrepresented young talents. Her efforts reflect a commitment to fostering real opportunities for change within the industry.
CREDIT : ALEX CONSANI
Alex Consani actively advocates for a fashion industry that embraces true inclusivity. At Paris Fashion Week, she introduced practical initiatives, such as mentorship programs for marginalized talent, aimed at ensuring equal access to opportunities.
“It’s not just about representation; it’s about access,” she explained, stressing the need for systemic changes to create real opportunities for everyone.
With her influence and actions, Alex is driving meaningful progress in the industry. “Fashion can reflect society or transform it. The choice is ours,” she stated, reinforcing her commitment to reshaping its future.