Life and Style’s Anastasia Antoniou explores the rise of Alex Consani, her impact on Gen-Z, as well as being a key figure of representation for trans youth
As the first trans woman nominated for Model of the Year, she’s living proof that there’s strength in being unapologetically yourself
Early Beginnings and the Model Runway
It’s rare to see a personality hit the perfect balance between model, cultural icon, and downright internet comedian. Alex Consani is that rarity. At 21, rising to prominence not only for her work on the runway, but also for her hilarious videos on TikTok, Consani represents that refreshing mix of authenticity and humour, that resonates deeply with Gen-Z. This year, her journey reached a landmark: the British Fashion Council nominated her for Model of the Year, making her the first trans woman ever to receive this honour. From her work with major brands to her bold online presence, Consani is much more than just a face in fashion—she’s a force for representation and a digital icon with an audience spanning millions.
Alex Consani, now a household name in fashion, began her groundbreaking journey at just 12 years old, becoming the world’s youngest trans model to walk a major runway. She made her debut in 2020 for Oscar de la Renta’s Cruise Collection and followed with an official Fashion Week appearance for Tom Ford in 2021. By 18, Consani had firmly established herself in high fashion, gracing Milan Fashion Week for Versace and walking in Paris for Alexander McQueen.
Her journey started back in 2015, when her mother, recognising her daughter’s passion, signed her up for modelling through a Facebook ad. Now signed with IMG Models, alongside icons like Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber, Consani has harnessed her platform to showcase both her talent and beauty of transgender representation.
The TikTok Phenomenon
Consani’s charisma truly found its home on TikTok, where she’s gathered over two million followers and counting. Her feed, which is a mix of candid moments, quirky dances and iconic unserious clips (with videos racking up over 35 million views), shows an unfiltered side that’s both hilarious and refreshingly real. But she doesn’t just create for the app; she redefines it. Whether it’s her offbeat high-fashion clips, hilarious subway performances, or playful behind-the-scenes antics, her videos go viral not because of a calculated strategy but because of her commitment to just being herself. “The secret to going viral?” she said when interviewed for WhoWhatWear, “being authentic. If you feel like something is good to post, post it.”
She credits her success to authenticity, bringing her fans into her world with humour and honesty. Her blend of “Gen-Z brainrot” humour, openness about her trans identity, and playful self-awareness, give her an edge that’s hard to ignore. Ranging from her hilarious high fashion-runaway-backstage interviews or her iconic “lifestyle” video trend, Consani is rewriting the rules of what it means to be a model in the social media age.
Consani represents that refreshing mix of authenticity and humour, that resonates deeply with Gen-Z.
A Champion for Representation
Being nominated for Model of the Year at the British Fashion Awards in 2024 was more than just a career milestone. Consani’s visibility as a trans woman in mainstream fashion has a ripple effect, challenging perceptions and opening doors for future generations. “as a young trans girl, I always saw the lack of representation” she shared with Vogue. “I wanted to fill the void and show other trans and non-binary people that it’s beautiful to be trans.”
Her history-making walk at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, proved her to be an ambassador of change, bringing long-overdue diversity to the runway. In interviews, Consani emphasises the importance of staying true to herself. As she once told WWD, “It’s really important to have people like me on the runway being perceived as beautiful, and especially in a setting like this that’s always been very cis-orientated”. This commitment to her identity is something she carries proudly, inspiring countless others along the way.
The Magic of Consani: Humour, Style, and Heart
Beyond her achievements and TikTok videos, Alex Consani is a vibrant personality. Her interviews reflect a natural humour that feels spontaneous and sharp such as joking about her love for Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” as her karaoke go-to. Her warmth and approachability set her apart from traditional models, creating a more relatable platform for her audience. Consani’s style extends to her unfiltered answers, and fans love her for her quirks, for example, her dream of buying a capybara farm. Her presence is a mix of absurd humour and sincerity that gives fans a break from the curated, glossy influencer norm.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Consani’s career continues to skyrocket, she remains committed to pushing boundaries in the fashion industry, all while staying true to her authentic self on TikTok. As the first trans woman nominated for Model of the Year, she’s living proof that there’s strength in being unapologetically yourself. And as she continues to redefine what a model can be. Alex Consani isn’t just making history; she’s making it fun.
Read more from Life&Style:
Warm Up Your Wardrobe: Sustainable DIY Fashion Tips for Students
Styling Sustainability: How Luxury Brands are Moving Toward Greener Production
Comments