If you were following the fall 2022 runway shows this past fashion month, you may have caught a glimpse of a new star on the catwalks. That would be IMG model Alex Consani, who walked for labels such as Alexander McQueen and Versace (she made her high-fashion debut last season, for Tom Ford). With her signature bleach-blonde hair and eyebrows, the 18-year-old model is becoming one of fashion’s freshest new faces—but she first got big on TikTok, where she now has over 719,000 followers on her page, @captincroook. 

Consani launched her TikTok during quarantine in 2020, and has quickly amassed a following for her candid, unfiltered, and off-the-cuff videos—all defining qualities of Gen-Z humor on the app. She’ll film herself struggling to get into the Tripp NYC showroom, or imitating Euphoria’s Jules at the club. “Gen-Z humor is extremely different from the rest of humor I have seen,” says Consani of her TikTok style. “It focuses itself on randomness, and not that of planned sketches. Especially on TikTok, I notice viewers tending to lean towards content that is made from nowhere, with no explanation.” 

Another thing her fans love? Consani’s early-2000s style, which is full of shield shades, mini skirts, and Y2K scarf tops. While she’s gained an impressive following on TikTok, Consani says she’s now excited to be bringing her devoted audience into the world of modeling. For her, it’s a meaningful career that means a lot more than just wearing fabulous clothes on the catwalk. “I was always interested in [modeling,]” says Consani. “Especially as a young trans girl, I always saw the lack of representation. I wanted to fill the void and show other trans and nonbinary people that it was beautiful to be trans—not something to be ashamed of.” 

Below, Consani discusses how she started modeling, where she shops in New York, and what TikTok idea she wants to tackle next.

What made you want to start creating on TikTok?

I first started TikTok out of boredom when quarantine started. Since I can remember, I always had some sort of social media where I would post memes and humorous things for my friends to laugh at. Once I started, my friends and family told me about how funny they were, and because I enjoyed it as well, I decided to continue my journey on the platform. 

What’s your process for creating TikToks? Where do you get ideas? 

TikTok for me is something that comes very at the moment. Most of the time, it’s when I am walking with friends or in my room bored. I believe social media is the most authentic and beneficial when created that way, because it allows the person creating content to be seen as a human, and not a social media personality. Ideas just come to my head, from conversations I have, or social events going on. Allowing me to voice my opinion on issues I feel strongly about as well as just show my general humor. 

Tell us a little bit about how you started modeling. 

I began modeling in early 2015 through a Facebook ad my mom found. I was always interested in doing it. Especially as a young trans girl, I always saw the lack of representation, and wanted to fill the void and show other trans and nonbinary people that it was beautiful to be trans—not something to be ashamed of. Eventually I realized the potential the job held and signed with my current mother agent in 2018. Eventually, I signed with IMG right at the beginning of 2019.

You took over the runways this fashion month! What did you think of the whole experience? 

I can’t even explain how grateful I am of this past [fashion] month. I have been able to do things I never thought I would accomplish. From traveling the world, to meeting incredible people and working with fashion houses that I have only dreamt of. The whole experience has been exactly what I would have wished for. There has been so much support along the way— from my agents, other models I get to meet, the designers, and casting teams—every person has made me feel so comfortable in being me. 

How did you prepare to walk for major shows like Versace and McQueen? 

Having a healthy mindset holds true value to me, as a person, as a student, and obviously as a working model. I usually just take time to appreciate things I have in my life and ground myself—little things like listening to music and just breathing. My little secret for removing anxiety before a show is playing the game Subway Surfers on my phone. Something about it literally removes all the worry and anxiety I have and puts me in a better mindset. 

How would you describe your personal style? 

I am still definitely trying to find my personal style, though I believe my aesthetic is closest to the brand Diesel—if it was going to Woodstock. Lots of leather, moto jackets, and miniskirtst. I like revival 2000s and ‘90s pieces that have anything lace or beaded, mostly circling around grunge. I get a lot of inspiration from older runway shows out of the ‘80s and ’90s. 

Where do you like to shop in NYC? Where are your go-to spots? 

Recently, I have been really into vintage pieces, ones that hold their value in quality. One of my favorite places right now to shop in that market is James Veloria in Chinatown. They have a lot of beautiful investment pieces that never fail to amaze me. Often including gowns and jackets that perfectly fit in my closet. Another is Cafe Forgot on the Lower East Side. They have a rack of clothes that can be spun with a controller on their wall, allowing all of their pieces to be seen. Nothing hits like a good trip to a thrift store though, that’s where most of my pieces in my closet are found. 

How would you describe your personal style? 

I am still definitely trying to find my personal style, though I believe my aesthetic is closest to the brand Diesel—if it was going to Woodstock. Lots of leather, moto jackets, and miniskirtst. I like revival 2000s and ‘90s pieces that have anything lace or beaded, mostly circling around grunge. I get a lot of inspiration from older runway shows out of the ‘80s and ’90s. 

Where do you like to shop in NYC? Where are your go-to spots? 

Recently, I have been really into vintage pieces, ones that hold their value in quality. One of my favorite places right now to shop in that market is James Veloria in Chinatown. They have a lot of beautiful investment pieces that never fail to amaze me. Often including gowns and jackets that perfectly fit in my closet. Another is Cafe Forgot on the Lower East Side. They have a rack of clothes that can be spun with a controller on their wall, allowing all of their pieces to be seen. Nothing hits like a good trip to a thrift store though, that’s where most of my pieces in my closet are found.