Influencer, icon, and now Model of the Year — what can’t Alex Consani do?
The 21-year-old model took home the Model of the Year award at Monday night’s Fashion Awards, making her the first transgender model to do so. Consani didn’t take that honor lightly, and she used her acceptance speech to pay homage to those who came before her.
“I’m the first trans woman to win this award, but I can’t accept this award without thanking those that came before me,” Consani said in her speech. “Specifically the Black trans women that really fought for the space that I’m in today: Dominique Jackson, Connie Fleming, Aaron Rose Philip and countless more fought for the space that allowed me to flourish today, and I’m eternally thankful for that.”
Consani also thanked her parents, and gave other parents of trans children a bit of advice in supporting their kids.
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“I remember being 12 years old and telling [my parents] that I wanted to join this industry, and they met with support, and that’s something that I think a lot of other parents of trans children should follow,” Consani recommended. “It gives children a foundation to love and support, and makes them want to support themselves and love themselves even when it’s not celebrated by most.”
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Finally, Consani thanked the fashion industry professionals in the room, but also gave them a call to action.
“Now more than ever, it’s an important conversation that should be had about how to truly support and uplift one another within this industry, especially those who have been made to feel insignificant,” she said. “Because change is more than possible: it’s needed. And this is a big step in the right direction.”
Consani’s fans celebrated her historic win on social media, praising the messages of her speech and her incredible career in fashion (and internet humor). Alex Consani world domination? It feels correct.
ONE THING ABOUT MISS ALEX… SHE ALWAYS GIVES CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE. pic.twitter.com/ZwKAcuXH5u
— Jacob (@itsjacobrichard) December 2, 2024
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