You know him as the astute, no-nonsense Creative Director who rules the roost on America’s Next Top Model. And, of course, he’s besties with Trya … Ms. Banks, if you’re nasty. But here are a few things you may not know about the blondiful Manuel, including a couple tidbits I managed to eek out of him during a recent interview.
5) AMTM – now in its seemingly 153rd season, is still pulling in healthy ratings for the CW. But did you know that Manuel is the host and lead judge on Canada’s Next Top Model, a spinoff of the original? ‘Tis true. And it’s only fitting since Manuel is a Canuck, born in Ontario.
4) Before Manuel dove head first in to fashion, he was a pre-med student. Can you imagine? He went from studying bone structure … to criticizing it. Who knew? And for awhile, he studied opera …
3) Boyfriend loves to cook. Here’s what he had to say: “You may or may not know that I love to cook when I have the time. My mom has taught me so many amazing recipes and all the credit goes to her! Love you Mom!” Check out Ma Manuel’s recipe for Tandoori Chicken here. http://www.jaymanuel.com/blog/?p=146
2) I’m not sure if this is Jay’s personal mantra, but he certainly abides by it. If you pick a look, you need to stick with it … and OWN it. (Note his hyper-blonde hair and perma-tan.) Yours truly got chastised (on the red carpet no less, ouch!) for switching from a bow tie to a regular tie at the last minute. I had a moment of fashion hesitation … and Jay jumped on it. Lesson learned.
And 1) all that behind-the-scenes drama you see on ANTM is not created for the camera. It’s legit, so says Manuel. Well, as legit as you can be with occasional creative editing. When I asked about a recent freak-out session with a British model during a judging session, Manuel dished. Lord, if only he would have bitch-slapped some sense in to her. Now THAT would have made for some good reality TV … bless his rhinestone-encrusted heart.