“I’m Diva Down”: Alex Consani Is Interview’s Next Top Model

The superstar kicks off our anniversary issue by giving Interview fashion correspondent Lyas a lesson on staying out of trouble.

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THURSDAY 2 PM SEPT. 5, 2024 NYC

ALEX CONSANI: Make me look smart. That’s the only thing.

JULIAN RIBEIRO: [Cueing up the iPhone camera] Okay, guys. We’re going to start. Lyas, straighten your tie, darling.

LYAS: Oh, sorry.

CONSANI: Can I hit my vape? I’m on zero juice but you can’t tell.

LYAS: I hate vapes. I feel like I’m smoking something fake.

CONSANI: You’re so French.

LYAS: Are you comfortable, Alex?

CONSANI: Yeah.

RIBEIRO: The huge glasses are making a lot of sense. Alright.

LYAS: Hi. I’m Lyas.

CONSANI: And I’m Alex Consani. And we’re here—wait, let’s redo that.

LYAS: And we’re here.

CONSANI: For Interview Magazine. Let’s give y’all the tea.

LYAS: So what’s up? How was your summer?

CONSANI: Summer was good. I did a lot of traveling.

LYAS: Where did you go?

CONSANI: I went to Turks and Caicos for the first time.

LYAS: What is that?

CONSANI: It’s like an island. Like from the Travis Scott song.

LYAS: Oh, okay.

CONSANI: Yes. It was really cute. I went with some of my friends for my birthday. Then just went around to the Midwest, which was kind of cunt.

LYAS: What is it giving?

CONSANI: Not cunt. But it was cunt to be there.

LYAS: Okay. You brought the cunt.

CONSANI: Exactly.

LYAS: Because you turned 21.

CONSANI: She can legally drink, you guys.

LYAS: Yeah, because you never drank before.

CONSANI: Never, never, never.

LYAS: In France, it’s 18, which is way better.

CONSANI: I would say I need to move to France, but baby I’m good now. Shit.

LYAS: But you’re going in a few weeks, professionally.

CONSANI: Yeah.

LYAS: Do you like traveling?

CONSANI: I love it. I feel like it’s a privilege because obviously fashion allows us to travel a lot, which is great. I definitely wish that I had more time to travel on my own accord.

LYAS: Do you ever extend the trips to have a bit of free time, or are you like, “I want to go back home”?

CONSANI: I’m diva down. I’m like, girl, listen. I’m trying to get paid. I’m still really trying to work out my era of financial independence, so I think it’s important to prioritize the opportunities you get. Sometimes I do that too much, honestly. I’m like, let me work, work, work, and not take the time for myself.

LYAS: Yeah, I do that as well. I came a bit before fashion week because I wanted to chill, but New York is not chill at all. There’s always something happening. So I’ve been going everywhere, partying.

CONSANI: You look good, girl. You don’t look like you’ve been partying too crazy.

LYAS: Well, thank you.

CONSANI: I feel like a fucking Oompa Loompa right now. But Tom Ford knew what the fuck to do.

LYAS: That’s Tom Ford?

CONSANI: Tom Ford.

LYAS: Oh my god. What do you think of the new creative director?

CONSANI: I think it’s a gag. I’m so excited to see what it’s giving. It’s nice that fashion houses always switch creative directors. It’s cool to be able to switch it up, give the girls something new.

LYAS: It’s definitely giving musical chairs.

CONSANI: You’re right, girl. Put me in the game. I can draw.

LYAS: Would you ever?

CONSANI: Yeah, but girl, they wouldn’t. No shade.

LYAS: But you could start your own thing.

CONSANI: It’s a miniskirt and a bow. That’s the brand.

LYAS: That’s the name. MSB.

CONSANI: Patent that ho.

LYAS: Do you ever feel scared of saying no?

CONSANI: Like for work?

LYAS: Yeah.

CONSANI: It’s important to know your boundaries. Especially because there’s a lot of pressure to make you do things that you’re not comfortable with in this industry. It’s like, if you say no, there’s no other opportunity. But that just isn’t true. I think that allowing people to have space to do what they want morally is what fashion needs to create a truly diverse space. If people are really representing themselves and their communities, it’s important to hear when they don’t feel comfortable.

LYAS: Yeah. And I feel like our generation is more aware of that and their own fucking anxiety and feelings and they’re not going to allow you to play them.

CONSANI: Exactly. Wait, hold on. Do I look sweaty?

RIBEIRO: No, you don’t look sweaty at all.

CONSANI: Is there, like, a fan? Wait, I’ll use the Lana [Del Rey Interview] issue.

LYAS: So how’s social media these days?

CONSANI: It’s good. I’m having a lot of fun. The best part for me is that I have the privilege of being able to go on whenever I want and it’s not too tied to money for me.

LYAS: Do you make money on TikTok?

CONSANI: I don’t, unless it’s a brand deal. I don’t really care, which is kind of the gaggiest part of TikTok. I feel like people care too much about their public perception, and I get it. But at the end of the day, girl, you’re going to be perceived anyway. So might as well just have fun, right?

LYAS: Yeah. I wanted to ask you, do you feel pressure when you’re on set or at a show to create content for other people because you’re also known for your internet persona?

CONSANI: I mean, not so much pressure to make content, but more to perform in general. I think people perceive my online presence as my full personality, which, I’m a Leo, don’t get it twisted. I’m crazy and I don’t have a lot of fear. But I’m definitely anxious. I’m a real bitch. So when I get to work sometimes and it’s a crazy day, whatever, there’s definitely an attitude when I don’t perform. People are like, “Is everything okay?” I’m like, “Girl, I’m fine.”

LYAS: Exactly. I feel that pressure as well because I’m kind of bubbly. I’m always fucking ranting about shit, and everyone kind of expects that. So at one point this summer, I had a fucking breakdown. The pace of fashion is insane, but I love to work. That’s also why I don’t party until like 7 a.m. because then the whole day’s ruined. I hate that.

CONSANI: You know what? I’ve never partied past 3 a.m. ever.

LYAS: Wait, what?

CONSANI: Yeah. I’ve always gone home at 3 a.m. That’s my rule. If you see me out past 3, it’s not me, sis. I’m not into the drugs. No shade, but I don’t enjoy it. It doesn’t appeal to me. I’m a California sober girl.

LYAS: Have you tried?

CONSANI: I’m from the Bay Area. I’ve done some things out there. But now that I’m around these girls who are constantly in that vibe, I can’t match the freak, sis. I smoke a blunt and have a shot and I’m like—

LYAS: But do you smoke cigarettes as well?

CONSANI: No.

LYAS: Me neither.

CONSANI: No, girl. I smoke cigarettes, of course. [Laughs]

LYAS: Okay, yeah. Me too. [Laughs]

CONSANI: In the Bay, we do this thing called the chop, when you smoke out of a bong and you put a cigarette in it.

LYAS: In France, it’s both as well. But here, it’s crazy. I tried one I bought at a deli, a joint. I smoked one puff out of my hotel room window and then I swear I couldn’t move.

CONSANI: No, girl. Put the joint down. Just smoke a cigarette and have a kiki.

LYAS: Period. Stop smoking weed, guys.

CONSANI: I’ll probably keep going forever, no shade. I’ve been smoking weed since the dawn of time. Period, sis. I’m OG, number one.

LYAS: Snoop Doggy Dog.

CONSANI: [Laughs] My god.

LYAS: Did you watch the Olympics?

CONSANI: I watched some of the gymnastics because I used to do gymnastics a lot, so I understand the lore.

LYAS: What did you do, the bar?

CONSANI: I was a floor girl. I did tumbling. A lot of flips.

LYAS: So Simone Biles.

CONSANI: Period. That’s me.

LYAS: You’re way taller.

CONSANI: That was the problem. It’s really bad for your knees when you’re tall.

LYAS: How tall are you?

CONSANI: Six foot two.

LYAS: That’s amazing.

CONSANI: A little TS, but I don’t really give a fuck, girl. I’m proud of my height.

LYAS: Well, yeah.

CONSANI: It’s hard sometimes in fashion, though. There’s such a thing as being too tall.

LYAS: But you have that personality. When you enter a room and you’re tall, it’s like ahh. Everyone gags and the energy goes toward you.

CONSANI: Yeah. I guess that’s a good thing. But sometimes a bitch just wants to be inconspicuous. Like I wish I was a five-two girl. Also I’ve never been called Shorty. Have you been called Shorty by a man?

LYAS: Hell no.

CONSANI: I want to be called Shorty by a man.

LYAS: I don’t.

CONSANI: Okay, well gag.

LYAS: Shorty?

CONSANI: Like, “What’s up, Shorty? You look cute, Shorty.” I’d be like, eek. But no, they never do that.

LYAS: What do they call you?

CONSANI: Tranny. Period. [Laughs]

LYAS: But what would you call your boo?

CONSANI: Munch. Where’s my munch?

LYAS: What is munch?

CONSANI: I don’t know. They just eat it.

LYAS: But what is it?

CONSANI: A munch?

LYAS: Yeah.

CONSANI: I don’t know. Ask Ice Spice. She invented it, right?

LYAS: Oh true. I don’t know if we can talk about it, but I heard rumors that she—

CONSANI: Oh girl. What’s about to happen, girl? Spill.

LYAS: She might be [REDACTED].

CONSANI: Oh yeah. The girls love a good [REDACTED]. I’m dead serious. One of my friends, I’m not going to name who, has been spending some time in Dubai with [REDACTED]. It’s a good living.

LYAS: How much do they make per [REDACTED]?

CONSANI: I don’t know, but she came home with at least enough for a couple Birkins.

LYAS: Wow. Okay. What’s your dream item?

CONSANI: Probably a man.

LYAS: A Shorty?

CONSANI: Or, I don’t know if y’all saw this, but they had this Shrek meetup. There was this Shrek parade and it was all of these fab people dancing in Shrek costumes. So I’ve been looking into life-size Shrek costumes. I think that’s my dream item.

LYAS: Do you hide with fashion, or do you scream?

CONSANI: I scream, girl. I’m already six foot two, TS fashion has always been an extension of my personality.

LYAS: But have you ever been scared of wearing something?

CONSANI: Never, girl. I’ve worn some crazy fucking things. This summer I’ve been walking around in bikinis by myself. Period.

LYAS: In New York City?

CONSANI: Yes. I don’t give a fuck. I feel like the point of living in New York and having a job in fashion is kind of to say, “Fuck it,” and just do it.

LYAS: That’s true. Cher said if you’re scared to do it, do it.

CONSANI: Exactly.

LYAS: So you’re nominated for model of the year. Congrats, first of all.

CONSANI: Thank you so much.

LYAS: How do you feel about that?

CONSANI: I’m so excited. It’s crazy that I’m the first ever trans woman that’s nominated.

LYAS: It’s major.

CONSANI: It’s really major. Regardless of what happens, having the opportunity to be there and be in this space that’s been predominantly cis is a privilege. And my goal has always been to expand the space for the real dolls that really have shaped our community. There’s such a lack of that in fashion. Me having this opportunity and me being nominated is a chance for me to underline that. Which I’m really grateful for.

LYAS: It’s very important to know where that comes from, and I feel like you do. That’s why we’ll be rooting for you.

CONSANI: Period, girl. I don’t know when this is coming out, but y’all better vote.

LYAS: That’s true. But do you still face rejection in real life?

CONSANI: Honestly, I’m the type of girl where I’m like, if you hate on me, that’s completely up to you, babe, because I am who I am. I’m very content with myself, and I know where I stand. But I dislike when my friends get hated on because that’s when it really hurts. When it’s people that I care about.

LYAS: How do you react to a stranger’s hate?

CONSANI: I kind of ignore it. I feel like that’s the most mature thing to do because hatred often comes from a place of self-hatred, no shade. Especially online, a lot of people see something for, like, 10, 15 seconds, and have the worst thing in the world to say about it. Like, go off, girl. Give me one more comment, sis, because I don’t give a fuck, and I’ve never given a fuck. Because at the end of the day, I’m doing this because I don’t care. That’s why I post on TikTok, because it’s like, “This is me.” Period.

LYAS: Period.

CONSANI: It’s important to know what you’re worth, because you’re worth more than someone hating on you. I see that a lot, specifically girls in the fashion industry. It’s difficult because your job and your life and your image revolve around yourself and how you look and how you’re perceived. But your life doesn’t. Because girl, it’s not about what you give. It’s not about what you look like. It’s about what you are. Period. That’s what people remember. No one gives a fuck about what kind of hair you had or what fit you got on, girl. I always remember a nice person.

LYAS: Yeah, but it’s hard sometimes to differentiate your career and yourself.

CONSANI: Definitely.

LYAS: How do you do that?

CONSANI: I think for me, differentiating my career from myself is just knowing that it’s a job. And making sure to be around people who aren’t just within this industry like this, because there’s so many cool, creative people that I aspire to know. What has always grounded me is being around people who have a different mindset and can open my eyes to life in a different perspective, because it’s really easy to get too comfortable in this industry. It’s important to know that you’re always allowed to take yourself out of the industry if you need to.

LYAS: I’ve been told that it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon.

CONSANI: Okay, marathon girl.

LYAS: That’s a good way to look at it as well. You don’t have to go all out every time and say yes to everything. You can just go home. No FOMO here.

CONSANI: And honestly, people love a mysterious bitch.

LYAS: That’s true. How do you handle the love that you receive from strangers?

CONSANI: I mean, I’m really blessed. I’ve had the opportunity of having a very queer group of people follow me, so it’s really amazing. Recently I’ve had a lot of trans women come up to me and thank me for what I’m doing for the community. I was in a thrift store in the Midwest when I was there for holiday and someone came up to me, this trans woman. She started crying, and she was like, “I just want to say thank you so much. You have really allowed me to feel confident in myself.” Hearing stuff like that is really why I do it. Just hearing people see that and perceive that, especially people in my community, it keeps me going.

LYAS: That’s beautiful. You’re here to change the world, babe.

CONSANI: Period.

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Hair: Lucas Wilson using Oribe at Day One.

Makeup: Frankie Boyd using Tom Ford Beauty at Streeters.

Nails: Nori using Chanel Le Vernis at See Managment.

Set Design: Rosie Turnbull at CLM.

Photography Assistant: Eduardo Silva.

Fashion Assistant: Fernando Cerezo.

Production Management: Georgia Ford and Chloë Harper.

Post-production: Picturehouse + Thesmalldarkroom.

Special Thanks: Waverly Diner.