Jay Manuel: The Eye of the Beholder

Canada's Next Top Model host Jay Manuel truly believes in Canada's beauty. It's reflected in his actions and his words. His faith in the potential of his home and native land is crystal clear.

"Let's not just produce a show for just Canada because I think it's insulting as a Canadian myself," he says. "We can compete. [Canada's Next Top Model] really demonstrates that there is amazing talent here. Basically, I highlighted this many times throughout the show."

Manuel says he is "in the business of managing the esthetic," meaning he travels the world, judging and sculpting other's beauty and doing make-up for the world's most sought-after superstars. He also designed the sets and runway that will become home to the judges and talent in the second season of Canada's Next Top Model, debuting Wednesday, May 30 on Citytv. And his sharp yet insightful commentary as a judge on series originator America's Next Top Model has increased his reputation as a man not afraid to say exactly what's on his mind, be it infuriating or flattering.

In an industry full of so much deception, his blunt honestly is a beautiful thing. Manuel has been a fashion industry globe-trotter for more than a decade. Yet, he decided to split his time between good friend Tyra Banks' America's Next Top Model and the Canadian equivalent, primarily because of his ever-increasing faith in Canada's diverse modelling talents. When asked if he believes Toronto has what it takes to be the next Milan or Paris, he asserts we are already a world-class fashion city, populated with world-class women.

"Linda Evangelista, Shalom Harlow, Jessica Stam -- I can keep going. All of these names, these supermodels, come from Canada, but get claimed by the international world of fashion," says Manuel.

Beauty fades and sensations change, but primetime TV hasn't abandoned the Canadian fashion contingent as yet. Season 2 of Canada's Next Top Model has already been sold into the international market. (To be fair, the Next Top Model series has been repeatedly picked up in 17 other countries as well, including Israel, Nigeria and the Philippines.) But Canada's hidden influence on the fashion industry extends beyond the beauty on the catwalk.

Manuel praises Fashion Television host Jeanne Beker as "one of the most respected fashion journalists in the industry right now." He insists Canada should shed its notorious inferiority complex and stand tall and proud.

"This is the resource for a lot of the majors in this industry, so take us seriously."

Other beautiful subjects he takes seriously are the A-list celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez, Kim Cattrall, Iman and David Bowie, who he's done photo shoots with. Though he is not given carte blanche when coming up with ideas to apply to his subjects, Manuel enjoys the balancing act of compromise.

"I get a lot more creative control when it comes to editorials and things that are creative, but when it comes down to a person's brand, you can bring your personal spin, but you really need to keep the essence of that personal brand intact. And I think that's why I've been able to be so successful," says Manuel.

Essence magazine has praised Manuel for being "known for an airbrush technique that gives his clients a next-to-nothing look," perfect for making a supermodel stand out while still having her embellished beauty seem subtle.

And, yes, beauty sometimes is only skin deep. But for those tabloid readers who believe everything that is written about the angry outbursts of Naomi Campbell or the cocaine addictions of Kate Moss, Manuel advises them to take what they read with a grain of skeptical salt.

"The majority [of supermodels] go home at the end of the day and live their life. I don't know why people have painted this picture. There are certain stories that can support this negative stereotype, but for the most part, they are not like that," he explains, adding not even the notorious Campbell is a diva. "You know what the funny thing is? I've worked with Naomi and everyone thinks she's just this strong, bitchy person. You know, Naomi is actually insecure. She's very sweet. I can't speak for the fact that she does crazy things, but who she is as a person is not what people portray her as."

So, for every vapid, shallow, hedonistic diva throwing a temper tantrum and refusing to sashay down catwalk because her favorite frappucino isn't the right temperature, many more models are simply attractive individuals living like the proverbial "girl next door." Maybe more Canadian supermodels need to achieve worldwide fame our infamous humility might change a few perceptions about "the supermodel attitude."

Manuel's own beauty seems rooted in his self-confidence, an essential ingredient for sustained success in the fashion industry. With his virtually perfect complexion, he doesn't look a day over 21. His physique looks like he could be a Calvin Klein underwear model, if he chose to switch positions. And even though his image seems like it might require hours of preparation, it never takes him very long in the morning to achieve the look of the legendary "Jay Manual brand."

"I get up, I shower, you know, what have you," he explains. "Even my hair, people wonder, 'Is it a big deal?' It takes three minutes. It's gel, no brush, run my hands through, spike it up, throw some hairspray on it, and then I blow-dry it for a second and that's it."

Yet as easy as it is for him to create his look, he points out that it's increasingly difficult to alter it as his status in the industry increases.

"Now it's part of the brand, and certain jobs are in place where they say I can't even change it back!"

Manuel and his trademark frosted tips have also cropped up at worked at dozens of important functions and he's well known to fashionistas and fans alike. He was the official fashion correspondent for E! Network at the Emmy Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, the Grammy Awards and the Academy Awards. He also recently hosted the annual Fashion Cares Gala, Canada's biggest AIDS awareness fundraiser. This year's event featured Dita Von Teese, Kelly Rowland, Mya and Bedouin Soundclash, among others. His work with Fashion Cares helps him stay grounded as a fashion icon, a job that can offer a variety of hedonistic, flamboyant diversions.

Canada's globally recognized Gay Pride Day is one of the many manifestations of our country's diverse examples of aesthetic appreciation. And in regards to the seriousness of the continuing AIDS epidemic, its connection to the gay community and communities beyond, Manuel stays very involved in charity events, possibly inspired by his father, who is a doctor. He's also hopeful of a cure.

"I have faith in the medical community, because people didn't even think we could get here in five or 10 years" he says. "It's not this serious kinda 'let's all mourn' thing. It's not about that. Let's be happy about where we are, and where we're going to go."

Remaining balanced in such an extreme industry is a daunting task, but Manuel has consistently succeeded at it. There may be a dichotomy, even outright hypocrisy, at play with many aspects of fashion industry, but Manuel concentrates on the task at hand, produces professional results, and, ultimately, doesn't take it all too seriously.

"Fashion is fun. You can change it. You can wear something crazy one day and be in a boardroom suit the next. That's the amazing thing about it," he says.

Diversity and beauty promoted by a multicultural man. How very Canadian. He practices what he preaches, and between his humanitarian efforts and his entertaining television-hosting efforts, Manuel seems like the perfect candidate to continue building Canada's connection to the international world of fashion.

"If you really do have the passion for this industry, [Canada's Next Top Model] can catapult you into a huge career," declares Manuel. "And with that added support of those that helped get you there, you will be a huge success, and that's what I believe."