Jason McAlister

TIMELESS CHARM OF A FASHION ICON

BY CHRISTINE MONTANTI

Jason McAlister’s 27-year journey from a modest upbringing in a small town in Georgia, to becoming the face of global modeling campaigns has been nothing short of extraordinary. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, his striking blue eyes, undeniable charisma and innate ability to connect with the camera have garnered McAlister international success placing him at the top ranks of the modeling and commercial acting world. Over the years, McAlister has earned widespread respect and secured partnerships with some of the world’s most iconic brands, including American Express, Coca-Cola, HUGO BOSS, Wrangler, and Camel, in addition to appearing in high-profile commercials for Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, DANNON, and Shell. Currently, the Georgia native, who is residing in Miami has recently embarked on a new chapter in his life. Becoming a father for the first time and navigating the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the international model has rebranded himself with innovative projects that have recently taken him to cities across the U.S., as well as international destinations in Italy and Spain. Today, at age 51, McAlister is re-inventing his career on his own terms, proving to be not only a hot commodity but also remarkably resilient.

With a career spanning almost three decades, aging in the modeling industry has been an incomparable journey for McAlister. It has also required him to be extremely flexible. He began his career in his early 20s, which is often considered the ideal time to enter the business, as the industry tends to focus on youth and a fresh-faced appearance. Overtime, however, McAlister noticed that the business began to shift, especially, when a model approaches their 40s, the opportunities seemed to change. Some aspects of the industry become more competitive and the experience gained over the years can set models apart. McAlister felt that it was no longer just about appearance but rather professionalism and the ability to bring authenticity to the work. Fortunately for the Miami-based model, the industry seems to be appreciating diversity in age, with many brands recognizing that older models can bring a timeless appeal to their campaigns.

McAlister confesses. “It’s a strange time in life. I’m definitely going through some changes. I don’t necessarily feel old, but I do notice myself getting older. A lot of people in the industry know me, so I’m experimenting with evolving my look a bit. I’ve moved away from the beard, trimmed my hair shorter, and now that it’s really silver, I am just going with it and seeing where it takes me.”

When the Georgia native began his career, he was signed early on by the prestigious agency Ford Models in New York, Miami and Chicago. McAlister has since been represented by Wilhelmina Miami for 25 years Angeles. His long-standing relationship with the top-ranking modeling agencies clearly demonstrates his staying power and the strong professional foundation he has built throughout the years. Currently, as part of his rebranding, McAlister has taken the initiative to contact international modeling agencies himself. Just Last year, he was directly booked by an Italian agency to walk in Fashion Week in Milan, something he hadn’t done in Italy since his thirties.

“It was amazing to be flown by an agency to Milan,” McAlister reveals. “Backstage, all the guys were like, ‘Hey, are you American?’ Where do you live?’ When I told them, ‘Miami, they were all surprised because most of the models walking in the show were European. I’m traveling all over the place lately. From flying around the Caribbean Islands being filmed in helicopters to doing shoots on super yachts, creating video and print content for some of the biggest designers in the world. Working in Milan with the Billionaire brand Designer Philipp Plein, was an incredible experience. It is currently one of the most desirable labels for distinguished gentleman.”

“A few years ago, Philipp Plein acquired the Billionaire label and reestablished it in Milan. Since then, the brand has booked more mature male models and has produced some incredible shows in both New York and Italy. Around the time of the pandemic, just before and after, I remember watching those shows and thinking, “How do I get involved with that?” The opportunity with Philipp Plein finally came to fruition last year. The clothes are some of the finest and most luxurious I’ve ever worn. Fashion Week in Italy was an incredibleexperience and it has always been special to me. It is not just the fashion in Italy, it is the way they treat you, their hospitality, the food; they make you feel like family.”

McAlister is no stranger to traveling around the globe and frequently models in international campaigns. Having worked in 47 countries and more than 450 cities, McAlister describes his favorite travel moments. “Greece was unforgettable. The lifestyle, was similar to living a dream. Just the experience… the culture, the food and architecture, it was

surreal.” One of McAlister’s most cherished projects was a global commercial for Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, where he filmed over two and a half months in multiple countries. “It was an adventure,” he explains, “like being part of an international film crew hopping from island to island.”

Recently, McAlister did a campaign for a European-designed eyewear company and his photos will be featured in over 4,000 stores. The company is an international corporation based in Milan, Italy, that designs, distributes, and retails eyewear. It is the world’s largest eyewear company and known for owning iconic brands like Ray-Ban.

Although modeling has brought McAlister international recognition, he remains extremely humble and grounded from his Southern roots despite the glamour of the fashion capitals where he works. He just flew into New York to participate in a major campaign for a brand called DEVIL-DOG Dungarees. “Although I hadn’t heard of them before, the company has been around since 1940. The brand specializes in high-fashion military-inspired clothing, offering premium jeans and military-style pants with an elevated design. The label also partners with the Wounded Warrior Project, which makes the collaboration even more meaningful for me.”

Today, McAlister divides his time between Miami, New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Europe working with prestigious agencies including Wilhelmina and dozens of others worldwide. While modeling continues to remain a significant part of his life, what he finds most rewarding at the moment is raising his 2 year-old son Mac, with whom he is enamored. However, McAlister will always be passionate about the continuation of his modeling career. He remains committed to do what he loves and will be forever the small-town boy who dared to dream big. One final sentiment from McAlister: “To stay relevant in the modeling industry, it’s about growing with the times and adjusting your look, whether your changing clothing, hair styles or fashion trends. I am just trying to embrace the natural process of aging and show that there is beauty and strength at every stage of life.”

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