Jay Manuel, the creative director and sometimes judge of America’s Next Top Model, and host of Canada’s Next Top Model has has silver hair since the second season of ANTM. No one knew the reason behind the shiny hue, until now.

New York Magazine caught up with Jay at the GLAAD Media Awards this weekend and asked him.

“I actually did it on a dare from Tyra,” Jay explains. “When we were shooting season one of Top Model, we were talking one night while Flash Gordon was on. I saw his white hair and said, ‘I would love to do my hair that color.’ And she goes, ‘Oh, you should do it right now.’ I said, ‘No, we’re in the middle of taping the show, how are we going to explain this? I promise you the day after we wrap I’ll do it.’ So a week later, after we wrapped the show, I colored my hair. I saw Tyra in L.A. and she said, ‘Ya did it, all right, now that’s your trademark.’”

New York stylist to the stars Oscar James is the one behind the color. Oscar also takes care of Tyra’s locks.

Tyra’ definitely right - the look has become Jay’s trademark. Can you imagine him without the silver hair?

Now that this secret’s been revealed, I want to know why his skin is so orange! Was that a dare from Tyra too?

Image: Newscom

The Los Angeles Times wrote a nice profile about J Alexander and Jay Manuel as the took a break from filming Operation Fabulous. The show, which they are calling a cross between ANTM and Extreme Makeover, was picked up by the CW and is expected to air in 2009.

Image: Newscom

CW expects the show to do well because of the Jays chemistry and the different elements they each bring to the table.

“Jay is your parent in tough love. He tells you the way it is, but only because he wants you to be the best you can be,” CW president Dawn Ostroff said. “As much as Miss J criticizes and rolls his eyes, deep down, he’s just looking for the girl who can get it done.”

The Jays promise that Operation Fabulous will be far less cut-throat than ANTM.

“But we like working with real women too,” Jay said. “We want them to feel good about themselves. We aren’t giving them ‘makeovers’ on ‘Operation Fabulous.’ I actually hate the word ‘makeover.’ We’re teaching them to enhance and maintain what they’ve already got.”

The article is long and gives you a pretty good idea about the new show and about the Jays’ relationship. Read it for yourself here.

Halloween is tonight and I thought I’d celebrate by imagining the greatest costume pairing ever: the Js from America’s Next Top Model. I think these costumes would work best if you dressed up with a friend. A a loud girl with a giant weave and an ugly dress and you could go as a trio.

Jay Manuel costume:

1) Silver hair dye
2) Shiny blazer in an ugly color or a too-tight metallic shirt
3) A rock tee you think is ironic, but in actuality, makes no sense
4) Go get spray tanned. Like ten times. The optimal color is the oranger, the better.
5) shiny, pointed toe man shoes
6) Never stop smiling

J Alexander costume:

1) high heels and a strut (the heels are optional, but it is Halloween!)
2) collared shirt and dress pants or jeans. Roll up your sleeves. Vest or cardigan optional.
3) a bizarre accessory: options include a giant piece of bling, a giant ruffled collar, bug sunglasses or a ‘fro. Only one piece though. Too much and you’ll look like Flavor Flav.
4) Always look bored and unimpressed with your companion, especially if they are dressed like Tyra Banks
5) Make nonsensical insults or impressions of everyone you meet

Can you think of any Top Model inspired Halloween costumes? Share yours here!

Reuters is reporting that CW has finally put an America’s Next Top Model spin-off in the works. The show, called Operation Fabulous stars J Alexander and Jay Manuel and will follow them as they travel the country looking for women in desperate need of makeovers.

Image used with permission from Newscom

At each location, the Js will select five lucky ladies who will receive “Top Model style overhauls” and will learn everything from how to dress, how to talk, how to walk and more. It sounds a lot like beauty school.

CW has only approved a pilot, but it seems like Operation Fabulous will fit in well with ANTM and CW’s new reality show Stylista.

The only downside to this concept is that if we are introduced to five new girls every episode, it’s going to be hard to relate to and grow with the girls as they become fabulous. The success of this show entirely hinges on the Js.

Want to be on Operation Fabulous? Unlike ANTM, there’s no height limit! Get all the details here.

E! Online caught up with the Js a few days ago and both agreed: the winner of this cycle of America’s Next Top Model is obvious.

Image used with permission from Newscom

“I called the winner of this cycle on day one,” Jay Manuel claimed. “I knew it.”

“We both did,” Miss J chimed in. “We both knew who would win right away. It was obvious!”

If it’s that obvious, the editors are doing a pretty good job of concealing that fact from me! I was surprised that Clark was called first last night, so I seriously doubt I can peg the winner. What about you? Who do you think is going to “obviously” take home the crown?

While other ANTMers Tyra Banks and Miss J Alexander got to have fun at Conde Naste’s Fashion Rocks 2008 this year, Jay Manuel had to work!

Jay hit the red carpet to do some pre-show reporting for Style Television. While I don’t doubt it’s hard work, it has some pretty neat perks–like getting to interview Miley Cyrus!

I think Miley looks super-cute and age-appropriate here. (I can’t help it, I love Miley Cyrus.) Jay doesn’t look so bad himself. I’d wish he’d stay away from shiny fabrics, but what can you do?

TMZ is reporting that America’s Next Top Model on-set creative director and sometimes judge Jay Manuel is getting sued by his talent agency. Apparently, he withheld the commission they were entitled to from his earnings.

Image details: MTV TRL Presents Alicia Keys, Jay Manuel & Girlicious served by picapp.com

According to the suit, which was filed yesterday in L.A. County Superior Court, Jay did not pay Thruline Entertainment, Inc., his management company the alloted 10% he was supposed to.

Jay used to be paid $30,000 per episode and that recently went up to $40,000 per episode. His total earnings since working with Thurline Entertainment have been $405,000. They are suing for their entire 10%, or $40,500.

I find it hard to believe that Jay completely stiff his management team. But the documents are in court as I type this–only time will tell how it will play out.

Speakers Spotlight did a piece on Jay Manuel last week. It briefly takes you from his birthplace of Scarborough, Ontario to his current gigs of producing America’s Next Top Model, hosting Style Her Famous and Canada’s Next Top Model, his new makeup line and being a fashion correspondent for E!

This video doesn’t do more than celebrate Jay, there’s no real interview element or revealing moments. But it’s still fun to see just how much he’s been doing lately! He’s crazy busy!

It also makes me wonder when the second cycle of Canada’s Next Top Model will come around. Ever since the sale of CityTV, rights issues have prevented it from going into production.

America’s Next Top Model creative director Jay Manuel was on hand to celebrate the store opening of Alexander McQueen’s Los Angeles store on May 13th.

Image details: Alexander McQueen Store Opening served by picapp.com

I think Jay really needs to let the flashy, flamboyant fashion go and work on being sleek and sophisticated at events. He’s too old to be pulling off cheeky t-shirts and satin jackets. What do you think?

On April 29th, Jay Manuel appeared on MTV’s TRL. I didn’t catch or and I can’t find a video. Did anyone see it? He was on with Girlicious and Alicia Keys, which is an interesting combination.

Image details: MTV TRL Presents Alicia Keys, Jay Manuel & Girlicious served by picapp.com

I think his outfit is a disaster. You know he though “MTV=young and hip” but the blue with the metallic jeans is too much. Do you agree? What do you think of his outfit? Yay or nay?