RHONY’s Alex McCord Takes on the Fashion World: Unpacking Her Major Modeling Deal with New York Model Management

From Reality TV Star to Runway Ready: Alex McCord’s New Venture

Fans of The Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY) are no strangers to the dynamic and often unpredictable lives of its cast members. From dramatic dinner parties to lavish vacations, the Housewives consistently keep viewers on their toes with their personal and professional endeavors. But even by their standards, the latest news concerning beloved RHONY alumna Alex McCord comes as a thrilling and perhaps surprising development: she has officially inked a significant modeling contract with the prestigious New York Model Management. This exciting deal marks a bold new chapter for McCord, signaling her official foray into the high-stakes, glamorous world of fashion and professional modeling.

The announcement, exclusively revealed by Alex herself to HollywoodLife.com on August 26th, took place amidst the glitz and glamour of the 11th Annual BNP Paribas Taste of Tennis Charity Event at the W Hotel in New York City. With palpable excitement, McCord shared, “I just signed with the celebrity division of New York Model Management.” This partnership with a top-tier agency like New York Model Management, renowned for representing a diverse roster of talent including supermodels and influential personalities, immediately elevates McCord’s profile within the fashion industry. The agency’s dedicated celebrity division specializes in leveraging the unique appeal and established public presence of stars like Alex, opening doors to high-profile campaigns, editorial features, and runway opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible to traditional models.

The Serendipitous Path to a Major Modeling Contract

What makes this modeling deal even more fascinating is the serendipitous and rather unexpected nature of how it came to be. This wasn’t the culmination of a grueling audition process or a determined, long-term pursuit of a modeling career by Alex. Instead, the foundation for this professional collaboration was laid years ago through a casual yet enduring connection. Alex recounted the origins of the deal, explaining, “The director of the agency and Simon and I had all met some years ago at a fashion event. We kept in touch.” This anecdote speaks volumes about the power of networking and maintaining relationships, even when immediate professional opportunities aren’t apparent or explicitly sought.

Her husband, Simon van Kempen, equally known for his memorable presence on RHONY and his unwavering support for Alex, further elaborated on their long-standing relationship with the agency director. “We kept in touch with him as friends,” Simon clarified, emphasizing that their interactions were initially purely social and devoid of any professional agenda. “Until we went out to dinner with him again a month ago, it was never on the radar.” This revelation highlights the unexpected turns life can take; what started as a friendly dinner casually evolved into a serious career proposition. It underscores the idea that sometimes the greatest opportunities emerge from the most unforeseen circumstances, transforming casual acquaintances into significant professional alliances. For Alex, who had already carved out a public persona as a mother, reality television personality, and businesswoman, the transition into professional modeling felt less like a calculated career move and more like an organic, natural progression fueled by genuine connection.

Alex McCord’s Enthusiasm and Artistic Vision for Her New Role

The sheer spontaneity of the offer only amplified Alex’s excitement and readiness to embrace this new challenge. “It was just something that was brought up and seemed to make sense,” she added, reflecting on the surprising yet logical alignment of events. “This is all happening literally just now. I’m excited. It seems like a lot of fun.” Her words convey a genuine enthusiasm and an open-minded approach to this new chapter, suggesting a readiness to embrace the challenges and joys that come with entering the competitive modeling world. For someone who has successfully navigated the complexities of reality television and entrepreneurship, the “fun” aspect of modeling likely appeals to her creative spirit and adventurous nature.

While the ink on the contract is fresh and specific assignments are yet to be lined up, Alex is already drawing upon valuable past experiences that hint at her potential in front of the camera and on the runway. She fondly recalled a memorable moment from season three of The Real Housewives of New York City: “I had a great time walking the runway before,” she told us, referencing her participation in a charity fashion show. This prior experience, though perhaps informal, undoubtedly provided her with a taste of the adrenaline and glamour of live modeling. Beyond the runway, Alex has also been diligently preparing for this potential career shift in more recent times. “I’ve done a lot of photo shoots especially recently for building up this book and I had fun doing that too,” she shared. The process of building a professional portfolio, or “book,” is a crucial step for any aspiring model, as it showcases their versatility, range, and appeal to potential clients. Her enjoyment of these shoots indicates a natural comfort and aptitude for being in front of the lens.

Understanding the Modeling Process and Alex’s Artistic Approach

Alex also demonstrated a thoughtful understanding of the business side of the modeling industry, shedding light on the typical workflow. “I think that usually the way it works is the agent goes to clients and they figure out what models they want to use for what,” she explained. This insight suggests she’s not just approaching this as a fleeting celebrity endorsement, but as a legitimate professional undertaking, understanding the strategic role her new agency will play in matching her unique look and brand with appropriate fashion campaigns and editorial features. This methodical approach, coupled with her inherent passion for fashion, bodes well for her future success in an industry that demands both creativity and business acumen.

Despite the current lack of immediate gigs, Alex’s underlying philosophy towards fashion underscores her inherent suitability for this new role. She isn’t overly concerned with the prestige of the initial clients but rather with the artistic merit and creative expression inherent in clothing. “I love clothing as wearable art. I said that on season one of the show,” Alex reiterated, referencing a long-held belief that has been central to her personal style and public persona. This perspective aligns perfectly with the creative vision of many designers who view their creations as much more than mere garments – they are expressions of art, culture, and emotion. Her open-mindedness regarding who she works for first highlights her genuine appreciation for the craft and the diverse talents within the industry. “There are so many amazing designers that are so creative,” she added, signaling her eagerness to collaborate with a variety of artists and showcase their innovative work, irrespective of their current level of fame.

Simon van Kempen: A Pillar of Support and a Touch of Humor

No major career move by Alex McCord would be complete without the unwavering support, and characteristic humor, of her husband, Simon van Kempen. Simon’s enthusiasm for Alex’s new modeling career is undeniable, radiating palpable pride. “I’m super proud,” Simon gushed, his support a testament to their strong partnership, a dynamic that has always been a highlight for RHONY viewers. Simon’s knack for injecting levity into serious moments also shone through as he playfully remarked, “An old woman can still be beautiful, look at that!” This lighthearted comment, while teasing, also subtly touches upon a broader, important discussion about age diversity and inclusivity within the fashion industry, where traditional norms are slowly but surely being challenged to embrace beauty in all its forms and at all stages of life. Alex, ever quick with a witty retort, playfully reminded him of her relative youth: “I’m actually the youngest one on our franchise. Thank you very much!” Her humorous response not only highlights their enduring playful banter but also serves as a subtle, confident nod to the fact that she is far from “old” and is, in fact, poised to make a significant and impactful statement in her new career path.

Alex McCord’s journey from a prominent reality TV personality to a signed model with a top agency represents an inspiring evolution. It showcases her adaptability, resilience, and willingness to step outside her comfort zone to embrace new challenges. This new chapter not only promises exciting opportunities for Alex but also offers fans a fresh perspective on her multifaceted talents and dedication. As she embarks on this thrilling new adventure, the fashion world – and her devoted fanbase – will undoubtedly be watching to see how Alex McCord continues to redefine her public image and make her mark.

What This Means for Celebrity Modeling and Beyond

Alex McCord’s modeling deal is also emblematic of a significant and growing trend within the fashion industry: the increasing integration of celebrity personalities into high-fashion campaigns and editorial features. Agencies are recognizing the immense value that established public figures bring to the table, including built-in fanbases, heightened media attention, and a relatable brand image that can resonate deeply with consumers. For New York Model Management’s celebrity division, signing Alex is a shrewd strategic move, leveraging her name recognition from The Real Housewives of New York City to attract diverse clients and expand their reach. Her authentic personality and genuine passion for fashion make her an appealing choice for brands looking to connect with a wider, more mature audience beyond traditional runway supermodels.

Moreover, Alex’s entry into modeling challenges conventional beauty standards and age perceptions often prevalent in the industry. As she playfully pointed out, being “the youngest on our franchise” during her time on RHONY, she brings a sophisticated elegance and a distinct, mature persona that can appeal to a different segment of the market. This move could inspire other reality TV stars and, more broadly, women of all ages to pursue their passions, proving that career paths are not always linear and significant opportunities can arise at any stage of life. Her commitment to diligently building a “book” and demonstrating a clear understanding of the industry goes beyond merely leveraging her celebrity status, indicating a genuine desire to excel as a model based on merit and dedication. The fashion world is constantly evolving, and Alex McCord’s fresh perspective and established presence are sure to carve out a unique and influential niche for her, promising an exciting and fashionable future.

— Originally reported by Lindsey DiMattina