A Beverly Hills fashion designer, once touted as a future star of the catwalks, was found guilty on Thursday of sexually assaulting seven girls and young women, capping a two-month trial that offered a sordid portrait of the fashion world. The jury of six men and six women deliberated for seven days before finding Anand Jon Alexander guilty of one count of rape and 15 counts of sexual assault and other charges.

The designer, who goes by the professional name Anand Jon, sat in a light-gray suit and yellow tie and showed little emotion as the court clerk announced the jury’s verdicts to a crowded downtown Los Angeles courtroom. Behind him, his sister gasped and buried her head as she sat with friends and relatives. Outside the court, prosecutors described Jon as a “pedophile masquerading as a fashion designer.”

“This jury today has sent a message that our communities will not tolerate serial rapists and child molesters like Anand Jon,” Deputy District Attorney Frances Young said.

As friends of Jon’s left the courtroom expressing bewilderment at the verdicts, defense attorney Leonard B Levine said his client planned to appeal and would seek a new trial. “He’s disappointed, obviously, but he hasn’t given up hope,” Levine said. “We’re not through by a long shot.”

Prosecutors said Jon, 34, faces a sentence of life in prison and will become eligible for parole after serving 67 years.

Jon, who trained at the prestigious Parsons the New School for Design in New York, starred as a guest designer on the reality television show “America’s Next Top Model.” In December 2006, Newsweek magazine included him in a list of people to watch in 2007.

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