Tyra Banks: The Fashion Icon And Trailblazer Of The Modeling World

Carlkissel December 01, 2024

Ask anyone, they’ll tell you, Tyra Banks has a great sense of fashion! The supermodel rose to fame in the 1990s when she became the first black woman to land the cover of GQ and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. By 1997, Tyra was already a Victoria’s Secret Angel and once the early 2000s came around, she was one of the world’s top-earning models. The fashionista especially turned heads when she walked alongside Naomi Campbell on the catwalk in 1991.

In December 2019, she shared her thoughts on style with Marie Claire, stating, “I love a suit on a woman,” but emphasized the importance of confidence. "We as women are going to have voices that are whispering, and the whispers are very loud and we can’t quiet them down — but let’s just try to shut down as many of them as possible by wearing things that make you feel comfortable." This resilience and positive outlook have always been at the core of Tyra's approach to fashion and life.

By using everything she’s learned in the fashion industry, Tyra is planning on opening up a new theme park called ModelLand. She describes it as “a place where the modeling world meets fantasy, meets entertainment, meets technology, meets retail, meets dining, meets … your fiercest best self you could ever imagine.” Tyra aims to blend the magic of attractions like Disneyland with the innovative world of modeling. However, the opening was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak, but Tyra continues to inspire young girls with her advice on breaking into the fashion industry.

Biography

Attribute	Details
Name	Tyra Banks
Date of Birth	December 4, 1973
Place of Birth	Inglewood, California, USA
Occupation	Model, TV Host, Producer, Businesswoman
Notable Works	America’s Next Top Model, The Tyra Banks Show
Awards	Emmy Awards, NAACP Image Awards

Key Insights from Tyra Banks' Journey

One piece of advice that Tyra holds dear is from her mother, Carolyn. She recalls her mother saying, “Look around. Where’s so-and-so? She was hot everywhere last year, and now? No one cares about her. That’s gonna be you one day.” This wisdom taught Tyra that success in modeling can be fleeting, and it’s essential to adapt and evolve to stay relevant in the industry.

That drive to succeed pushed Tyra to create America’s Next Top Model in May 2003. The show not only provided a platform for aspiring models but also showcased her ability to connect with audiences beyond her modeling career. By 2005, she was already hosting her own show on the CW, demonstrating her versatility and reach in the entertainment world.

Though The Tyra Banks Show only ran for five seasons, it left an indelible mark on viewers, allowing them to see her as more than just a model. Tyra’s evolution from a supermodel to a multifaceted businesswoman illustrates the importance of embracing change and pursuing one’s passions, regardless of the obstacles faced.

Scroll below to see Tyra’s most iconic looks over the years!