By Calynn M. Lawrence
@fairytalefacesbycalynn
You know her. She’s Tyra Banks, no intro even required. She is beyond the status of a fashion industry vet. Here’s 5 reasons why Tyra Banks is one of the best supermodels of all time!
SHE BROKE THE SAMPLE SIZE STANDARD
When Tyra Banks hit the scene, she was certainly not the sample size that many designers and casting directors were searching for. Yet, this did not stop her from becoming a model millionare. She worked her talents so well that she gave people no choice but to accept her and all of her curves. Now, some may say that she was never a “big” woman, which she wasn’t. But, you have to put things into perspective. Tyra Banks claimed to have entered modeling at a size 6, sometimes an 8! In an industry where the standard size is 0 to 4 max, that is astonishing. Never having been the type to kill herself squeezing into smaller numbers, doing crash diets etc, she made a way for curvy girls to feel somewhat represented. She was clearly relatable – she was real.
HER BEAUTY GOES BEYOND HER LOOKS
When anyone who has worked with her speaks about Tyra Banks, the first thing that they say is that she has a beautiful personality and a heart of gold. This definitely comes through in interviews and on her television endeavours. Her light hearted comedy and sweetheart demeanor has been quite the opposite of the assumed fashion model attitude. She somehow managed to juxtapose fierce with friendly.
THE TYRA SHOW
Tyra Banks managed to transition her modeling career into hosting television and boy did people love it! That same personality we described was perfect for the screen. Through her talk show, she did not focus on the mere superficial matters in life. She reached real life issues with real women. Many of episodes, the audience was left in tears. Sometimes these were joyous cries and other times they were emotionally moved by the depth of her topics. Some topics that she touched on were eating disorders and weight pressures. She allowed both fashion models and everyday women to participate. Another episode that she had focused on the issues of colorism that are so prevalent in minority cultures and its side effects. These are just a few of the topics she touched on.
AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL
America’s Next Top Model was a televised modeling competition started by Tyra Banks that allowed everyday girls to compete for a modeling contract, cash prize and lots of recognition. However, this show was not only ingenious as countless models rose to success after their wins. But, it was awesome because even those who were not winners gained so much valuable coaching and experience from the judges and coaches put in place. They also got amazing opportunities to build their portfolio with celebrity photographers! A real win for everybody.
SHE WAS ONE OF THE INDUSTRY PIONEERS FOR SUPERMODELS OF COLOR
At the time when Tyra Banks emerged, there were not many supermodels of color. However, she was one of few who managed to make a name for herself and to become one of the faces of the minority community. Again, this was another aspect which made her relatable and largely commendable. Even to this day, with so much success and accomplishments under her belt, she still remains down to earth despite her icon status.
