100 Most Influential People in Fashion

Fashion Influential #92: Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks attends the Keep a Child Alive organization's 5th annual Black Ball at The Hammerstein Ballroom on November 13, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Rob Loud/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tyra Banks (Getty Images)more pics »

TYRA BANKS
Born:
December 4, 1973 in Inglewood, CA
Executive Produces:
America's Next Top Model, The Tyra Banks Show, Stylista
Fans:
Anyone who follows America's Next Top Model loves to hate her. And loves her.
Fan of:
Beverly Johnson, Janet Jackson, Oprah
Beginnings.
Los Angeles native Tyra Banks has been modeling since she was sixteen. While she was extremely successful (she was the first African American woman on the covers of both GQ and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue), it wasn't until Banks' modeling career slowed down that she began to make her mark on the modeling industry. In 2003, Banks created America's Next Top Model, an internationally successful television show that has brought the modeling world to the masses.

Career Highs.
Tyra Banks was one of the most sought-after commercial models of the late '90s. She starred in several high profile ad campaigns, most notably for Victoria's Secret. After she walked her final runway in 2005, Banks' attention shifted to her television career. America's Next Top Model, the reality TV modeling competition she created and produces, has spawned countless international spinoffs, and her talk show, The Tyra Banks Show, was an almost immediate success.
I'm not here to change society, or what's considered beautiful. I'm here to give women the strength to deal with the society they live in and what it's asking, and know when it's reasonable, but not to obsess.
- Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks photo gallery.
Career Lows.
Not everything Tyra touches turns to gold. Some of you may remember Tyra's weak attempt at a music career back in 2004. She even filmed a video for her first single, the Rodney Jerkins-produced "Shake Ya Body," using contestants from America's Next Top Model. The single failed to chart, the video never aired on MTV, and Tyra shelved her musical aspirations. She can, however, be heard singing in the opening sequence of America's Next Top Model.

Legacy.
On Top Model, Banks gives herself a lot of credit for opening doors for models of color (modesty is one of her best traits). But it's really her business savvy we admire: America is more obsessed with the fashion industry than ever before, thanks to Top Model. The modeling world has always been mystifying; ANTM, now the CW's most popular show, has camped it up and exposed it for the public's viewing pleasure.

Tyra's last VIctoria's Secret runway show in 2005.
Get the Look.
Tyra weaves through a lot of looks on her show. Each season she sports a different wig (the gigantic mauve thing from Cycle 4 was particularly awesome), but she sticks to the same basic principles: go hard or go home. Wear dramatic eye makeup, whether its fake lashes or turquoise eye shadow up to your eyebrows. As far as clothing goes, if it'll turn heads and it's right for your body type, go for it. - Alicia