Supermodel Tyra Banks Chats About The Possible Return Of “America’s Next Top Model” & B...

You have always said beauty comes in all sizes, colors, and ages. When you created “America’s Next Top Model” that aired at its peak in 186 countries, was breaking the beauty barriers always at the forefront of your mind?

That was always how I sold the idea of the show to different networks, the idea of atypical beauty. You want to see a makeover or a photo and just go wow, that person is beautiful. Beauty truly knows no boundaries.

Photo Credit: Nine West

How would you define true beauty?

Internal beauty, I would say ‘do unto others as you would have done unto you.’ That means kindness, giving back, being strong, being opinonated and even sometimes being unapologetic because that strength can be beautiful. External beauty is undeniable. There is a symmetry that makes people really beautiful, but it’s all about being confident and showing your beauty from within.

You got your first modeling break at the young age of 16 walking 25 shows your first season (the most of any model). How did it feel being the first African-American woman to walk the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and the first female model on the cover of GQ?

It was nice to break down the walls so others could walk through them. I was the first female model on the cover of GQ, not the first black model, but the first female to be on the cover, so that was exciting.

With social media celebrating diversity, how would you say the modeling industry has changed since when you got your first big break?

As the global brand ambassador for Nine West, would you say partnering with a brand committed to empowering women was one of the reasons you decided to work with them?

That was definitely the reason why. I remember coming out of retirement and people were asking me to represent brands. Nine West is so natural. Their spring campaign is all about innovators charting new paths. It’s so nice to be the ambassador for the brand.

Photo Credit: Nine West

Can you offer us a preview of ModelLand, the new experiential attraction opening in Santa Monica later this year that will offer a fantasy version of the modeling world?

ModelLand is going to open May 1 in Santa Monica. It’s going to be a location-based attraction where everyone can be a fantasy version of themselves. It will be actually part of a live show and something that has never been done before. We will be changing it up, so there will be a different theme every three months.