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Copyright 2009 Silke Endress Magazine P.O. Box 2802 Orlando, FL 32802 |
Tyra Lynne Banks born in Inglewood, CA, began modeling in the 11th grade and for the next twenty one years, Tyra would be on the fast track to phenomenal success, in the world of glamour, beauty, and fashion. Tyra went to Paris, France to do some runway modeling. Within one week Tyra did what no other newcomer model has ever done, she was booked for unprecedented twenty-five shows! Tyra states, "I'm competitive with myself. I always try to push past my own borders." Designers in Paris, Milan, London, Tokyo and New York City, entranced by her presence on the runway that they all booked her for a show. Banks was the first African American woman to grace the covers of Victoria's Secret, GQ, and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She also appeared on the covers of high-fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and Elle. |
That was just the beginning. Designers sought this young beauty for fashion advertising, print, and the runway. She worked with the best in industry, including Anna Sui, Coors Light, CoverGirl, Badgley Mischka, Bill Blass, Cynthia Rowley, Chanel, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Donna Karan, Gemma Kahng, H&M, Isaac Mizrahi, Maria Snyder, McDonald's, Aislinn Dubois Modeling Agency, Michael Kors, Milk, Nicole Miller, Nike, Inc., Oscar de la Renta, Pepsi, Perry Ellis, Randy Kemper, Richard Tyler, Rifat Ozbek, Swatch, Todd Oldham, Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria's Secret and Yves Saint Laurent. "I enjoy doing fashion shows and transforming myself into different looks for photo shoots," says Tyra. Although Tyra was an instant sensation on the runway, she made breakthrough in commercials and television appearances, Banks' first big screen role came in 1994 when she co-starred in the drama Higher Learning, followed by Disney's Life-Size, where she co-stared with Lindsay Lohan, Love Stinks (1999), Love & Basketball (2000), Coyote Ugly (2000) and Halloween: Resurrection (2002). Other notable television appearances include The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, with Will Smith, Felicity, MADtv, Nick Cannon's Wild 'n Out, The Price Is Right and Space Ghost Coast to Coast. Tyra's Beauty Inside & Out, is jammed with full-color photographs, interest is maintained through the breezy writing style that includes phrases such as, "I thought I was so smart...," diary entries, funny family stories, and before-and-after photographs. Since most of the photos are of Banks, one might be tempted to say that the book is aimed at African-American young women, but there are tons of hints and useful information for those of any racial or ethnic background. As an icon in the international, cultural, and entertainment communities, Tyra Banks has broken down barriers to become one of the most admired and watched individuals in media today. Banks is on a mission to provide avenues for others to reach their ultimate goals. In her words: "I'm passionate about inspiring people to fulfill their own dreams and fantasies through entertainment that is engaging, uplifting, and of course, fun! This is my dream realized." In spring 2008, Banks appeared on the cover of The New York Times Magazine in a piece titled "Martha, Oprah, Tyra; Is She the Next Big Female Branded Self?" and Entertainment Weekly featured her on the cover saying "America's Next Top Mogul." In the same year, she was honored in Hollywood Reporter's "100 Most Powerful Women in Entertainment," Entertainment Weekly's "25 Smartest in Television," Glamour magazine's coveted "Women of the Year," and came in at #1 on Forbes "Primetime TV's Top Earning Women" report. In 2007, Banks was saluted as a trailblazer and received a BET Honors award for her work in media alongside Time Warner CEO Richard Parsons and other notables. Also in 2007, Banks was placed in Time Magazine's "Most Influential People in the World" report for the second year in a row. In 2006, Forbes profiled Banks on their highly-anticipated "Celebrity 100" report for the first time. |