Tyra Banks is an indisputable icon who exceeded expectations on and off the runway long before she was listed as one of only seventeen models to be ranked as a Legendary Supermodel. Her burning desire to gain mastery over multiple industries quickly set her apart from her peers and set the foundation for her becoming a Mega Mogul. Since her days on the runway, Banks has added the titles Stanford University lecturer, producer, businesswoman, writer, television personality, and actress. Tyra can now add being a creative director for Karen Millen to that long list of achievements.
Tyra sat for an interview to discuss her iconic career, her role as creative director for Karen Millen’ s THE ICONS VOL.5 series and what it takes to become a successful mogul.
Stephanie Tharpe: What does being an Icon mean to you?
Tyra Banks: A friend of mine told me that me being an icon means that many can instantly reflect on my past fashion career and identify significant contributions I’ve had on the global culture at large in impactful ways. I was really touched when they shared this with me. But as I really reflect, I also have my eye on the future and am laser-focused on creating new pathways, and right now, that’s in Food and beverage with my ice cream company, SMiZE & DREAM. In addition to creating dream-worthy opportunities to open doors for others, we are laser-focused on spearheading innovative products and experiences that forge delight and yummy memories for people on a global scale.
The First
Tyra has experienced being “the first” several times throughout her career. She was the first Black American model to cover GQ magazine, Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition, and the first Black woman to be featured in Victoria’s Secret lingerie catalog.
Stephanie Tharpe: You have opened many doors to create space for Black women in the fashion industry. How can the industry continue to make space to highlight the talent of Black women on the runway and behind the scenes?
Tyra Banks: Back in my day, we had to rely on media outlets that we did not control to amplify the change that we were making. Today, social media allows the newer generation to tell and share their own unlimited stories. This ease of access to the public allows for more dreamers to actually see firsthand not just that something can be achieved but the path in which to take to get there.
Bankable
Tyra’s business acumen has cemented her as a fashion icon and an international mogul. She is responsible for the culture shifting series America’s Next Top Model and The Tyra Banks Talk Show. Her company, The Tyra Banks Company, houses Bankable Productions, Tyra Beauty and ModelLand. Tyra clearly has an eye for business ventures that are ” Bankable.”
Stephanie Tharpe: What made you want to expand your empire beyond the catwalk?
Tyra Banks: My mama. She schooled me on the fact that fashion is fleeting and that one can be the darling of the runway one season and yesterday’s news the next. She fueled my passions and encouraged me with a mixture of warm and tough love to dream bigger and set real goals to achieve them. I owe all of my pivoting success to her early insight. Thanks, Mama!
Stephanie Tharpe: The Tyra Banks Brand is internationally known and transcends beyond fashion. What advice would you give to women looking to build a personal brand?
Tyra Banks: Look at your competition and do what they’re not doing. Plain and simple. Different is always better than better. Find what is unique about yourself because that’s what is going to break through the clutter. I’ve taught personal branding for three years at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, and this is one of the first things I tell my students.
Stephanie Tharpe: What is your “secret weapon” when it comes to the success of your business ventures?
Tyra Banks: I think being a forever student and studying so much about new industries that I am entering, over a period of time, I become an expert of sorts. Some top execs in my new field have teased that I am now an Ice Cream Sommelier! I become so obsessed, and the thing is, the studying never stops. Staying curious is crucial, and continuing to be hyper-aware of knowing what you don’t know is mandatory.
The ICON Series
London based fashion brand Karen Millen has called on Tyra to curate a fall capsule collection for its ICONS series. Since 2022, The ICONS series has highlighted iconic supermodels who dominated the catwalks during the Eighties and Nineties. With Tyra leading the campaign as face and creative director and photographer Laretta Houston, this collection will represent her unique style fused with the brand’s classic aesthetic.
Stephanie Tharpe: As the Creative Director for this collection of the Icon Series, what inspiration did you pull from? Did you reference any of your iconic looks?
Tyra Banks: When it comes to conveying an Icon theme, classic imagery does well. You want to tap into your audience’s memories – straying too far from a core nostalgic style of imagery defeats the purpose. The shoot we did would look current in the 90’s and also today. Mission accomplished!
Stephanie Tharpe: What would you consider your personal style?
Tyra Banks: Business Chill. I wear a blazer almost every day now. I never would have predicted that. But what that does is allow me to be ready for anything. Ice cream biz meeting? Ready. Impromptu dinner at a nice restaurant? Ready. And I like materials that don’t really wrinkle because I travel so much for my business.
Stephanie Tharpe: When on your road to becoming an Icon and Mogul, what did you have to give up?
Tyra Banks: I had to give up holidays, sleeping in, being in the USA, going out, routine, my ego, and Patience. I had to be better and different. I gave up boyfriends who struggled with my focus. I gave up, giving up! The list goes on and on. As Frederick Douglas said, “Without struggle, there is no progress.”
Stephanie Tharpe: What will the legacy of Tyra Banks be?
Tyra Banks: Model icon turned Ice Cream icon. Perhaps one day, some cheeky journalist who is not even born yet will write, “Banks turned yummy cream into yummy dreams for countless people worldwide. I’m joking, but I’ll admit, that really makes me Smize.
The Karen Millen x Tyra Banks Collection ranges from $136 to $1,152 USD and is available to purchase online at karenmillen.com starting today.
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