World famous supermodelTyra Banks is saying goodbye to the catwalk for good this year. She is retiring after she models in her final Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, which will air on CBS Dec. 6, 2005. Joining her on the catwalk will be Victoria's Secret veterans Heidi Klum and Gisele Bundchen.
Banks is one of the most successful African-American supermodels of all time. She began her modeling career in 1991 when she was only 17 years old. Banks said, "I did not think I was going to be some big fashion model. I just wanted to make some money for school," according to www.wikipedia.com. After gaining huge success in the fashion industry in Paris, Banks returned to the states to do just the same. She was the first African-American model to grace the covers of GQ and Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue and walk the runway for Victoria Secret.
Banks has done several different endorsements and modeling contracts. Some of these include CoverGirl, Pepsi, Nike, Tommy Hilfigera and Dolce & Gabbana. In 1997 she won the award for "Supermodel of the Year" and found great success and fame for her walks in Victoria Secret's fashion shows.
"Tyra Banks is a very beautiful, intelligent black role model for young girls everywhere. I like her because she is not super skinny and does not mind her body. Besides, her body is what most black men are attracted too" said sophomore biology major Barrie L. Buey.
Despite her accomplishments in the modeling industry, Banks wants to venture off and become more of a television media personality. She created and stars in her own reality series, "America's Next Top Model," which is one of the top rated reality shows on television. Banks also debuted her own daytime talk show, "The Tyra Banks Show," which caters to a younger, more hip audience.
"Top Model has been on my must-see list since its premiere and I also try to catch her talk show when I can. I am a huge Tyra Banks supporter," said sophomore chemistry major Chanel Cooper.
Tyra has influenced a lot of people on Howard's campus. Sophomore psychology major Anika Agostini said, "I really love and respect Tyra Banks. She has never been in bad scandals. Not only does she have outwardly beauty, but she is also beautiful in the inside. I wish her the best at whatever she tries her hand at." When asked how she felt about Tyra's retirement from the runway and moving on to the small screen, Nicole Mahdi, sophomore biology major said, "That is what most celebrities do after they reach their peak of greatness. They become sports anchors or talk show hosts. It is not like she quit because she was not any good. I am not mad at her for retiring because she has done all that she can do in her field and now it is time for her to move on."
Thanks to "America's Next Top Model," there are many new up and coming models being given a chance to become successful in the industry. Eva Pigford, Top Model winner of season three is an example of this success. Eva is from Los Angeles and was attending Clark Atlanta University before trying her hand at becoming a famous model. Banks, who was one of the ones credited for discovering Eva, fell in love with her passion and personality to make it in the cutthroat world of modeling high fashion.
Eva is currently a spokeswoman for Applebottom, rapper Nelly's clothing line for women and has made several television appearances on such shows as "Kevin Hill" and BETs "Rip the Runway." She has also graced the cover of Essence and Women's Health and Fitness and has a role in the upcoming film Premium. When asked if Eva will ever take the place of Tyra Banks, Ashley Bradley, sophomore psychology major said," I do not feel that Eva will take her place because Eva has not accomplished half of the things Tyra has done or will make as great of an impact in the modeling world."
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