She started her modeling career at 15 years old and became the first African-American woman to cover several famous magazines, including GQ, Sports Illustrated, and the Victoria’s Secret catalog. By the early 2000s, Tyra Banks had become one of the world’s highest-paid models.
Tyra Banks at the 1998 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
She later branched out into acting and subsequently launched her production company, Bankable Productions (formerly Ty Ty Baby Productions).
One of the first Victoria’s Secret Angels, Tyra then created the long-running reality TV series America’s Next Top Model and her own talk show The Tyra Banks Show.
Tyra Banks hosts the First Annual Fiercee Awards to Honor the Women of America’s Next Top Model
Tyra also added New York Times Bestselling author to her extensive resume with the release of her debut novel Modelland (available on Amazon). In addition, she founded the cosmetics brand Tyra Beauty and released singles, including K.O.B.E. with the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant.
Tyra Banks at the launch of her new book ‘Modelland’ at Barnes & Noble in Santa Monica on September 14, 2011
Now, the multi-hyphenate mogul is creating her own model-themed amusement park: ModelLand.
What is ModelLand and how much does it cost?
Tyra, who has a net worth of $90 million, will open the beauty theme park at Macerich’s Santa Monica Place on May 1. With a mission to bring modeling to the masses, the experiential attraction is described as a place where modeling and fantasy meets.
ModelLand will have state-of-the-art interactive entertainment, dining, retail, theater, and exclusive events. There will also be photoshoots featuring personal consultations with fashion and beauty experts. A $549 Fantascene Photoshoot package includes styling, makeup, and hair pre-shoot.
Tyra told Variety, “I’ve always been insanely inspired by attractions like Disneyland and Universal Studios and have wanted to bring that spirit of adventure and storytelling to the world of modeling. But not the exclusive modeling industry. I’m talking about modeling for the masses.”
Priced between $59 for a general-access ticket all the way up to $1,495 for the ultimate VIP package, the permanent 21,000-square-foot destination promises to “whisk you away into the world of fantasy and phierceness.”
Last week, Tyra was busy promoting her forthcoming theme park. She was spotted outside Good Morning America, wearing a black-and-white plaid pantsuit with a white t-shirt knotted at the waist to highlight her figure.
Tyra Banks in black-and-white plaid pantsuit at Good Morning America in New York City on February 24, 2020
She styled the look with fingerless leather gloves, a pair of white pumps, and a black ModelLand beret.
Tyra Banks teams her pantsuit with white pointy pumps
Beauty-wise, the 46-year-old businesswoman styled her hair in voluminous curls and wore smokey eyeshadow with nude pink lip gloss.
Tyra Banks wears voluminous curls underneath her ModelLand beret hat
Later that day, Tyra was seen heading to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Wearing the same ModelLand beret in green, she posed for photographers outside the studio in a knee-length skirt with zipper detail, a black tee, and a maroon blazer.
Tyra Banks trades her pantsuit for a zippered skirt as she arrives at The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
She accessorized with a black choker necklace and completed her look with a pair of black booties from Nine West.
Tyra Banks slips into a pair of Nine West pointed-toe booties
Also available in leopard and white at Macy’s and Nine West, her ‘Jax’ booties feature pointed toes, buckled straps, and about 3.5-inch heels.
Buckled Nine West Jax Pointy-Toe Booties, $59.99 at Nine West
After her appearance on the show, Tyra flaunted her legs while leaving the building in a figure-hugging ensemble. She slipped her figure into a cleavage-baring bustier top, which she teamed with tight snakeskin pants.
BanX layered a metallic plaid tweed blazer by Elie Tahari ($219 at Saks Fifth Avenue) over her corset-style top for coverage.
Tyra Banks flashes her cleavage as she exits The Late Show with Stephen Colbert studio
Styled by J. Bolin, Tyra accessorized with a gold necklace, a matching gold ring, and a pair of inverted triangle earrings. She also wore her ModelLand beret hat and rounded out her look with a pair of ombre glitter pumps by Jimmy Choo.
Tyra Banks teams her metallic blazer with glittery Jimmy Choo pumps
On Tuesday last week, Tyra was spotted outside the BUILD Series studio in New York City wearing a casual-chic Tyra merchandise. She donned a Smize beanie and a loose-fitting “but make it FASHION” hoodie paired with leather trousers.
The 46-year-old American television personality amped up the relaxed look with thick statement bangles, rings, and a pair of suede thigh-high boots by Christian Louboutin.
Tyra Banks heads to the BUILD Series to talk about ModelLand
Credit: Instar / PNP/ WENN