5 style lessons from a 90s Tyra Banks

No, there was not only Naomi. In the fabulous and increasingly trendy 90s there was also Tyra (Banks, if the surname among the models still means something). Californian, born in 1973, before presenting and creating America's Next Top Model, began her career when she was only 15 years old and soon became one of the most requested and paid girls, collecting dozens of editorials and fashion shows for major fashion brands, including Versace, Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Givenchy, Valentino, Fendi, Giorgio Armani and Michael Kors. The only true black model able to steal the scepter from Naomi. In fact, she is the first African-American woman to be on the cover of GQ and Swimsuit Issue of Sports Illustrated magazine, but also the first to wear Victoria's Secret Fantasy Bra.

Her secret weapons? Breathtaking curves and smize (smile + eyes), a term that indicates her special ability to smile with her eyes. In the 90s, Tyra is super busy and alternates work in fashion with some small roles as an actress, the most famous in The Girls of Coyote Ugly and in the famous TV series Willy, the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. These two appearances on the screen are also the mirror of her personal style: sexy and hip-hop. Her wardrobe is made of crop tops, exposed underwear (remember the famous shots for Versace?), tight mini dresses, nude look (Chanel), mom jeans, slides, cap in reverse (old style Jovanotti).

Here is a bunch of gifs to sum up her style in 5 lessons. 

 

Hip Hop mood

 

 

Underwear counts

Glamour is all about stretch mini dress & attitude

 

Sexy girl

 

 

Smize