Emergence of Black Supermodel Shakes Up 90s Fashion Industry
In the 1990s, Tyra Banks emerged as one of fashion’s biggest supermodels. Her voluptuous figure and striking facial features set her apart from the typical model archetype of the time.
In 1996, Tyra made history as the first Black woman to cover the coveted Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. This groundbreaking achievement served as a defining moment, paving the way for greater diversity and inclusion.
Tyra’s barrier-breaking Sports Illustrated cover sparked intense public interest and media buzz. “Here was this gorgeous Black model exuding glamour, beauty and confidence in the most mainstream publication possible,” notes fashion historian Carla Johnson. “It shook up the fashion world and forced people to expand their standards of beauty.”
Tyra Forges Her Own Path as a Teenage Model
Long before her Sports Illustrated fame, the Inglewood, California native got her start in modeling at just 15 years old in the late 1980s. According to Banks, she endured rejection early on from modeling agencies who deemed her look “too ethnic.”
But Tyra persevered, eventually landing an elite New York contract. By 18 she became the first Black woman to cover major fashion magazines like GQ and the coveted Victoria’s Secret catalog.
“I didn’t fit into the Caucasian blond, wafer-thin idea of beauty at the time,” Tyra reflected in an interview. “I had to learn to celebrate my own unique beauty early on.”
Swimsuit Issue Controversy Puts Focus on Lack of Diversity
While many praised Tyra’s rise during this era, her appearance also sparked controversy. Critics claimed her curvy 5’10” frame promoted unhealthy ideals. Moreover, some openly wondered if including her was merely a publicity ploy to sell more issues.
“The uproar showed how shockingly tone-deaf certain corners of the fashion world still were on issues of diversity,” asserts feminist writer Zelda Morris. “It catalyzed an urgent, overdue conversation.”
Indeed, Tyra’s modeling ascendance put the industry’s woeful lack of inclusion into stark relief. But rather than retreat from the firestorm, Tyra embraced her new platform, continuing her barrier-breaking modeling run for years to come.
Lasting Influence as Model Mogul & Mainstream Icon
Though Tyra formally retired from modeling in 2005, her groundbreaking impact endures. As Sports Illustrated Swimsuit editor MJ Day observes, “Tyra blew open the doors of possibility for so many other women of all colors to know that they can be embraced as part of the iconic brand.”
Today, Tyra remains a multi-hyphenate model mogul. The supermodel-turned-businesswoman presides over a media and beauty empire worth over $90 million dollars. Her decades-long reign shows no signs of slowing down.
“I’m beyond proud to have changed perceptions of beauty on one of the biggest global platforms possible,” Tyra says reflectively. “It’s part of my life mission to expand narrow visions of possibility for all women.”
