Tyra Banks, whose weight has undergone visible fluctuations after she left the runway, has always been a champion of plus-size models. She makes a point to recruit some curvier girls for her model competition reality show on the CW, 'America's Next Top Model,' helping to launch the careers of former contestants Toccara Jones and Cycle 10 winner Whitney Thompson.
Now she's using 'The Tyra Show' to find the latest and greatest young plus-size modeling talent.
Banks is encouraging plus-size teens age 13-19 to enter to win the "The Fiercely Real Model Search." The winner, who must be size 12-20 to qualify, will win a one-year Wilhemina modeling contract, a fashion spread in and a cover photo on Tyra's Magaline and a spread in a major fashion magazine. The winner will be announced on Tyra's talk show March 3rd.
"I've always felt it was my mission to expand the narrow perceptions of beauty; through 'America's Next Top Model,' 'True Beauty' and 'The Tyra Show' I challenge industry and universal standards by featuring and celebrating non-traditional beauty, and stressing that true beauty is both inside and out," Banks said. "Adolescence is such an impressionable time in a young woman's life, and I hope this contest helps teen girls discover their own beauty from the inside out."
Comments: (28)
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By: anna on 1/26/2010 8:16PM
Being a mother of a 14yo, I totally agree with Tyra. True beauty is both inside and out and I feel that it is important that teen that girls big, small, short or tall know this.
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By: lisa on 1/26/2010 11:34PM
Remember, this is the same woman who nearly had a mental meltdown when she was confronted about her weight gain. Now all of a sudden, she's an advocate.....give us a break Tyra!!!!
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By: Tina on 1/27/2010 6:47AM
Tyra's "meltdown" was representing the Full-Figured models. She wasn't offended by being Full-figured. She was offended by the comments. Did you read the caption under her photo? It says that she has always been a champion of Plus-sized models. This is nothing new to her. Who wants to be criticized for their size?
I have been a professional model for many years. I am 5'10" and have been criticized for being tall and skinny. I made it work for me. Plus size models make it work for them and everyone who they represent.
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By: Theresa on 1/27/2010 10:22AM
What she "had" is in the past. Thank God for the present and all the beautiful big girls the fact that Tyra has finally come to her senses and is willing to use her influences to help turn things around to change the industry. Or would you rather she be another perscription drug addict who controls her weight to the point of looking thinner than thin. I say "Thank you Tyra, for reaching back and giving a helping hand to your thicker sisters."
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By: RC on 1/29/2010 8:26AM
She had a "meltdown" about being disrespected and misrepresented. Wouldn't you! Check your facts, and stop allowing your apparent dislike for her to blind your vision about her dedication to this cause.
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By: vera on 1/29/2010 8:12PM
Your right lisa, she had a meltdown because the National Enquirer showed her in a bathing suit with her thighs covered in cellulite!! So, Tina and RC.....why don't YOU TWO get your facts straight!!!!She did not start her career as a plus size model...you idiots!!!
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By: carolyn on 1/26/2010 11:15PM
i dont think that there should be set limit on the height of a model because my 13 year old is a great poser but she is only like 5 3 or 5 4 its not right that a model only can be 5 9 to 6 1 just a opinion
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By: erania on 1/27/2010 9:29AM
12 to 20....thats not true plus sizes what happened to 22 to 24.
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By: kindall davis on 1/27/2010 8:02PM
im sorry but 22 and up is OBESE! and no teen should be that big.
and im not judging or anything cause i myself was a size 14/16 when i was a teen.
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By: NIkki B on 1/27/2010 9:49AM
i dont think its right that it is an age limit and size limit..I am a 29yr old plus size female that doesnt look her age...
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