In a very bold–or very foolish–move, supermodel Tyra Banks decided to pay homage to her “colleagues, competitors and friends,” in a photo exhibition entitled, “Tyra Banks Presents: 15 photographed by Udo Spreitzenbarth and styled by creator director Ty-Ron Mayes,” just in time for New York Fashion Week.
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The “America’s Next Top Model” creator transforms herself into a bevy of modeling legends, including: Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Lauren Hutton, Jerry Hall, Kate Moss, Iman, Kate Moss, Twiggy, Brooke Shields, Claudia Schiffer, Carmen Dell’Orefice, and Grace Jones. She also offers her interpretation of newbies, Kate Upton, Karlie Kloss, Cara Delevingne.
And in the pièce de résistance Tyra channels herself as a 15-year-old girl, according to the press release.
Clearly excited about her edgy concept, Tyra shared it on Twitter.
4 hours of hair & makeup later, I’ve become übermodel @Caradelevingne! Fierce & love to #LA & #London. #NYFW #Tyra15 pic.twitter.com/yxS0l6ocNX
— Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks) September 7, 2013
Hid my booty & boobies like a pro, for a pro – all to look & pose just like #SuperModel Kate Moss! #NYFW #Tyra15 pic.twitter.com/aCP6xxEMvz
— Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks) September 7, 2013
It was amazing to be physically transformed into my idol, @CindyCrawford… #Fierce mole, hair & all! #NYFW #Tyra15 pic.twitter.com/ZnCb9WulHY
— Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks) September 7, 2013
Beyonce caused quite the stir when she donned Blackface in the name of fashion, and similar criticism against Tyra is mounting on social media. Though “Whiteface” doesn’t have the historical weight of mockery, degradation and oppression that is attached to Blackface, is she opening the door that will allow both to be accepted in high-fashion circles? Is she perpetuating the European beauty standard? Or it just a unique spin on an old idea?
Weigh in!
