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As if she hasn’t already proven herself as capable of almost anything, ex-supermodel and America’s Next Top Model host Tyra Banks is making yet another career move. Beginning next year, the ’90s icon will become Professor Banks as she begins teaching at California’s Stanford University. There, the former Victoria’s Secret Angel will co-teach a course on personal branding.
Fans expecting to enrol in the class for an easy A are forewarned, as any devoted America’s Next Top Model follower recalls Banks’ no nonsense policy throughout the cult show’s 22 seasons. Famous for its exaggerated approach to the fashion industry, ANTM allowed contestants and viewers alike to learn from the wealth of wisdom that is Tyra Banks. Those searching for a refresher course on the series’ most educational moments, look no further. Here are five of the biggest life lessons we owe to America’s Next Top Professor.
It’s all in the smize
A portmanteau for smiling with your eyes, smizing allows the model to emote with nothing but their stare. When executed correctly, the practice can result in a winning photo that’s Tyra-approved. When executed poorly, however, it can make a person look downright disturbing. After 13 years, we still can’t figure out how to do it right.
Fashion is about taking risks
Every time a new season of America’s Next Top Model began, viewers could look forward to the show’s infamous makeover episode. There, girls with long hair would be given cropped pixies and girls with short hair would receive Rapunzel-esque extensions. Despite faces of sheer horror accompanied by dramatic music, most makeovers went relatively smooth; except for Denzel from season 21 (pictured above) who was unfortunate enough to receive a lace-front wig on his beard. Sometimes, the lessons we learned weren’t from Banks herself, but actually a result of her own mistakes. But don’t worry Tyra, we forgive you – even if Denzel doesn’t.
Ask yourself, “Is this fashion?”
In season 8, Banks imparted us with the kind of wisdom you never forget, informing the world that “most modelling is acting like a ho, but making it fashionable.” From there, she gives examples of this maxim before contorting her body into a pose with her chest caved inwards. Therein, Banks says, lies the difference between men’s magazines and high-fashion glossies.
It is never wise to cross Tyra
The judges on ANTM quickly made it clear that they could either be your best mentor or your biggest enemy. Tiffany didn’t let this phase her though, and when the cycle four contestant was sent home, she made the mistake of talking back to Tyra. What happened afterwards has gone down in history as one of the most iconic moments on reality television, as Banks quickly loses her cool and begins shouting at Tiffany. It’s been over 10 years since the season aired and the scene continues to remain relevant in pop culture.
Above all, be fierce
Every episode during the show’s 289 instalments, Tyra taught the world that there’s a top model inside all of us. In order to unleash it, though, it is important to be fierce. It is a lesson in self-confidence that lives on beyond the series, and for that we owe Tyra a big thank you.