Tyra Banks, the supermodel turned businesswoman, has recently shared her insights on power dressing and the importance of taking risks in fashion. She is the new face of Karen Millen’s ICONS Series, a collection of timeless and versatile pieces that celebrate women who break boundaries and make an impact.
The power of a suit
One of the style pieces that makes Tyra feel empowered is a suit. She loves a broad shoulder pad and a belted waist that’s cinched, which she says gives her a power vibe. She also likes to add a bustier for some sexiness and femininity. She wears a suit with pointy toe booties, which elongate her legs and make her feel confident. She says she wants to try a three-piece suit with a vest, maybe in tweed, which she thinks would make her feel very powerful.
The importance of taking risks
Tyra says she is obsessed with pivoting and taking risks in her career and in her life. She says she has no problem being first or knocking down walls or proving people wrong. She says that curiosity and tunnel vision fuel the entrepreneur in her, and that she chooses to be led by passion rather than trends or fads. She says that passion naturally sustains relevance and helps her create something that will outlive her.
The evolution of the fashion industry
Tyra says the fashion industry has evolved a lot since she started as a model in the 90s. She says beauty was narrowly defined back then, and being a Black woman was considered diverse and different. She says she always wanted diversity to be boring and normal, and that she opened the door for people to crash through. She says she is proud to see diversity celebrated in such a way now, and that she strives to widen the landscape of beauty.
The statement shoes
Tyra says the right pair of shoes can elevate any outfit, even if it’s just sweats and a t-shirt. She says she loves these fluorescent yellow pumps from Nine West, which are part of the ICONS Series. She says they are eye-catching and fun, and that they make her feel like she can do anything. She also says that heels improve her posture and give her a pep in her step, a swing in her hip, and a little bit of oomph when she walks into a room.
The partnership with Nine West
Tyra says she was drawn to partner with Nine West because of their theme of groundbreaking women. She says they are about empowerment of women and kicking ass, which resonates with her. She says she likes their timeless and classic pieces, which are also flattering and comfortable. She says she feels like an icon when she wears them, and that she hopes to inspire other women to feel the same.
