Greetings everyone, welcome! In a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, supermodel and entrepreneur Tyra Banks opened up about her past feud with fellow supermodel Naomi Campbell. Reflecting on her early days in Paris, Banks revealed the challenges she faced despite her success in booking numerous fashion shows. She recounted nights spent in tears, feeling rejected by someone she once admired. Banks now understands that Campbell’s actions were influenced by an industry fixated on promoting only one “token” individual at a time. She highlighted the disparity in treatment, noting how the arrival of other models like Kate Moss and Shalom Harlow didn’t trigger warnings to established models like Christy Turlington or Linda Evangelista. Instead, when Banks entered the scene, she felt the pressure of being seen as a threat to Campbell’s position, solely because they were both black models. Banks’ statement sheds light on the systemic issue of pitting women of color against each other, not just in modeling but across various industries such as entertainment, sports, and music. This narrative isn’t new for Banks, who has previously discussed the tension between herself and Campbell. Sadly, they both became entangled in a feud perpetuated by others within the modeling world. Banks was even labeled as the “new Naomi Campbell,” emphasizing their physical similarities and African-American heritage.
Initially, it might have sounded like a compliment. Naomi, being established, held a prestigious position in the modeling world as an African-American model, often closing major shows like Versace and Chanel. However, the media attempted to spark a rivalry between her and the up-and-coming Tyra Banks. There were tales of disputes over dresses and runway order, with Naomi allegedly moving outfits intended for Tyra to her own rack. Despite this, Naomi publicly denied any animosity towards Tyra, and both spoke out against industry prejudices.
Reflecting on the situation, Tyra expressed frustration at the industry’s tendency to pit women against each other, perpetuating the notion that only one black model could be on top. She highlighted the need for more inclusivity, lamenting the pressure to compete rather than support each other. Naomi, however, faced unfair scrutiny, with whispers suggesting she was intimidated by Tyra’s rise. It was a challenging time for both women, marked by unfair expectations and media scrutiny.
Let’s delve into the dynamic between Tyra and Naomi, starting with Naomi’s rise to fame. In the late ’80s, Naomi Campbell began garnering attention, quickly ascending to supermodel status in the early ’90s. She dominated magazine covers, including prestigious ones like Vogue, and made her mark in music videos and commercials, becoming a runway sensation with her unparalleled catwalk prowess. Naomi epitomized beauty, fierceness, and was the epitome of haute couture glamour during her prime.
Enter Tyra Banks, who burst onto the scene a few years later. Making her debut in Parisian fashion shows, Tyra’s magnetic presence catapulted her to instant success, with an impressive 25 bookings in her inaugural runway season. Photographers and designers hailed her as the next Naomi Campbell, positioning her as a contender to the supermodel throne. Despite being flattered by the comparisons, Tyra, young and idolizing Naomi, inadvertently fueled the brewing tension.
However, Naomi, unappreciative of the parallels drawn between her and Tyra, bristled at the notion of being replaced. Rumors circulated, painting Tyra as the new threat to Naomi’s reign. Having fought tooth and nail to carve her place as the industry’s premier black supermodel, Naomi felt the weight of her hard-won status, intensifying the rift between her and Tyra.
The atmosphere around her, with people fueling her insecurities and suggesting she’d be replaced, stirred up complex emotions, leading her to direct her frustration towards Tyra. Remember the Isaac Mizrahi fashion show at the Plaza? The one with the white lilies? I called my aunt then, breathless, saying, “She’s right behind me. Oh my god, she’s so beautiful. She’s right here. Can you believe it? Can you believe it?” Just weeks before, I had been at home admiring her photos, and now I was in the midst of a fashion event. But Naomi, do you recall your words to me back then? You told me to open my heart. It was hurtful. What did I say? You mentioned hearing me talk about you, which I do all the time. No, you said you heard me physically. You were right behind me. Was it about you? You called me the B word. Yes, and you warned of a not-so-pleasant photoshoot in Anguilla if I kept talking about you like that. I probably didn’t phrase it that way. Why did you say it then? I only caught the tail end and assumed it was negative, though it wasn’t. I apologize sincerely. Naomi Campbell appeared on the Tyra Banks Show, where they delved into their feud. Their discord escalated after a photoshoot for US Vogue in Anguilla. When I started modeling, I never attempted to emulate you, but there was a distinct look, you know? You were the sole black model, defining the standard for black hair and makeup. Then came that trip to Anguilla, yes.
I recall being aboard a boat, battling seasickness, so I found solace lying on a narrow plank. But in that moment, the scene shifted, and I found myself reclining on a plane, supported by a soft pillow. That’s when you approached, taking a seat beside me, offering comfort. You either allowed me to rest my head in your lap or gently cradled my feet—your caring inquiry, “Sweetie, are you okay?” resonated deeply. I reassured you that I was fine, despite my youthful uncertainty. Then, your demeanor changed abruptly as you posed a question, probing whether they attempted to mold me in your likeness. Reflecting on my Los Angeles experience, I affirmed your observation, which seemed to prompt a sudden withdrawal from you, transforming you from a nurturing presence to one that instilled fear within me. It’s understandable that such a shift left me shaken, especially when I was later informed of my abrupt departure, falsely attributed to your desire to see me gone. Recalling these memories, I’m reminded of the power dynamics reminiscent of Anna Wintour. Certain moments stand out vividly, piercing me to the core. Do you recall that particular photograph? The one where we appear relaxed, engaged in conversation, yet the palpable tension between us betrays the truth? It’s etched in my memory, a stark contrast to the initial admiration I felt for you. From eagerly sharing my admiration with my mother to grappling with confusion over our strained interactions, that photograph symbolizes a shift in our relationship. Though you spoke of wigs, the details escape you. But for me, that memory remains vivid amidst the chill that permeated the conclusion of our journey together.
We participated in a fashion show, possibly hosted by Jenny or a similar event in Milan. Backstage, just before I was about to walk out, you approached me and said something that struck me as surreal at the time. It was along the lines of, “You’ll never be me. Don’t ever think that you’ll be me.” I responded, acknowledging my own identity and asserting that I’ve never been one to diminish myself in comparison to others. That interaction between us was one of the most challenging moments of my life. However, looking back, I wonder if some aspects of it were exaggerated, especially when I felt low. There was no altercation on the runway; it was blown out of proportion. Certainly, the situation was inflated and perpetuated. I reached a point where I grew weary of the constant comparisons and the negative impact it had on me. I was tired of hearing rumors about jobs I supposedly lost or photographers and magazines being influenced against me. So, I made a conscious decision to distance myself. Honestly, Naomi, even today, I still harbor some fear of you. Not in this moment, where it’s just us talking, but in certain situations, like when we crossed paths at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show a couple of seasons back, I felt that old fear resurface. I was transported back to my teenage years, feeling intimidated by your presence. In that interview, Tyra was expressing how she felt bullied by Naomi, but it wasn’t just about Naomi—it was also about the industry dynamics. There were times when the industry favored one black supermodel over another, often choosing Naomi over Tyra. Tyra’s frustration extended to the industry’s obsession with her weight. She eventually took a break from modeling to pursue other ventures, which turned out to be a wise decision. Through endeavors like America’s Next Top Model and her talk show, she established herself as a successful entrepreneur and entertainer. Despite her achievements, unresolved tensions with Naomi lingered.
So, Tyra extended an invitation to Naomi Campbell to appear on her show for a heart-to-heart conversation. During their exchange, Naomi offered a heartfelt apology to Tyra, acknowledging any impact her actions may have had: “However I’ve affected you, I mean, if you felt that, I’ve affected you, I take my responsibility. I just want to say I’m very proud of you. I mean, a powerful woman sitting here and doing what you’re doing and please continue, okay? Me, I’m very proud of Tyra, what she’s done with America’s Next Top Model, which is now all over the world. It’s a great achievement. She should be extremely proud. I’m proud of her. I’m proud to know her and I’m not into the pitting game.” Witnessing Naomi and Tyra set aside their differences is truly uplifting. However, when revisiting their feud, Naomi often gets cast as the antagonist due to her reactions. Yet, it’s crucial to humanize Naomi a bit, as her feud transcended mere pettiness and jealousy. Deep-rooted in the fashion industry was an agenda to pit these two black models against each other, steeped in racism and colorism. Candidly, while Tyra is undeniably a remarkable model, many argue that she doesn’t quite match up to Naomi’s caliber. Still, there was a push to replace Naomi with Tyra. The question begs: Why? Why couldn’t there be space for both of them without rivalry? Well, let’s confront reality; some individuals in the industry likely favored Tyra’s aesthetic over Naomi’s. Tyra’s fair skin and light eyes possibly resonated more with certain circles than Naomi’s striking brown-skinned allure. It’s a sad truth that some feel threatened by the beauty of dark-skinned women, but that’s a broader conversation in itself. It’s conceivable that Naomi grappled with these internalized dynamics.
She faced not only the threat to her position in the industry but also grappled with unresolved childhood issues. When troubled, her response often veered toward anger. Childhood experiences, such as not knowing her father or feeling abandoned by her mother, fueled profound emotional turmoil, primarily manifesting as anger. This emotion, she believed, stemmed from deeper insecurities, low self-esteem, and the profound sense of loneliness and abandonment. Despite projecting a tough exterior, her vulnerability stemmed from fear that revealing her true self would invite others to walk over her. While not condoning her actions towards Tyra, it’s important to consider external factors influencing their feud. Naomi Campbell emerged in a fiercely competitive industry, where success demanded resilience and breaking barriers. Her toughness and advocacy for inclusivity paved the way for women of color in fashion. Similarly, Tyra Banks played a pivotal role in reshaping the industry. Both supermodels, with their distinctiveness and influence, have left an indelible mark on fashion history. Imagine the industry without their contributions. They are not just iconic but pivotal figures. Share your thoughts on this video below, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe. Thank you for watching, and until next time, goodbye!