As a kickoff to the 15th cycle of America’s Next Top Model, Tyra Banks invited fashion editors and bloggers to Marea for a combination of breakfast and conversation. Dressed in a simple Alexander McQueen long-sleeved dress, Tyra and her cohost André Leon Talley entertained questions regarding the upcoming high fashion season while giggling with each other like long lost friends.
Fresh off his as host of evening at Fashion’s Night Out: The Show, André was clearly glowing in the start of Fashion Week madness. And while he did take a moment to chat with Gisele Bündchen last night, he needed a replay of the runway extravaganza, saying ”I was working backstage honey! I didn’t see anything!”
Between comments about one of the guest star’s personal lighting, a whole season of sartorial dreckitude, and a personal lesson on smizing, Tyra and André popped from table to table to spend time with their guests, answering questions on a host of topics ranging from curvier models (which Tyra would like to see as less of a trend and more of a mainstay) to the tale of André agreeing to join the cast (thanks to cake and a red-eye flight) to their move towards high fashion with the help of Vogue Italia.
While this season will see guest stars including Franca Sozzani, Zac Posen, and Patrick Demarchelier, it is Karolina Kurkova’s moment on the reality show that has us most excited. And it seems we’re not the only ones, as Tyra has big hopes for her future opportunities. “She actually has a gift. I used to do Victoria’s Secret fashion show with her. I think she was an angel when I was one. I knew that she had a bubbly personality, but she pops and she’s very passionate. There’s some stuff that didn’t make it into the edit. When the girls got eliminated, she leaves, and Karolina was like, ‘I need to see energy from you girls!’ She jumps out from the desk and starts doing her runway walk! And this wasn’t even for the camera!” I feel like there’s a future for her in television or film. I have a list of talent for future projects that I’m working on, and I was like (pantomimes writing) KAROLINA KURKOVA!”
Tune in, as the 15th cycle begins at 8 pm ET on tonight on the CW!
