Tyra Banks has been living in Sydney incognito for 18 months – here’s how the world famous supermodel blended in as a start-up boss

For the past 18 months, it seems that Tyra Banks has been immersed in the Australian lifestyle, which many of her followers were unaware of, as she’s been secretly managing a startup company in Australia.

For more than a year, the well-known American model, aged 51, has been traveling between Los Angeles and Sydney due to the opening of her chain of ice cream stores called Smize & Dream.

On Sunday, as reported by The Daily Telegraph, the previous host of America’s Next Top Model shared her secret for fitting seamlessly into the local culture.

She shared with a media outlet that she and her loved ones typically spend their days casually socializing at their local mall, engaging in typical Australian pastimes.

‘We’ll get some breakfast in the mall, then we’ll go to a Hoyts cinema,’ she said.

Here’s our plan: After picking up some ice cream at the cinema, we’ll catch a film. Following that, we could treat ourselves to a foot massage. Afterward, we’ll grab some lunch… Finally, we’ll head over to either Target or Kmart.

Tyra Banks has been living in Sydney incognito for 18 months - here's how the world famous supermodel blended in as a start-up boss

As I, Tyra, eagerly anticipate the grand opening of my very own Smize & Dream store in the vibrant heart of Darling Harbour by the end of this season, I can’t help but express my affection for the iconic Australian Kmart. I find it to be a treasure trove of practicality and style that truly embodies the essence of Australian living.

Despite strutting down the runways for prestigious brands such as Saint Laurent, Chanel, and Dior, the supermodel expressed her belief that the Australian retailer Kmart is quite upscale.

She added that after a bit of shopping, she and her family will go and do the groceries. 

She mentioned that we’ll shop at Coles, Woolworths, Harris Farm, or any similar stores, which would take up an entire day at the mall. She noted that this kind of shopping is not something they do in America.”

“She stated that we will be shopping at places like Coles, Woolies, and Harris Farm, among others, which means spending a whole day at the mall. Shopping experiences like this are not common in America.

Tyra pointed out that the popularity of visiting ‘malls’ in America has been diminishing, as people tend to shop for items they desire rather than necessities.

The launch of her ice cream shop arrives amidst backlash from critics over controversial remarks she previously made towards models on America’s Next Top Model.

As a lifestyle advisor, I’d rephrase that statement to: On that reality show, I was the public figure, and it was common for me to witness instances of bullying, verbal and physical abuse, body shaming, emotional turmoil, and outbursts. This wasn’t just about entertainment; these were real moments of distress that impacted many people deeply.

Over the past few years, various video segments have reemerged showing Tyra Banks and fellow hosts criticizing contestants perceived as overweight or unsuitable for modeling on their television program.

Tyra Banks has been living in Sydney incognito for 18 months - here's how the world famous supermodel blended in as a start-up boss

Currently, following her strut on the Victoria’s Secret runway as a plus-size model in the previous year, Tyra Banks is encountering a wave of criticism from former fans who watched America’s Next Top Model.

‘Did ya’ll forget ANTM?’ one person wrote under an interview Tyra did for her plus-size runway. 

Another individual chimed in, agreeing that it was quite unexpected and not pleasantly so, similar to Tyra’s experience of walking the runway at 51 years old which she described as feeling ‘crazy’.

A third added: ‘They can never make me like you Tyra.’

As a loyal fan following the show, I too have faced criticism for some questionable moments that arose from the series “America’s Next Top Model.” Tyra Banks isn’t alone in receiving backlash regarding problematic scenes throughout the years.

Recently, longtime co-host of Australia’s Next Top Model, Alex Perry, faced strong criticism not too long ago.

Young TikTok users were taken aback when old clips of an Australian adaptation of the show reappeared on their feeds.

At the beginning of the widely-shared video compilation, Alex, aged 61, is overheard querying: “Are those feet gorilla feet or transgender feet?

Tyra Banks has been living in Sydney incognito for 18 months - here's how the world famous supermodel blended in as a start-up boss
Tyra Banks has been living in Sydney incognito for 18 months - here's how the world famous supermodel blended in as a start-up boss

In the two-minute montage, he repeatedly makes an appearance, carrying a measuring tape and offering blunt criticisms to the young models regarding their body weight.

He advises the model in the video, “Let’s take a break from eating, it’s time for some exercise instead. Why don’t you hop on the treadmill?

Momentarily, he evaluated a certain model, remarking, “She’s incredibly attractive and streamlined. Her skin is stunning.” Then, turning to another judge, he inquired, “Think she might need to shed a few pounds?

One individual noted that ‘Alex Perry seems to be experiencing the consequences of his past actions,’ pointing out his recent outings in Sydney’s inner west where he appears to have gained weight while going about his daily tasks.

‘Can’t talk if you see him now,’ another user commented.  

‘How is Alex Perry not cancelled?’ asked another. 

With a fourth person chiming in: ‘Alex Perry they could never make me like you.’ 

One TikTok user remarked, “Growing up with this, it’s no surprise that our perception of body image is skewed.

Tyra Banks has been living in Sydney incognito for 18 months - here's how the world famous supermodel blended in as a start-up boss

Alex Perry designs stunning clothing for women, yet it’s hard to comprehend, as he seems to dislike us deeply! remarked another.

‘Watching this back is WILD,’ someone else commented. 

One Gen Z TikTok user was left utterly puzzled after watching the video, and the only comparison they could think of to describe the series was that it resembled a Chris Lilley sketch.

In this modeling competition known as The Next Top Model franchise, many young women, the majority of whom are still in their teenage years, strive towards achieving a successful career in the world of high fashion. Each week, they aim to avoid being dismissed by a prestigious judging panel, as they compete against each other to reach the top.

The fates on the program were decided by a panel consisting of three judges: model Myer face, Jennifer Hawkins, who was once Miss Universe, Alex (wearing sunglasses), and various well-known figures in the fashion world such as Linda Evangelista, Jean Paul Gaultier, Kelly Osbourne, and Tyra Banks herself.

In this reality show format, behaviors such as bullying (both verbal and physical), body shaming, emotional outbursts, and tantrums were not only tolerated but commonplace. This controversial approach drew the largest audience for a reality series on pay-TV.

In conversation with Daily Mail last month while keeping their identity confidential, a previous Top Model commented that the show wasn’t making excuses, but rather a reflection of its era.

In the early 2000s, I was part of an industry where things were as they were, and the show reflected that. Unfortunately, some aspects from that era can’t be reversed now.

Alex served as the sole judge throughout all 10 seasons of Australia’s Next Top Model, and he vigorously advocated for the strict adherence to the 178 cm height requirement for the show.

‘I like sleek, runway greyhounds. It’s my aesthetic,’ he explained in an old interview. 

In May 2020, Tyra responded to criticism on Twitter regarding America’s Next Top Model being uploaded onto Netflix.

She expressed agreement with the posts criticizing past America’s Next Top Model moments for their lack of sensitivity. Reflecting now, those decisions were indeed questionable, she conveyed on Twitter.

‘Appreciate your honest feedback and am sending so much love and virtual hugs.’

Read More

2025-01-12 02:53

Previous post Kate Ferdinand ‘set for an awkward encounter with her ex boyfriend Dan Edgar’ as Dancing On Ice returns
Next post Silver Rate Forecast