Tyra Banks, 49, says she’s ‘proud’ to model plus-size clothes and feels ’empowered’ in latest Karen Millen ICONS campaign

She has always been honest about her weight struggles, previously saying she thinks she looks better now than when she was ‘skinny’ in her supermodel heyday.

Now, Tyra Banks is ‘proudly’ putting her incredible curves on display after being snapped up to model in the latest Karen Millen ICONS campaign.

The America’s Next Top Model alumna, 49, who recently left her Dancing With The Stars hosting gig, also took on the big role of creative director for the brand’s fall capsule collection. 

Tyra looks stunning in the pieces, listed on the website as ‘plus size’ including a plus-size tailored structured pencil midi dress, and a gorgeous plus size Italian virgin wool blend notch neck coat. 

The new line comprises of various pieces – including stunning maxi dresses and fashionable trench coats. 

She dazzled wearing a dark gold Jersey Hotfix dress that was made of shimmering material and clung to her frame. 

A thigh-high slit could be seen on the front portion of the dress as well as a plunging neckline for a sultry flare and can be purchased for $290. 

Her voluminous locks were parted to the side and effortlessly flowed down past her shoulders in elegant curls, slightly revealing a pair of flashy hooped earrings. 

The mother of one slipped into a pair of open-toed strappy gold heels to coincide with the color scheme of the glittering ensemble. 

While talking about being the next face of the ICONS campaign for the London-based brand, she recently expressed to People her love for the clothing. 

‘I don’t have the body I used to have when I was on runways, and so to have these clothes fit me like this … it’s rare to have a tailored piece look good on curves,’ she admitted. 

The TV personality happily gushed, ‘I feel empowered. Sometimes I’ll go to a photo shoot and I’ll be like, “This stuff ain’t going fit me. It ain’t going to fit right.” I’m going to have to do all these tricks and stuff.’ 

However, she added, ‘But I feel proud to have these clothes and that they look so good.’

Beforehand, supermodels such as Helena Christensen and Paulina Porizkova appeared in Karen Millen’s ICONS campaign in the past, and Tyra expressed her gratitude to also have been given the honor. 

‘I was actually very flattered and touched and honored because Helena Christensen was everything for me.’ 

‘She’s my generation and we were on the same runways, but she was a little bit … ahead of me. To now be called an icon with her touches my 18-year-old self very deeply,’ Tyra expressed to the outlet. 

The star – who began her modeling career at the age of 15  – achieved various milestones, such as becoming the first Black woman to pose on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit magazine. 

In 2019, she made another milestone by starring on the cover once again at the age of 45 – becoming the oldest woman to do so at the time. Earlier this year, Martha Stewart appeared on the cover at 81-years-old. 

Tyra explained her goal during her career, stating, ‘I wanted to be the last “the first.” I want diversity to be boring. It should be.’

Banks continued to dazzle in the campaign photos and also modeled a white, long-sleeved trench coat that was made of a sequin material and is currently priced at $342. 

The businesswoman also donned a dark navy, figure-hugging ruched maxi dress that contained an asymmetrical hem just above her ankles. 

To stay warm as the temperatures begin to slowly drop, the model showcased a $1,152 brown, leather trench coat that was secured with a belt that tied around her waist. 

The beauty struck a variety of her favorite poses on the minimalistic set and she showcased pieces from the collection – which offers sizes up to plus, with a price range between $136 and $1,152.

She also recently sat down with Forbes to open up about the collection and her feelings towards not only modeling the pieces, but also taking on the role of creative director for the fall capsule. 

In regards to her inspiration, Tyra revealed that, ‘When it comes to conveying an Icon theme, classic imagery does well. You want to tap into your audience’s memories – straying too far from a core nostalgic style of imagery defeats the purpose.’ 

Banks continued, ‘The shoot we did would look current in the 90’s and also today. Mission accomplished!’ The star also discussed her own personal style, which she labeled as ‘Business Chill.’ 

‘I wear a blazer almost every day now. I never would have predicted that. But what that does is allow me to be ready for anything.’ 

In the past, Tyra has commented on her weight, such as during an interview with People in 2018. ‘I used to feel like my body was not mine. I’ve been too thin or too big. And I used to feel like I was betraying people if I lost weight.’ 

When it comes to being healthy and fit, she admitted in a statement, per Women’s Health, ‘I do not believe in diets. I have been on diets in the past. They are a bunch of bologna.’ 

Instead she aims to keep food journals to keep track of the types of food she consumed to help her eat better – not to track calories. 

After posing on the 2019 cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Magazine, she revealed in 2020 to Harper’s Bazaar, ‘I have a very interesting relationship with food. I have to say that it is one of the most important things in my life.’

‘Right now, you can’t tell because I have on a men’s blazer, [but] I am 25 pounds heavier than I was on the cover of a very famous swimsuit magazine that came out last year.’ 

However, she added positively, ‘So I’m 30 pounds heavier and it’ll come off one day, but not today.’

Tyra was recently replaced by pro dancer, Julianne Hough, as the co-host of Dancing With The Stars. 

Banks notably stepped down from the role she has had since 2020 to focus on her business ventures, such as launching her ice cream brand called, SMiZE & DREAM.