With the renewal of America’s Next Top Model (cycle 24), the envious world of fashion is back and more attainable than ever. It’s every fashionista favorite competition and the best part – Tyra Banks has made her rightful return as host and panelist.
For years, Tyra has been proactive in breaking fashion boundaries and social norms. Within the past 24 cycles, we have seen diverse casting that has included all sexes, all races, all shapes, and sizes. This season, however, is really bringing light to celebrating women’s natural bodies and talent. Tyra and the rest of the judges were keeping their eyes peeled for females who really resembled the real women that we are and who we see every day. Banks is breaking down the fashion industry stereotypes and giving girls and women realistic standards to uphold.
This season, there are women of different sizes, ethnicities, and backgrounds. However, the most noteworthy detail about this cycle is that Tyra has removed the age limit. That’s right! Any interested models trying to pursue their dreams can now try out as long as they are 18 or over. There were three candidates over 30 and one 42-year-old woman. Two of them have made it and are still currently in the running to become America’s Next Top Model. The eldest contest is already a grandmother and she doesn’t look a day over 25!
This cycle features a lot of heavy backstories as well, from many of the aspiring models. Topics such as infertility, bad domestic lives, and terminated pregnancies are among the few introduced thus far. The fact that these brave women are able to take the next step towards their dreams despite their struggles and what the world says about beauty standards is truly amazing. Tyra is completely changing the game. She is showing the world that anybody can be a model if they put in the work and effort and if they have that fierceness she is always looking for.
To set the bar high at the start of the season, there was a pregnancy-themed shoot that gave off some serious bohemian Beyoncé vibes. The whole purpose was to celebrate natural bodies and beauty. Not to mention, a majority of the models have quite a few tattoos, even large ones that are visible in all photo shoots. Just a few years ago, none of this would have been possible in the fashion industry but thanks to inspiring and influential people like Tyra Banks, norms are being thrown out the window for good. Can’t wait to see what else is in store for this season and for the rest of the fashion industry!