While I have a love-hate relationship with Tyra Banks all thanks to this episode of "America's Next Top Model" and her affinity for wearing unflattering wigs, it's only fair that I give the Inglewood-born beauty credit for taking over the worlds of fashion and television.
Banks started modeling at the tender age of 15, then eventually went on to sign with Elite Modeling Management and storm the runways of Paris. Although she struggled with teenage bullying and body image issues, her physique would garner much praise when she became the first African-American to appear solo on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition cover.
As Banks built up her resume with acting roles, including "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "Higher Learning" and "Coyote Ugly," and made moves to become the next Oprah with the launch of her own production company and now defunct "The Tyra Banks Show," her personal style certainly had its highs and lows.
As Tyra Banks celebrates her 39th birthday on Tuesday (December 4th), we're taking a look back at the supermodel's standout looks over the years. Vote for your favorite in the slideshow below.
Meanwhile, see what happened when we tried the model mogul's new "Smize Yourself!" app. Warning: It ain't so pretty.
Flip through our many other style evolutions.
Tyra Banks Style Evolution
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