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BeforeTyra Banksagreed to sign on toSKIMS' latest “Fits Everybody” campaign, she had to have an “honest heart-to-heart” with the shapewear brand’s founderKim Kardashian.
On Friday’sTODAYWith Hoda and Jenna, Kardashian and Banks gave a rare a joint interview to promote the campaign, which also brought style iconsHeidi Klum,Alessandra AmbrosioandCandice Swanepoelon board.
“I’ve known Tyra for a really long time,” Kardashian, 41, told co-hostsHoda KotbandJenna Bush Hagerwhen asked about how she approached the formerAmerica’s Next Top Modelhost.
Kardashian continued, “I just have so much respect for her, so we just had an honest, heart-to-heart conversation, and she got to hear about what the brand stands for, why I started the brand and just all about supporting women.”
According to Banks, 48, the conversation with Kardashian “helped me to step into my own, I guess, power and influence as an icon in the modeling industry.”
Banks also revealed that Kardashian’s connection to her was not only professional, but personal.
“She also talked about that I was a role model forherback in the day, which really touched me,” Banks shared. “And she said when I was on the cover ofSports Illustrated, she hadn’t seen boobs that were real and big, and curves — and she said that that gave her self-esteem forherbody.”
She continued, “So we had, like, a serious conversation, and I finally said, ‘Let’s do this!'”
Sandy Kim and Greg Swales
Banks especially connected to SKIMS’ message of inclusivity. “This is something I’ve been talking about for decades. So, me curvier, me damn near almost 50 years old in this campaign — I think it is pretty empowering,” she said.
She also noted, “I think I’m more confident today because the world accepts so many types of beauty.”
Kardashian previously exclusivelytold PEOPLE: “Every woman is an icon. I see icons reflected in the women around me: my daughters, mom, and sisters. The women I work with each day are iconic, and so are the women I worked with for this campaign.”
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Kardashian and Banks also spoke with Kotb, 57, and Hager, 40, about their perspectives as women in business.
“From entrepreneur to entrepreneur I was like, ‘This is a whole other level that the world doesn’t know about you [Kim],’ and I want you to know that it’s next-level,” Banks said of Kardashian’s achievements with SKIMS.
Both women discussed how they thrive when they are underestimated, with Kardashian saying, “I really don’t mind being the underdog and proving myself because I think that’s what’s always kept that fire under me.”
source: people.com
