Name: Tiffany Bank
Resides In: New York, NY
Stats: 5"8 / Size: 18
Online portfolio:
www.modelmayhem.com/57189
Photographer: Lucaspictures
MUA:Tara Taylor
When did you decide you wanted to be a plus model?
Modeling started for me at age 6 when I used to take my mothers 3-inch
heels and strut down the hallway in my house. I graduated from
hallways to sidewalks and eventually I earned my way onto subway
platforms. After years of doing my own personal runway for
grandma and grandpa I decided back in 2004 that maybe I would try it
out for real! I modeled just for fun for photographer friends who
wanted to test lighting or try different things with their
Photoshop. It wasn't long before I decided that I would take
modeling to the next level and pursue it professionally when I moved to
New York in 2006. Ever since then I have had the honor of working
with some of the most amazing people in the plus industry.
Who are your favorite curvy role models?
I love the classy ways of Jill Scott, the edge and originality of Mia
Tyler and the inspiration that is Emme, Randi Graves and Sharon
Quinn. But anyone who knows me well knows that I adore
Velvet D'Amor. She is my IT girl. (If you don't know
who she is then please Google her.) Velvet is a successful
American actress/model living Paris and I want to be her when I grow
up. I have been a huge fan of Velvet for many years and for so
many reasons. I remember seeing her in the headlines
when she ripped the runway in Paris at a Jean-Paul Gaultier fashion
show. The minute I saw that I think I cried because I knew that
her walk down that runway meant there was an opportunity for change and
that even girls like me could do what she did. It was
groundbreaking and so motivational for a chubby chick like me.
Whenever I get discouraged I think about her and how she made a way for
her self. I have had the pleasure of being pen pals with her over
the past year or so and she has been very supportive of me. Being
able to meet her in person would be AMAZING. Hey, Velvet! I thank
you.
If you could pick the perfect plus modeling campaign for yourself, whom would you want to work for?
Besides really wanting to be apart of Doves Campaign for Real Beauty,
I'd love to do something non-traditional for a plus-size model.
You know, something not expected of a plus-size gal. Something
that would make people do a double take walking down 5th ave! A
Coca-Cola or Coco Chanel perfume campaign would be perfect!
Remember the campaign Nicole Kidman did for Coco Chanel? Yeah, you
really don't see a thick chick running down the red carpet stairs from
a swanky gala having a sensual romance with a male model up at the
clock towers...I want a clock tower romance, too! No fair!
What are your dreams, desires and goals as a plus model?
For me, modeling started off as a way to strengthen my self-confidence
but once I felt confident and comfortable behind the camera my goals
started shifting. After years of just being the fat girl in
the corner with the pretty face I decided to own what my mama gave me
and show it off! I knew that being up there with the greatest
would not come without hard work and determination. I keep
striving to be a great plus model, even when the odds are against
me. On a personal level, I am working on my body and even with my
45-pound weight-loss I still have a ways to go. My immediate
goals are to get signed with an agency, get into acting (television and
movies), be a Torrid girl and be a spokesperson for the curvy
community. After all is said and done I hope that I can, in some
shape or form, inspire someone out there who considers themselves to be
the underdog.
Name your favorite store to shop for curvy clothes in your hometown...
Oh, well, Torrid and I have been best friends since 2001. I often
shop at Strawberry, Rainbow, Old Navy, Macy's, thrift and vintage shops
and wherever I can get my hands on some funky jeans that fit.
