Tyra Banks Talks 'Modelland', Harvard Business School (VIDEO)

Somebody get this lady some decaf!

A quite enthusiastic Tyra Banks appeared on "Good Morning America" to promote her new book, "Modelland." As a tie-in to the novel, Banks was sporting a curious look: a gold sparkly wing attached above her left eye.

To begin the interview, perplexed anchor Robin Roberts could only gesture to Tyra's face and ask, "OK, what's up?"

And thus Tyra began her trip to Crazy Town:

"What's up with my eye? OK, so at Modelland, this fantasy world that I've created for my novel, if you find one of these, which I call a 'smize,' it increases your chances of getting into the most exclusive school in the entire world, the school that creates the most amazing supermodels called Intoxibellas. It increases your chances by 91 percent. [...] The models have magic in this school most definitely, so it's a totally fantasy adventure novel."

The supermodel-turned-TV host-turned-author has apparently been working on the book, the first of a three-part series, for five years, getting so characteristically worked up about the project that she developed carpal tunnel syndrome from feverish two-finger typing.

But she can't stop now, because she's got some big plans. Tyra told Roberts that she's not satisfied with just two TV shows or the "Modelland" series, but wants to create an entire cultural world à la Disneyland:

"I look up to Walt Disney and what he has done. [...] That's what I want to do for young women and women around the entire world. And I feel like the message of empowering women and expanding the definition of beauty is bigger than me -- like, I want years from now for people to be experiencing Modelland or whatever it is and for the mom to go, 'You know that was a girl named Tyra who started that,' and that girl is like, 'Really -- who cares? Let's go on this ride!' or let's do this or let's read this book or watch this show."

To accomplish her goal of total cultural domination, Tyra has enrolled in Harvard Business School, shacking up in the dorms and studying alongside her stunned classmates.

In addition, of course, to gunning for her Pulitzer for "Modelland".

The book debuts September 13, but if you're as insanely restless as Tyra, you can pre-order it on Amazon.com.

WATCH:

Comments

[Cinquopated]

11:44 AM on 08/21/2011

There's entirely already a trilogy with almost the same plot line. Not a huge young-adult fiction fan so can't exactly remember the name. Maybe it's scott westerfield? (just found it on google)
The world can live without another poser who has nothing to offer than B-grade fame.

[abhorson]

04:45 AM on 07/29/2011

what's that thing growing on her face ?

[RosesForObama]

12:06 AM on 07/23/2011

So, Harry Potter meets runway ?

[iRock]

01:30 PM on 07/22/2011

I don't think she's crazy acting in this clip lol.

Tyra is definitely a shrewd business woman. More power to her for doing more to expand her empire.

She'll always have haters, but hey, she wouldn't be successful with out them I don't think.

[mmgbizgirl]

12:03 PM on 07/22/2011

She's been a huge advocate for young girls and have encouraged them to be about more than T&A. She's smart, savvy and educated. That pisses off a lot of people who wish they had the same courage to move with confidence in their own lives. Hate-don't-look-good-on-you.

Keep doing your thing Ty-Ty!

[rawfoodsphd]

10:57 PM on 07/23/2011

totally agree with you! I might have been inclined a few years back to be judgmental but I have come to admire all that Tyra has accomplished in her still-young years. She keeps growing and evolving and testing her limits. And she's a super-hard worker. Everyone has their issues - but the people who are particularly critical of Ms. Banks might do well looking inside and seeing what projections they have on her. Thanks for your post.

[wedidpredict]

11:38 AM on 07/22/2011

Modelland?!?!?!? It really is time for women to learn to use their BRAINS and not their bodies and faces!!!!

[db08]

06:58 AM on 07/22/2011

There seems to be a lot of jealousy here including the author of this article. Tyra does not need decaf. She is excited about her latest endeavor and wants to share it. Is there an audience for modelland? Yes. Is she the next Rowling? No. But she does not have to be. She is worth $90 million and earns $16 million a year.
http://www.salary-money.com/tyra-banks-salary-16000000.php
http://www.therichest.org/celebnetworth/celeb/model/tyra-banks-net-worth/
You keep rocking it Tyra. Lots of folks including the author could learn something from you.

[misssooshi]

07:23 AM on 07/22/2011

what makes you think you have to post this three times in a 15 comment thread.

[db08]

07:26 AM on 07/22/2011

Why do you care? Two of the post were responses to individuals.

[SkreetGil1]

02:25 AM on 07/22/2011

70% are from other countries?! What!

America, we need to make college affordable for Americans!

[Mav H]

11:15 PM on 07/21/2011

Wow she's a complete whack job. Something isn't right with her

[alicam]

11:07 PM on 07/21/2011

She tries too hard--in everything and it shows. This whole Modelland sounds like a Harry Potter wannabe. I feel sorry for her.

[db08]

07:00 AM on 07/22/2011

I don't think you hsve to feel sorry for her. She is worth $90 million.
http://www.salary-money.com/tyra-banks-salary-16000000.php
http://www.therichest.org/celebnetworth/celeb/model/tyra-banks-net-worth/

[judow]

07:15 AM on 07/22/2011

so she's a rich lunatic

[Phemale]

10:43 PM on 07/21/2011

She's seriously still trying to become the next Oprah?

[plusszdiva]

10:10 PM on 07/21/2011

I would say Tyra has lost what little mind she has but I think it obvious that she never had one to begin with.

[Edward Wilkes]

09:52 PM on 07/21/2011

She should try to get he next cat-woman role in the next Batman Movie if it ever come out! She would be perfect for the role, because her claws always naturally come out for the kill!!

[exile]

09:09 PM on 07/21/2011

love her

[wiggidywack]

08:29 PM on 07/21/2011

la fin du monde