Tyra Banks was once told she was 'too big' for the runway — here's how she defied her critics and became a world-famous supermodel

Peter Kramer/Getty Images

• Tyra Banks recently opened up to Business Insider about the difficulties she faced as a young model with body image and weight.
• At the height of her high fashion career, she was called "too big" by designers during Milan Fashion Week.
• Banks naturally broke down, but said her mother gave her the tools for body positivity and the "strategy to get around all of that hardship."
• Banks went on to become a Victoria's Secret Angel and land the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.

---

Tyra Banks is one of the most famous supermodels in the world, largely thanks to "America's Next Top Model" and her legacy as the first black Victoria's Secret Angel. But Banks is the first person to admit that her road to success in the fashion industry was bumpy and demanding.

The "Perfect Is Boring" author recently opened up to Business Insider about the difficulties she has faced with body image and unrealistic weight expectations. When Banks was a "very young model" and at the height of her high-fashion career, walking runway shows for designers like Dior and Armani, she was called "too big" by designers during Milan Fashion Week.See the rest of the story at Business Insider

NOW WATCH: Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump tried to cut a secret deal with Planned Parenthood — here's what happened

See Also:

• WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Judges and contestants of 'America's Next Top Model'
• Beyoncé had a wardrobe malfunction during her Coachella performance — and she handled it so flawlessly that you probably didn't even notice
• 21 unexpected places where top supermodels were discovered