Tyra Banks Is Opening Supermodel-Themed Interactive Space and Restaurant in Santa Monica

Tyra Banks is starting an ambitious new venture called Modelland, a 21,000 square foot supermodel-themed interactive space in Santa Monica at an outdoor mall called Santa Monica Place. The former host of America’s Next Top Model created this forthcoming ticketed attraction, which also comes with a restaurant. Modelland will debut later this year.

There’s little detail at the moment, but Banks wants Modelland to “bring modeling to the masses and expand the definition of beauty.” That’s a bit challenging to decipher, but Banks will feature an “interactive” space with a catwalk, a restaurant, and retail shops with Modelland and other fashion merchandise.

And while the description sounds like one of LA’s countless pop-ups or interactive, Instagram-worthy museums as of late, Banks insists this is a permanent addition to the Westside, with even more locations planned for the future. She took inspiration from childhood trips to Disneyland, and developed an entire model-filled storyline to add to the experience.

According to WWD, Banks’ project sounds slightly similar to the 1990s supermodel restaurant, Fashion Cafe. This featured investors and über models Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Elle Macpherson, and Claudia Schiffer. The first one opened in New York in 1995, then London in 1998 before quickly folding.

There’s plenty of questions now. What section of Santa Monica Place will Modelland take over? And what kind of menu will appeal to those who obsessed with Tyra Banks, America’s Next Top Model, fashion, and modeling?

• Tyra Banks Is Opening a ‘Modelland’ Theme Park in Santa Monica [WWD]