Tyra Banks opens ModelLand to tap into the inner model in all of us

It was postponed for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the former Victoria's Secret model and TV Tyra Banks has finally opened up her awe-inspiring project called ModelLand.

The 10,000 square foot business, which allows everyone to discover their inner model, has made its debut at the mall's Santa Monica Place on Friday when it opened to the public. The project is named after Banks' book "ModelLand," a 2010 young adult novel based on his life.

"For so long, I've described ModelLand as an immersive experience. On our last night of rehearsals, someone told me they thought it was beyond immersive; that it was interactive and they had no idea how much the show is really about the guests who come,” Banks said in an email. "But it didn't start like that. Years ago it was much more story driven, a narrative about fictional characters. But as our opening was stalled due to COVID- 19, we had time to re-evaluate the creation and tweak it to make the guest the star."

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The project was originally supposed to cover 21,000 square feet, but this was reduced after the delay.

ModelLand, which sells $35 adult tickets and $225 VIP admissions, is creating a fantastic version of the world of modeling through interactive entertainment, curated and user-generated content that can be shared.

The experience takes visitors to pose in different rooms, starting with the track room and meandering through spaces called the model school, the wig room, the bedroom, and the dance studio. Posing pros are on hand to share industry tips and tricks on how to strike a glamorous pose or find their best selfie angle.

Banks, who covered the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue three times and modeled for Victoria's Secret from 2003 to 2015, worked on the project for 13 years before it finally launched.

During this time, she also launched the reality show "America's Next Top Model" , which debuted in 2003 and ran for several seasons.