Top Model's Nigel & Miss J Speak About Tyra's Weight

Star reporter Shira Levine spoke exclusively to America's Next Top Model judge Nigel Barker and modeling coach J. Alexander at Fashion Week to ask them what they thought of all the hoopla over Tyra Banks' weight. Here's what they had to say!

Nigel Barker:
How do you respond to the media and public's focus on Tyra Banks' noticeable weight expansion?
"Personally I think she is in great shape. The fashion industry is obsessed with weight one way or another. On one hand they are commenting that the models on the runway are too skinny, and on the other hand they say Tyra's put on too much weight. She had a successful career as a model. She was always vivacious and now she is a 32-year-old lady and she just looks fabulous. She is normal."

Are you still able to shoot her at this current weight?
"I do work with her as she is. We shoot her every season."

What is the image of Tyra now with her new, normal and natural body?
"Whether someone is thick, thin, wide, tall, its really if they have a personality that is going to sell in a picture — that's what the magic is in a picture. She is a larger than life personality. She is extremely successful woman — probably the most successful woman of her age and certainly of women of color. I take my hat off to her!"

J. Alexander:
How do you respond to the media and public's focus on Tyra Banks' noticeable weight expansion?
"Bravo Tyra! Tyra's not seventeen. Seventeen-year-olds don't have that body. Tyra is a grown woman. Her chest is her success and her ass is full of cash. That's not fat."

Will you still work with her as a model?
"Of course I would still work with her. We've been friends forever. That is a woman's body."

Do you think she can influence the fashion industry with her image?
"She is almost single-handedly helping and changing [the industry's] idea of women's weight. She is model, she knows how to pose, and she knows how to hide any sort of fault with her body. Tyra is not fat. Tyra is a woman. The people have not released the image of Tyra as a model. You can quote me on it. Tyra Banks is not fat. She is successful."