“WHAT I’VE LEARNED FROM MY MUM’

The model and her mother, Carolyn London, talk on loving their bodies and the joys of motherhood

Tyra Banks and mum Carolyn London share their special bond.

Tyra Banks has always been close to her mother, Carolyn London. But just how close was hammered home to them when Banks’s 2-yearold son, York, came up with a double-duty nickname. “He calls us Mama Nana,” says Banks with a laugh. Throughout Banks’s life, London, who once managed her daughter’s career, has been indispensable: helping Banks break into modelling at 15, encouraging her to break down racial and physical barriers in the fashion world and, more recently, standing by her side as Banks, 44, battled fertility issues before becoming a mother herself.

“It hurt me so much to watch her struggle,” says London, 72. Now Banks, who split from York’s father, Erik Asla, in October, and London have written a joint memoir, Perfect Is Boring.

They sat with WHO to discuss their journey and the joys of imperfection. What was it like writing a book together? BANKS We totally fought! She cursed me out one day. She’s like, “I’m so tired of this book!” LONDON I spent years working with her behind the scenes. This was a different kind of pressure. But the more we did it, the easier it got. Have you always levelled with each other? LONDON From the beginning, with my son [Devin, 50] and Tyra, it was: “You can get what you need to know from me, not out on the street.” BANKS I always knew I could ask her anything. I was like, “What does that drug do?” She would tell me so I didn’t feel the need to experiment. It helped me not go buck-wild crazy, especially in the fashion industry. It’s so important to have those talks. York will be trying to jump out of the car based on me just being real and raw with him! Tyra went to Paris alone at 18 to model. What was that like for you as her mother? LONDON Very tough. I wanted her to know that her life is her decision, but I really wanted her to go to college. But I armed her. I made sure she understood that she’s a commodity. By 23, Tyra, you were the first black model with a solo Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue cover and the first with a Victoria’s Secret contract. Were those proud moments? BANKS One day those distinctions are going to be in the past, and that excites me more. What I’m hoping for is we’re just models, not plus, not short, not trans, not curvy. Just normal. You’ve dealt with criticism for your weight over the years. What is that like? BANKS I used to feel like my body was

not mine. If I’m too thin or I’m too big ... I don’t feel that now. I’ve lost 30 pounds [13.6kg] in nine months—i weigh 159 [72.1kg]. But I still got ass, I got boobs. You have to indulge. My mom and I are triggers for each other— we love ice-cream! Where do you stand on plastic surgery? BANKS I think women should fix it or flaunt it! If you like your natural self, don’t worry about who you are. But if you have something you feel insecure about? I do not judge that. I had a nose job. I had itching from the bones in my nose, but it was also cosmetic. I haven’t done age stuff. I would, but I haven’t.

You tried IVF before using a surrogate to have York. What was that like?

BANKS It was emotional. LONDON She set up a nursery and she put a tile in the floor that said, “Mommy Already Loves You.” And then she found out the IVF had failed. It ripped my heart out. BANKS In surrogacy there are so many stages. It’s living on edge, until I held him. LONDON I kept saying, “You have a baby!”

What are Tyra’s strengths as a mother?

LONDON The way she communicates with York. No baby talk, they have a conversation. BANKS I don’t talk down to children—they are human beings. How is your relationship with York’s dad? BANKS Erik and I are really good friends. We hang out. We have a teepee in the house, and [recently] I jumped in the teepee and Erik jumped in and York jumped in. It’s nice to have that.

Are you dating?

BANKS I’m not talking about that!

When are you happiest these days?

BANKS When York and my mom and I are snuggling in bed. The three generations together!