So Tyra Banks re-signed with IMG! I have to admit that I am a little bit shocked because of her announcing her retirement a few years back to blaze her own trail. But as smart as Tyra is, she knows how to play her cards. As I said before, the average editorial model has a short lifespan in the modeling industry. You're retired by age 22 because by then, you're too old! But there are other opportunities such as commercial modeling and acting. The acting industry is hard to break into as well, unless you know someone. She went from just a (super) model to having her own show- Not one but two! ANTM and The Tyra Show. She even inspired other supermodels, such as Heidi Klum, to jump on the bandwagon as well. I'm happy her! Go ahead and keep building that empire!

Source:
http://www.fashionologie.com/Tyra-Bankss-New-Polaroids-IMG-Have-Surfaced...

Dear Lu,

My passion is modeling and have been doing it for the past couple of years. Some jobs are paid, some are not. When someone asks me to do a shoot for them, how do I tell them politely that I should be paid without them thinking I'm being a "stuck up" model? Some of these people I've done free shoots with before, but now I need money.

Dear Model,

Dear Lu,

I've been carrying on an office affair with one of my co-workers for 4 months. I really want to break it off with him because it's affecting my work. We tried to keep our relationship a low profile now, but I think my boss is starting to catch wind about it. I really care about my career but I know it will affect it, if they find out about us. How should I let him down easy?

Dear Low Profile,

Dear Lu,

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Hi Lu,
I am 21 years old and a "music video" model. I've done videos for various artists, such as Jay Z, 50 cent and such. My roles aren't always the classy roles, but I am ready to switch into high end modeling and/or commercial modeling. Since I've been seen in these "not so classy" roles, could that deter me from getting more classy roles with Levi jeans or a Target ad in the future?

Dear Video Girl,

We had a great time at the tents this year, but sadly, this will be the last year at Bryant Park (but that's what they've been saying for the past 3 years). So anyway, we decided to post images of the show and what went on in the tents and around.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

Dear Lu,
I broke up with my boyfriend of 4 years. We lived together and I based my whole life around him. Now that we broke up, I'm not sure what I should do next. It's not easy being alone. Do you have any suggestions of how to start new?

Dear Starting Over,
Lets start by learning life’s most valuable lesson; you never base your whole life around anyone with the exception of you. I promise others will love you if you love yourself. Others will find you interesting if you make yourself interesting. Please start nothing new until you do these two things.

Shoes by The John Ashford Collection "Left Hand Lacey" AKA "The Editor Shoes"... I know, I know, they're my fav:-)

John Ashford, Creative Director of ZEPHORAHmagazine

Dear Lu,

I am considered a "commercial" model. I am an average size woman, but I wish I was thinner. Whenever I go to castings, I am always surrounded by thin women. I am thinking of getting a breast reduction because I am always getting comments about my breast from a lot of people. I think my breast make me look heavier than I actually am. I really want to succeed in modeling but I feel that I am required to change my look... Even if it means me getting work done to my body. Is it worth it for a commercial model?

Dear Commercial Model,