Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Tyra Banks' ModelLand theme park: Tickets on sale for up to $1,495
www.usatoday.com: The model, television personality and businesswoman, 46, is launching ModelLand an attraction in Santa Monica, California, that will "emulate a fantasy version of the modeling world with state-of-the-art interactive entertainment where beauty, fashion, tech, theatre, retail and an eating extravaganza collide," her website describes.
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8 comments:
If I had heard about this opportunity when I was much much younger, I can almost guarantee you that I would have begged my parents at every corner to take me. Me having no concept of money and how much over $1000 actually is - I would probably read the description of ModelLand and leap at the chance to live like Tyra Banks. Then I guess that’s probably what watching copious amounts of America’s Next Top Model gets you. Now, if I want to fly all the way to San Diego I either need to sell a kidney for a ticket or pretend that I’m 12 or under. I think if I was going to go out of my way to visit Tyra’s ModelLand I would want to go out and experience the full package. I have never wanted to be a model, but what Tyra puts her hands on turns to gold and I definitely want a part of that.
Although I absolutely love Tyra and I think modeling as a profession definitely doesn’t have much beyond what it already is as an industry compared to other entertainment mediums, I’m not sure I completely agree with what this theme park is trying to say or prove. I think that firstly, especially with the interior design, this theme park risks glorifying the modeling world and making it feel so luxurious and appealing even though it is the exact opposite. As many peoples’ thoughts on modeling go as far as people looking pretty and posing in front of a camera, it is a lot more than that and I would assume Tyra, out of anyone, would know that. It is hard work and it takes thick skin in order to be able to succeed and take that amount of criticism which is solely based on your appearance. I think the price is absolutely absurd which also makes me think that this “theme park” is not for everyone but catered to a specific group of people who can both afford to pay that much but also are interested enough to pay that much.
Does anyone remember Glamour Shots? This sounds like Glamour Shots, but a hundred times more expensive and a lot more stressful. Glamour Shots are just like when you go to the JC Penny in the mall to get your family photos, but someone does your makeup and the photos are typically solo shots. Glamour Shots were a popular way to do senior photos or even a fun birthday present. Modelland adds consultation and raises the stakes as well as the prices. I feel like this could be a fun activity for kids who think they want to be a model, but I do not understand the appeal for the adults who could actually make the decision to drop $1,000 on something like this. A trip to Disneyland could easily cost less. This theme park markets itself as a fantasy land for modeling, which is why I feel it would be most appealing for children who obviously don’t know the industry yet. I would be shocked if this were to be a success.
This whole concept just seems weird to me. I wouldn't pay that much money to go into a fancy room and have people take pictures of me and get pampered. ModelLand just seems like a giant and expensive spa. I would argue that there is a bigger need for science museums and children's museums than a museum about and for models. Resources, space, and time should be spent on things that will bridge a gap in the community and bring a much needed resource to people who want or need it. ModelLand just seems like a fantasy world that is not in touch with the world today. Spending that much money on VIP packages seems elitist to me. I wish celebrities would spend their wealth on resources that could better a community and help it. ModelLand does not seem like it would help people in need. However, I do understand that there will be many people who would love this idea and will go. I'm just uncomfortable with a museum that glorifies an industry that treats women horribly, and with a museum that is only for those that can pay.
Tyra Banks has always been over the top but this... this is extra. On one hand I'm wondering who is the target audience and who will every go here. But on the other hand, in this new age of social media and influencers, and people needing the "perfect picture" to post, this is the ideal spot. If I'm being honest, when I first opened this article I had every intent on questioning everything and whether this was even a necessary attraction. However, as I read more and saw images, I'm now at a point that if I'm ever in Santa Monica with money to blow, I would love to go here and experience this "lifestyle" for an hour or two. I know that sounds extremely superficial, but...the experience, though. Immersive theatre? Or rather, an interactive experience. It's like the Museum of Ice Cream. You'd wonder why, but it's a big hit. Especially among people who want the best backdrop to their perfect picture. Never mind that they're on a dairy free diet or lactose intolerant- the amazing photos are worth it.
I don’t quite how I feel about this. I do love the fashion world with all its glamour and luxury, and this theme park seems like a fun way to experience that. Yet, at the same time the whole thing just screams privilege to me. The title is misleading, as the theme park does offer tickets for the public for $59 that gives them a fun experience, but all of the glorious stuff is more expensive, which ironically the models can pay for, so it just seems like another shoot for them. The whole situation just feels odd. It’s fun that Tyra Banks is having creative fun with the modeling world beyond just posing for pictures, but the price seems a bit excessive and inaccessible. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to go, but I’m going to an art college so my money needs to be spent on my future rather than a theme park to take pictures.
I am not sure that I like or agree with what Tyra Banks is trying to sell at her theme park, but I do understand it. I think that it is a lot of young people’s dream to become a successful model, especially given the glamourisation of models on television and in games as well as the new rise in “Instagram models” or “Instagram baddies” where seemingly anyone can shoot to stardom if they have the looks or (occasionally) the talent. In the article, however, the word “fantasy” is mentioned quite a bit; and that is just what is being sold here. Having this word all over branding material and whatnot is actually quite brilliant: people are not being mislead in any way, shape, or form, but because the word “fantasy” has quite positive connotations, it feels like a much more personalised experience.
Just from reading the title, I expected myself to be judging every aspect this article has to offer. While I do not particularly like this idea, I actually grew to be a little bit intrigued by the whole thing; not because I condone it or desire it in any sense, but because I really love theme worlds, I really like tiers, and I really like structure, and this theme world exemplifies that. On the other hand, this seems too extravagant and, exactly like Elinore says, screams privilege. While I acknowledge there are different tiers/prices of tickets, it still rubs me the wrong way. It is very influencer-esque that promotes this overtly ostentatious lifestyle as the ideal one, which truly screams privilege. I do not doubt that social media influencers and possible would-be influencers will be flocking to this theme park, but it is not something I would ever go for. More power to Tyra Banks, I guess.
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