It was officially announced yesterday that Tyra has signed an endorsement deal with IMG to guide her company in the right direction. The deal will give Banks commercial endorsements and fashion related opportunities.

“IMG is proud to work with Tyra, one of the worldâ€s most iconic supermodels and media personalities, and it is our pleasure to welcome her back.” said Ivan Bart, SVP and Managing Director of IMG Models Worldwide. “She has an immense and loyal following, and we are thrilled with the opportunity to partner with her as she embarks on a new and exciting period of brand-building. IMG will help expand her relationships with companies through endorsements, and will assist her in developing business relationships with sponsors whose missions she feels strongly about.”

In case you’re wondering why this is such a big deal, IMG is the agency of record for other star enterprising models like Gisele Bundchen, Heidi Klum and Kate Moss in New York. IMG Models is a division of the same company that produces New York Fashion Week, and many other fashion weeks and events around the world. Tyra is very positive about the transition, hoping to “align herself with the brands she believes in, and help all involved gain success and grow their businesses.” {Talking Makeup} The model (TV host at the time) who told critics to “kiss my fat ass” wouldn’t be the first supermodel to make a comeback (Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington and many older 90s models have been seen on runways and in ad campaigns). With the growing popularity of body types that are more Coke bottle curvy than waif straight, it seems that Tyra’s timing is pretty good.

This also comes on the heels of a recently announced book series called Modelland, which from descriptions sounds a bit like Harry Potter with prettier people.

“Drawing from an area of expertise she is avidly passionate about, Tyraâ€s MODELLAND is the story of a teen girl in a make-believe society who finds herself competing for a way of life that’s both hotly desired and woefully out of reach at an academy for Intoxibellas, the most exceptional models known to humankind. As the plot unfolds, readers will uncover lessons that are buried beneath the surface of this magical world.” {the Cut}

If Andre Leon Talley’s appearances on America’s Next Top Model are anything to go on, don’t expect any run of the mill wizard capes like at Hogwarts. In Modelland, we’re pretty sure they’d all be designer. We aren’t sure if Modelland will bring Tyra JK Rowling-like publishing success, but we can’t blame her for trying.

When she announced the end of the Tyra show, Tyra promised more projects to come, so the moves should come as no surprise.  is such a strong and empowering female force to be reckoned with-or should we say fierce to be reckoned with. When she “retired” from the runway in 2005, we thought her various TV projects would keep her away, but it seems like the allure of fashionable old habits was too difficult to resist. If there’s a pattern to her retirements though, perhaps it means the Tyra show won’t be gone forever.

Next up in eBay’s fight to attract the attention of fashionistas is Fashion Vault, a series of exclusive, limited-time-only sales offering eBay members incredible discounts on designer duds — and with free shipping to boot!

On sale now (and ending tomorrow morning) is DKNY, with up to 70% savings on some really great finds, like a Cape Cod-cool relaxed-fit twill peacoat, $129.99, and a pair of lovely secretary-chic Mary Jane pumps — a steal at $159.99 for genuine croc leather!

Sales are very short (only two or three days) and merchandise is limited, so your best bet is to sign up with eBay to receive Fashion Vault updates whenever new sales crop up.  Brands are kept secret till sales begin, so keep your eyes peeled and your trigger finger limber!

For more information, visit Fashion Vault on eBay.

JC Penney Co. has made an agreement with the European retailer to sell exclusive merchandise (under the brand name MNG by Mango) via mini-stores.

The partnership is part of JCP’s attempt to draw in a younger, more style-savvy crowd, as well as to differentiate itself from the older (and less fashionable) image of the dying American department store.

We think the partnership is a smart move, though in order for it to work it’s absolutely essential that Mango’s JCP offerings remain as trendy and fashion-forward as Mango in general.  The big mistake department store dinosaurs have been making is remaining too timid with their fashion partnerships, and we hope the MNG clothes appearing at the in store boutiques don’t get watered down to stay safe.
Read the full story (subscription) {Wall Street Journal}