The fashion elite gathered on April 24th at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel for The Daily Front Row’s 9th Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards (FLAs), a night dedicated to honoring the industry’s brightest stars. This year’s honorees included two groundbreaking figures: the legendary Tyra Banks and the dynamic styling duo, Wayman + Micah.
Tyra Banks, who was honored with the Fashion Icon Award, took the stage with grace, humility, and her signature authenticity. The Inglewood, California native—a product of Immaculate Heart High School—was celebrated for her decades-long impact on the fashion industry, from her groundbreaking work as a supermodel to her entrepreneurial ventures and advocacy for diversity.
Beverly Johnson, the legendary supermodel, presented Banks with her award, recalling the struggles and triumphs of their shared journey in the industry.
Reflecting on her journey, Tyra shared an emotional speech that resonated deeply with everyone in the room. “Just nine miles from where you all are sitting right now tonight sits my high school. I’m an LA girl, Immaculate Heart High School,” she began, taking the audience on a trip down memory lane. “Now we’re going to go way back to 13-year-old me. On the first day of school, a girl came up to me and she asked me, ‘Are you a model?’ And I looked at her like she was out of her mind, because nobody had ever told me that I could ever be a model.”
Tyra continued, recounting the early days of her career, which started in a world that didn’t immediately embrace her uniqueness. Her speech captured the essence of her journey—a model who wasn’t just a pretty face but someone who pushed boundaries, broke barriers, and paved the way for others. She credited fashion with giving her a voice long before she ever had a microphone.
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“I want us to think about some people in our world, in our fashion world. Think about how Pharrell went from beats to Louis Vuitton. Rihanna went from music to makeup to Mama magic or Zendaya who went from Disney darling to fashion darling.” Tyra’s words were a powerful reminder that being an icon is not about resting on one’s laurels but evolving and embracing new challenges.
The moment also came with some personal revelations. She shared with the audience her excitement about returning to the runway after a 20-year hiatus. Tyra’s return to modeling, and her journey back to the runway, speaks to her boundless reinvention.
The night also honored Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald, the dynamic styling duo behind some of the most daring and stylish looks in menswear. Recognized as the Men’s Stylist of the Year, the two were celebrated for their ability to blend creativity with commercial success, infusing their clients’ personalities into each piece of clothing they style.
“We are so excited to be honored for our work in menswear,” Wayman told the Los Angeles Sentinel. “Menswear is something we’re truly passionate about. We’ve worked with amazing men who trust us to shape how menswear looks today. To be recognized for that is incredible.”
The duo’s talent extends beyond personal styling—Wayman and Micah are also working with major names like Colman Domingo, who is serving as co-chair for this year’s Met Gala, titled, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” which explores the importance of style to the formation of Black identities in the Atlantic diaspora. “If you see me on my phone tonight, know I’m not being aloof. I’m working,” joked Micah, giving a glimpse into the whirlwind of projects they juggle.
Their insights into the evolution of fashion in Los Angeles are equally inspiring. “LA fashion has its own pulse,” said Wayman. “It’s a mix of New Yorkers bringing their influence, combined with the unique style of the locals. We’ve made it a lifestyle here.”
As advocates for diversity and inclusion, Wayman and Micah’s advice to up-and-coming designers is rooted in resilience: “Be passionate, be great. Look at every struggle as something that you have the luxury of overcoming,” shared Micah. Wayman added, “Arm yourself with knowledge, and keep pushing forward.”
Among the glittering guests were music sensation Lizzo, who surprised the crowd by presenting the Makeup Artist of the Year award to Alex Mayo, and actress Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who honored Wayman + Micah with an emotional speech about their impact on the fashion industry. The night was a true testament to the power of fashion to inspire and break boundaries.
As the evening came to a close, it was clear that The Daily Front Row’s Fashion Los Angeles Awards had once again highlighted the incredible talents shaping the intersection of fashion and Hollywood. And for Tyra Banks, Wayman + Micah, and the countless others who continue to redefine the industry, the best is yet to come.
