// ROCKA.CANDY // | THE ANTHONY MACKIE OF BLOGS

Rumor has it that these noir mannequins are about as friendly as Whitney Houston to a potential fan (Didn’t you see the pilot for Being Bobby Brown?). According to the gossips, friction began when an up-and-coming Tyra Banks began receiving shine from fashion tastemakers and Naomi Campbell, in a bid to remain the top black model in the world, snubbed Banks at various intervals and would have her thrown off fashion shows.

Who knows what’s actually true and what’s Page Six hype? Regardless, it definitely makes for an interesting backdrop to our seedy versus column. So in honor of keeping shit going, the Rocka Candy interns present The Battle of the Bitchy Models.

» Cover Credibility – Everyone knows the frenzy Tyra caused a couple of years ago, with her infamous Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover. Ever the cover girl, Tyra has also been featured recently on Suede, Essence, and Paper Magazine. Meanwhile, in Naomi’s world there really is only one magazine cover - Vogue. While Tyra has graced just about every magazine known to man, she’s never garnered a Vogue cover – the Holy Grail for most bold-facers. Like Liya Kebede, Naomi was made for Vogue. She’s so legendary that Campbell won this round before we mentioned that she’s the first black female model featured on the cover of French Vogue, British Vogue, and Time Magazine (Naomi)

» Hairy Situation – Any model worth fitting into a couture outfit has to have a face that can carry any style imaginable. While both women are known for their ever changing manes, its Tyra’s who excels in this category. Not only is her hair an ever-changing animal of color and texture, it’s also becoming quite difficult to remember what it actually looks like underneath it all – which was most likely her plan all along. (Tyra)

» The Body – At 35 (the equivalent of 80 for model-speak) Naomi’s body is tighter than Katie Holmes’ virgin ass (It’s still tight, Tom’s not touching it). So tight that at Heatherette’s Bryant Park show two years ago, Naomi trumped then it-girl Paris Hilton for the signature last walk on the runway. Meanwhile, at 31 Tyra is
battling the bulge and is considered by many in the industry (mainly Janice Dickinson) as a plus sized model. (Naomi)

» On the Catwalk – Ok, so Naomi fell once while walking in some highly complicated Geisha shoes, but she vowed never to fall again and she hasn’t. But who hasn’t witnessed Tyra’s commanding of the floor as a Victoria Secret Angel. Although Naomi is in demand more than ever for her skills on the Catwalk, it’s Tyra’s sassy ‘tude that makes our heart race. (Tyra)

» The Attitude – Tyra’s always so nice… so nice in fact that when she blew up at a contestant on her show, it was considered news. Naomi, on the other hand is infamous for her tantrums and lawsuits (how many assistants has she beat up at this point?) Not only does Naomi love to start shit when fueled with coke, she flipped her bitch move into a modish fashion statement, by wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with “Naomi hit me on the front”, and “I loved it,” on the back. And honestly, we did love it. (Naomi)

» Off The Runway – While both have embarked on careers outside of the fashion world, it’s Tyra whose experienced the most success recently with her reality show, America’s Next Top Model. Both women unsuccessfully recorded lack luster albums (Both albums were abandoned after sucky lead singles), and Naomi even attempted a stab at writing with her less than impressive novel on the fashion world, Swan. But considering that each mannequin has new projects lined up in the fall, (A reality show on E! for Campbell, and a talk show for Banks). The ball could easily end up back in Naomi’s court. (Tyra)

» The Love Life – It’s no secret that supermodel’s have their choice of any available straight men (and a couple of gays) on the planet. Naomi’s been linked to everyone from Usher, Robert Dinero, Mike Tyson, U2’s Adam Clayton and more recently über millionaire Flavio Briatore. And while Naomi was cavorting with the Who’s who among entertainers with bank, it’s Tyra who scored the most points when she bagged sexy Sacramento Kings star, Chris Webber. (Tyra)

» Global Appeal – Although they have taken their careers in vastly different arena’s, each has etched their own indelible mark on the fashion industry and the pop culture landscape. Meanwhile Tyra is experiencing resurgence in popularity following the launch of Top Model, but it’s Naomi who has become quite legendary because of her antics outside of the spotlight – which is the mark of true celebrity. (Naomi)

» Personal Style – You’d think with the access to the worlds top stylist, designers, and trendsetters (Like Ms. Jay) Tyra or Naomi would never have an off day – but in reality it just isn’t so. While both have had candid moments, it seems that Tyra is caught without her hand in the make-up bag more often. Remember during the late nineties when she tried making straight back corn-rows for supermodels en vogue (I’ve seen Lynne d. Johnson rock rows with more flavor). Meanwhile Naomi has always remained a little higher brow with her style, with the mantra less is more. While Tyra is quite cute, Naomi is iconic. (Naomi)

According to the interns - This bitch is smoking…