Selita Ebanks Biography

Caymanian model Selita Ebanks is quickly becoming one of the most recognizable faces in the modeling world. She has gained the greatest exposure, however, for her work as a Victoria’s Secret “Angel.”

Selita Ebanks was born February 15, 1983 in George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Her unique looks are a combination of Indian, Caymanian, and Jamaican heritage.

Ebanks grew up in a large and poor household with seven brothers. Following in the footsteps of these brothers, Ebanks played many sports such as tennis, basketball, and football. She obtained her education from George Town primary school.

Eventually moving to Staten Island, New York, she attended a variety of colleges such as Spelman College, Columbia University, and New York University. Although she attended each for a time, Ebanks never ended up graduating. Her initial plan was to study law, but she changed direction as her modeling career began taking off.

Spotted by a talent scout while attending Six Flags, Ebanks’ career began at the age of seventeen by luck and coincidence.

Since that initial discovery, Ebanks has worked with many of the world’ most renowned fashion photographers. This includes Bruce Weber, Peter Lindbergh, Carter Smith, Mikael Jansson, Steven Klein, and others. She has also earned spots in many noted fashion campaigns with Abercrombie & Fitch, Ralph Lauren, and Tommy Hilfiger.

But her most noted gig has been an extended time with Victoria’s Secret. Both her and fellow model Izabel Goulart debuted to rave success in 2005.

During her time with Victoria’s Secret, Ebanks and Tyra Banks became very close, often citing Banks as her mentor.

In 2007, Ebanks underwent a breast augmentation making her former A cup frame into a 33C. The change earned her the chance to model the $4.5 million Holiday Fantasy bra set at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

Ebanks increased her visibility when she made her first appearance on a television program. She played herself in one episode of How I Met Your Mother opposite series regulars Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders, Neil Patrick Harris, and Alyson Hannigan. She also appeared with fellow Victoria’s Secret models Alessandra Ambrosio, Marisa Miller, Adriana Lima, Heidi Klum, and Miranda Kerr.

Others may recognize Ebanks for her work with the 2007 Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition.

Branching out into other areas of entertainment, Ebanks has even begun her recording career as well.

In her personal life, Ebanks made headlines when she became engaged to actor and rapper Nick Cannon. They officially called off the engagement, however, on October 4, 2007.

She has also been linked to James Blake, Tom Brady, Tony Romo, and Tad Kornegay.

She is currently with Osi Umenyiora.