Tyson Beckford is among a rare breed to have been labelled a male supermodel, a fashion model so influential they are lauded as industry icons.

His rise to fame coincided with a change in social perception that allowed a man to be both masculine and interact with fashion at the highest level.

Tyson's career was catapulted when he was captured by Bruce Weber's lens for the 1994 Polo Sport fall range. This famous shoot was hastily followed by him being signed to an exclusive five-year contract with Ralph Lauren.

He was also the spokes-model for Ralph Lauren's men's fragrances and became the undisputed face of that prestigious brand.

Tyson has taken to his role as a guest judge and mentor for the finalists of Make Me A Supermodel with the same energy and professionalism that has been a trademark of his career.

"There is a lot of potential in this group of guys and girls – some of them will go a long way if they really want it," Tyson says of the talent he's already witnessed during his time with Make Me A Supermodel.

And despite spending the majority of his working life surrounded by the world's most beautiful women, Tyson still has room to be impressed. Well, who wouldn't be when it comes to Make Me A Supermodel host Jennifer Hawkins.

"She's one of the most beautiful girls I've seen," he says. "She's so beautiful and laid-back."

Tyson's portfolio includes cover shoots for Arena, Details, GQ, Essence, The Face, L'Uomo Vogue, L'Uomo Mondo, and The New York Times magazine, and countless awards.

In 1995, People magazine named him one of the world's "50 Most Beautiful People."

Tyson has also transferred his modelling success into film and TV, including a role in the 2005 feature film Into The Blue with Paul Walker and Jessica Alba and a cameo in Ben Stiller's hit Zoolander.

He has also been co-host and mentor on the US version of Make Me a Supermodel.