Tyra Banks made her highly anticipated return to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway for the first time in nearly two decades, having retired from modeling in 2005. Her angelic comeback took place on October 15, where she closed the show in a stunning black bustier adorned with crystals, paired with a silver cape, dark leggings, and strappy heels.
With her signature smize, Tyra glided down the runway, marking her first catwalk since her retirement. At 50, she remains one of the original Victoria’s Secret Angels, having graced the runway during the brand’s early days in the ’90s. Over her eight-year modeling contract, she participated in nine shows, including wearing the iconic Fantasy Bra twice.
Reflecting on her retirement, Tyra shared with Harper’s Bazaar that she turned down another contract with Victoria’s Secret to pursue a career as a talk show host, believing she needed to be taken seriously. “I felt I couldn’t be viewed as credible if I was still modeling,” she said. However, she now sees the industry differently. “The world has evolved, allowing me to be a businesswoman, run my ice cream company, teach at Stanford, and yes, model for Victoria’s Secret.”
Tyra emphasized that women no longer have to fit into a single stereotype. “I’m thrilled to come back and celebrate all aspects of myself without feeling like I need to compromise,” she explained. She also expressed excitement over the fashion industry’s growing acceptance of diverse body types. “I was considered curvier and a Black model at a time when that was significant. Now, the doors have truly opened.”
She concluded, “It’s a beautiful evolution toward greater diversity and inclusivity in fashion.” See more photos inside…
Images via Victoria’s Secret
