Tyra Banks Makes Triumphant Return to Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show After 19 Years
Tyra Banks is back, and she’s proving once again why she’s an absolute legend in the modeling world. The 50-year-old supermodel took to the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on Tuesday night, marking her first appearance at the event in nearly two decades. Dressed in a sleek black bustier corset with a matching cape that sparkled like shattered glass, paired with dazzling leggings and strappy black heels, Banks closed the show with a powerful walk that left the audience cheering and gasping for air! The return of this iconic fashion event also featured top models like Gigi Hadid and Adriana Lima, alongside electrifying performances by Cher and South African singer Tyla.
An ‘Out-of-Body Experience’: Why Tyra Decided to Come Back
In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Banks opened up about why she decided to come out of retirement and rejoin the Victoria’s Secret lineup after almost 20 years. “When I decided to retire, Victoria’s Secret had come to me and had another contract on the table,” she said. “But I decided, ‘No, I need to be a talk show host, and I need to be trusted for my words. I don’t think I can be taken seriously if I am still a model,’ and maybe that was true at that time.”
Now, however, things have changed. “The world has evolved in such a way that I can be a businesswoman, have my ice cream company, speak at business institutions, and, yes, be a Victoria’s Secret model,” Banks said. She noted that her return felt like an “out-of-body experience,” adding that she’s thrilled to see the increased diversity on the runway, something she believes she helped set in motion during her earlier years with the brand. “I feel like I cracked it open, and now that they’re burst open, I’m so excited,” she reflected.
The Return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Banks’ comeback was part of a broader revival for Victoria’s Secret, which resurrected its fashion show for the first time since 2018. The brand had canceled the event in 2019, citing a shift in marketing strategy amid declining ratings and criticism over body positivity. However, in May, Victoria’s Secret announced its return with a teaser video on Instagram, promising fans that they had listened to feedback and were ready to bring back the glamour.
The show did not disappoint. Alongside Banks’ triumphant return, the runway was graced by an impressive lineup of top models including Bella and Gigi Hadid, Adriana Lima, Kate Moss, and Joan Smalls. Gigi Hadid, 29, opened the show in a pink, silky one-piece with angel wings, radiating confidence with her short, slicked-back hair. She told Harper’s Bazaar that she’s still figuring out her future in modeling, saying, “I will assess all of this other stuff and figure out what I want to do and what I don’t want to do.”
Star-Studded Event With Performances and Celeb Guests
It wasn’t just the models that made headlines; the show featured powerful performances that brought extra energy to the event. Cher captivated the crowd with a stunning rendition of her classic hits, while rising star Tyla wowed the audience with her vibrant stage presence.
The evening was a who’s who of entertainment, with guests like Queen Latifah, Cardi B, Coco Jones, Teyana Taylor, Angel Reese, Ice Spice, and more showing up to support the event. The guest list itself was a testament to the cultural relevance the brand still holds, even after its years-long hiatus.
A New Era for Victoria’s Secret and Tyra Banks
Tyra Banks’ return to the runway was not just a nostalgic nod to her iconic career; it also signaled a shift in how the modeling industry has evolved over the years. Victoria’s Secret is making a clear attempt to reclaim its spot in the fashion world by embracing inclusivity and celebrating the diversity that models like Banks helped pioneer.
As for Banks, her comeback proves that age is just a number. With her various ventures, including her ice cream company, SMiZE Cream, and her roles as a businesswoman and educator, she’s showing that there’s no limit to what she can accomplish. “I can teach at Stanford, run a business, and still rock that runway,” she said confidently, leaving fans to wonder—what’s next for Tyra Banks?
Tyra’s return to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show wasn’t just a walk down memory lane; it was a celebration of her multifaceted career and a bold statement that she’s still got it. And if Tuesday night’s show was any indication, we can all look forward to seeing more of the unstoppable Tyra Banks in the future.
Watch the full 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show below.
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