Banks is back on the runway! The 50-year-old supermodel made a stunning return to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on October 15 in New York City.
After retiring from modeling in 2005, Tyra Banks surprised fans by walking in the show for the first time in nearly 20 years. Her return brought cheers and excitement, proving that she is still one of the most iconic models of all time.
Banks, who had walked in nine Victoria’s Secret shows before her retirement, wowed the crowd as she strutted down the runway to the song “Native New Yorker.” She looked glamorous in a sparkling outfit, wearing a silver cape with black lining, a crystal-covered bustier, shiny leggings, and high heels. With her signature “smize” (smiling with her eyes), Banks showed that she still has the confidence and style that made her a star.
Before her big runway moment, Banks helped build anticipation for the show. In August, she appeared in a fun video on Instagram with another Victoria’s Secret model, Gigi Hadid. The video showed Hadid getting excited to meet Banks, who invited her to join the show. This playful teaser got fans talking and built excitement for Banks’ return.
This year’s fashion show was special, as it marked the first time Victoria’s Secret held the event since it was canceled in 2019. The company decided to bring the show back after listening to fans who missed it. In May, Victoria’s Secret announced that the fashion show would return, saying, “The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is BACK and will reflect who we are today, plus everything you know and love — the glamour, runway, wings, musical entertainment, and more!”
The company also said that this year’s show would be more modern, showing how the brand has changed over the years. They promised that while the show would still have the fun and fashion people love, it would also show a new, more inclusive side of the brand. “We’re thrilled to share a women-led version of this iconic show,” Victoria’s Secret said in a statement.
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For Banks, stepping back on the runway after almost two decades felt surreal. “It feels crazy being back on the Victoria’s Secret runway,” she shared on Instagram. “I mean ‘cray cray,’ as in ‘crazy good.’ I never thought that I would be back on this runway, to be honest.”
In an interview with Harper’s BAZAAR, Banks talked about how unreal it felt to return after so long. She even practiced walking in heels to prepare for the show! “I walked off that runway in 2005, and I had this big retirement. It was such a big deal,” she said. “I felt like an athlete who’s hanging up their cleats, like I was done. And now, I’m back!”
Although Banks thought she was finished with runway modeling, she is thrilled to return. “I never in a million years thought I would be back on the runway, but I’m so excited and ready for this,” she added.
The 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which aired on October 15, featured all the elements that fans love — dazzling runway looks, iconic wings, and musical performances. For anyone who missed it, the show was available for streaming on Prime Video and on Victoria’s Secret’s YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram channels.
