Tyra Banks has made a stunning return to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway, nearly 20 years after her retirement.
The supermodel wowed the audience on Tuesday night, showcasing a striking black bustier corset with a matching cape that resembled shattered glass, complemented by dazzling leggings and strappy black heels.
Tyra Banks closed out the show, which also featured prominent models like Gigi Hadid and Adriana Lima, along with performances by Cher and Tyla. At 50 years old, Banks hadn’t graced the runway since 2005.
Reflections on Retirement and Evolution
In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she described her return as an “out-of-body experience.” Reflecting on her decision to retire, Banks noted, “When I decided to retire, Victoria’s Secret had come to me with another contract. I felt that I needed to be a talk show host and be taken seriously for my words. I didn’t think I could be respected as a model at that time.”
However, Banks believes the landscape has changed. “The world has evolved in such a way that I can be a businesswoman, run my ice cream company, speak at business institutions, earn my certificate from Harvard, teach at Stanford, and yes, be a Victoria’s Secret model.”
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Diversity and Future Opportunities
Banks praised the increased diversity on the Victoria’s Secret runway, stating, “I feel like I cracked it open, and now that it’s burst open, I’m so excited.” While she didn’t rule out future runway appearances, she mentioned she would evaluate her options after the show to determine her next steps.
This year’s show also marked a significant comeback for Victoria’s Secret, returning for the first time since 2018. The retailer announced the revival in an Instagram video back in May, stating, “We’ve read the comments and heard you,” acknowledging the need for a fresh approach after a six-year hiatus.
Star-Studded Runway and Historic Moments
The runway was filled with star power, featuring high-profile models like Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid, Adriana Lima, Kate Moss, and Joan Smalls. Gigi Hadid opened the show in an angelic pink ensemble, showcasing short, slicked-back hair, a plunging one-piece, and beautiful angel wings. Meanwhile, Moss donned a black lace, see-through dress, paired with a matching bra, panties, and peignoir, while her 22-year-old daughter, Lila Moss, also made her runway debut.
In a historic moment for the brand, transgender models Alex Consani and Valentina Sampaio walked the runway for the first time. Sampaio, who became Victoria’s Secret’s first transgender model in 2019 and made headlines as Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue’s first transgender model in 2020, expressed her pride: “This moment is one I will cherish for a lifetime. Today, the Victoria’s Secret family has shown the world that being trans is just as exceptional and beautiful as anyone else on that runway. Inclusivity is crucial to the world we are building, and I’m honored to walk with pride, love, and the hope of inspiring the next generation.”
