Tyra Banks commandeered the spotlight during the exhilarating finale of the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, nearly two decades since her legendary last stride down the runway. The iconic 50-year-old supermodel reasserted her unwavering prowess as she graced the stage in New York City on October 15th, emerging from beneath the stage's embrace to steal the show. Dressed in shimmering gray leggings, accentuated by a silver bodice ensemble and capped off with a matching metallic cape that fluttered gracefully in the breeze, Banks strutted her stuff with an undiminished fervor.
As she conquered the catwalk, her cape became a spectacle, flowing effortlessly with each stride. Upon reaching the pinnacle of the runway, she spun the cape in a dazzling display, stealing the hearts of all who beheld. As the curtains drew to a close, she was embraced by her fellow Victoria's Secret Angels, celebrating a triumphant return.
In August, Victoria's Secret made waves by announcing Banks's comeback to the prestigious roster of models, partnering with Gigi Hadid to herald the return of the iconic event after a six-year hiatus. In a heartwarming Instagram video, Banks extended an invitation to Hadid, sweetly saying, "See you there," while Hadid, 29, responded with a tender "I love you" as she gracefully departed.
Months later, Banks teased her upcoming appearance with a fiery TikTok video, expressing her disbelief and sheer joy at the prospect of returning to the Victoria's Secret runway. "It feels crazy being back—cray-cray good, even," she exclaimed. "Honestly, I never thought I'd walk this runway again. I remember it vividly, almost 20 years ago, when I said to myself, 'This is it.' The press frenzy, declaring my 'last walk'—it was all so dramatic. But here I am, pulled back in by the magic of it all."
Reflecting on her iconic final walk in 2005, she reminisced about her red ensemble adorned with medals, her cascading locks, extravagant lashes, and the symbolic scepter with a 'V' emblazoned, as she kissed and triumphantly raised it at the runway's end.
Since her debut with the brand in 1996, Banks has made history as the first Black Victoria's Secret contract model, cover model, and pioneer of groundbreaking moments. Her comeback, however, was just one highlight of the highly anticipated 2024 show, marking its first return since 2018. Following criticisms of inclusivity, the event was canceled in 2019, only to resurface stronger than ever with a renewed commitment to diversity.
Banks herself hailed the efforts, celebrating the VS Collective—a diverse cadre of spokespeople who embody the evolution of the brand. "First is hard, lonely, but vital," she penned on Instagram in 2021. "I broke barriers as the first Black Victoria's Secret model, but my journey paved the way for countless others to follow. I'm proud to have witnessed this beauty revolution, and to the new collective of trailblazers, keep charging forward until we lose count of all who've broken through."
