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The Return of an Icon
Tyra Banks made a grand return to the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show after a 19-
year hiatus, surprising fans, industry insiders, and critics alike. The supermodel,
entrepreneur, and television personality had long moved on from the runway,
focusing on her successful ventures in media and business. So, why did she come
back, and what does this return symbolize for the fashion world and her personal
journey? In this article, we delve into the motivations behind Banks’ decision to
return, the impact of her comeback on the show, and how her presence reflects
larger shifts in the fashion industry.
1. Tyra Banks’ Legacy in the Fashion Industry
Tyra Banks is a name synonymous with the glamour and glitz of high fashion. She
was one of the first African-American supermodels to break through the glass
ceiling of an industry traditionally dominated by white women. Banks started her
career in the early 1990s, and by 1997, she had become the first Black woman to
grace the cover of the Victoria’s Secret catalog and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit
Edition. Her presence in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show throughout the late
'90s and early 2000s marked her as a defining figure in the brand's golden era.
Banks’ runway presence was electrifying, and her ability to capture attention with
her signature "smize" (smile with your eyes) turned her into a cultural icon.
However, by 2005, she announced her retirement from the Victoria's Secret runway
to focus on her growing media career, most notably as the creator and host of
America’s Next Top Model. Her exit from the show was seen as the closing of a
chapter, and few expected her to return to the world of lingerie-clad angels nearly
two decades later.
2. Why Tyra Banks Took a 19-Year Break
After leaving the runway in 2005, Banks shifted gears toward building her media
empire. She became a producer, talk show host, and an advocate for body
positivity and diversity in fashion. America’s Next Top Model (ANTM), which she
launched in 2003, was revolutionary in showcasing aspiring models of different
races, body types, and backgrounds. Banks’ influence extended far beyond the
runway, shaping conversations about beauty standards, inclusivity, and
empowerment.
The hiatus from the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show allowed Banks to focus on her
personal growth and broader career aspirations. She used her platform to speak
openly about issues such as the pressures of beauty, self-image, and the need for
more diverse representation in media and fashion.
During this time, Victoria's Secret itself underwent major transformations, facing
criticism for its lack of inclusivity, declining relevance, and controversies
surrounding its corporate leadership. In fact, by 2019, the fashion show was
canceled due to a mix of low ratings, evolving cultural standards, and backlash
over the brand's outdated image.
The 19-year gap in Banks' modeling career thus mirrors larger cultural shifts in the
fashion industry and society’s expectations around representation and beauty
standards. As the industry evolved, so did Banks, which is why her return to the
iconic show at this particular moment holds special significance.
3. Why Now? The Motivation Behind Tyra’s Return
So, why did Tyra Banks decide to return to the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in
2024? For many, the timing seemed ideal. In recent years, the fashion industry has
been reckoning with its past failures in inclusivity and representation. Victoria’s
Secret itself has made significant changes, moving away from its narrow depiction
of beauty and attempting to rebuild its brand with a new focus on diversity, body
positivity, and empowerment.
One of the main factors behind Banks' return is her desire to align with and support
the industry’s more inclusive future. In interviews leading up to the show, Banks
emphasized how much the conversation around beauty and body image has
evolved since her time on the Victoria’s Secret stage. As a long-time advocate for
inclusivity, her participation in this new iteration of the show signals that the
brand has started to embrace the values she’s championed throughout her career.
Banks’ return also served as a personal milestone. In her own words, returning to
the runway symbolized “coming full circle”—from being a trailblazing supermodel
in the ‘90s to becoming a cultural force in media, and now reclaiming her space as
an icon in an era that better reflects her ideals.
In addition to the changing values of the fashion show, there’s no denying that
Banks’ return brought a wave of nostalgia, especially for fans who grew up
watching her strut down the runway in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. Her presence
evokes the golden era of Victoria’s Secret but with a modern twist, acknowledging
how far both she and the industry have come.
4. The Evolution of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Victoria’s Secret itself has undergone significant changes, both in its corporate
structure and in how it presents its models. Once the epitome of traditional beauty
standards, the brand has been criticized for promoting a narrow, Eurocentric view
of femininity. In recent years, however, Victoria’s Secret has sought to rebrand by
embracing more inclusive ideals.
The cancellation of the show in 2019 allowed the company to reassess its image. By
2024, when the show was revived, the brand had introduced its "VS Collective,"
featuring diverse ambassadors such as Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Megan Rapinoe,
and Paloma Elsesser. This shift was a direct response to cultural criticism and the
demand for more authentic representations of women. The return of the fashion
show was not just a spectacle but a statement that Victoria’s Secret was actively
moving towards inclusivity and empowerment.
Banks' return under this new framework highlights the brand’s ongoing
transformation. As someone who has always advocated for diversity, her presence
is a powerful endorsement of the company’s efforts to evolve. For a brand that
once thrived on exclusivity, having one of its most iconic Angels return, now
symbolizing inclusivity, is a full-circle moment.
5. Tyra Banks: More Than Just a Supermodel
Tyra Banks has always been more than a model; she’s a businesswoman, a media
mogul, and an advocate for women’s empowerment. Over the years, her brand has
become synonymous with breaking barriers and challenging norms, from the
types of models cast on America’s Next Top Model to her outspoken stance on
body positivity.
Banks has used her fame and platform to inspire a new generation of women to
embrace their unique beauty and individuality. By returning to the Victoria’s
Secret Fashion Show, she reinforces her role as a trailblazer who is not afraid to
revisit the spaces that shaped her early career, but now on her own terms. She is
no longer just a supermodel on the runway—she is an industry leader whose
influence extends far beyond fashion.
Banks' participation in the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show also speaks to the
power of reinvention, both personal and professional. Her return reflects the
broader theme of second chances and transformations, for both her and the brand.
It’s a reminder that while the fashion industry is known for its superficiality, figures
like Banks help push it toward deeper change.
6. The Cultural Impact of Tyra’s Return
Tyra Banks’ return to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show serves as a symbolic
moment not just for the brand, but for the fashion industry as a whole. It reflects a
shift in societal values toward inclusivity, diversity, and the acceptance of different
body types. Banks represents a new era where supermodels are not just
mannequins but advocates for social change.
Her return also taps into the nostalgia that many fans feel for the earlier days of
fashion, while simultaneously signaling a fresh direction. For young models and
audiences today, Banks' reappearance serves as a message: the future of fashion is
about embracing all forms of beauty.
Tyra Banks’ Legacy and the Future of Fashion
Tyra Banks’ return to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show after 19 years is more than
just a comeback. It’s a testament to the evolution of fashion and beauty standards,
and it marks a significant moment in her personal and professional journey. As
both the fashion industry and society continue to shift toward inclusivity, Banks'
return is a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come—and how much further we
can still go.
