Tyra Banks | Source: Getty Images
Striking photos of Tyra Banks returning to one of the world’s most iconic runway shows sparked a wave of nostalgia—and surprise—among social media users.
Supermodel Tyra Banks made headlines after closing the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York on October 15, delivering a runway moment that left netizens divided.
A netizen’s comment on Tyra Banks’s appearance at the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, posted on October 15, 2024 | Source: x.com/__Simplywayne
The 50-year-old supermodel reemerged in a bold, form-fitting black ensemble with a structured corset and flowing cape. Her voluminous, textured hair and fierce expression captivated the audience as she strutted down the runway.
Tyra Banks walks the runway for the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York City on October 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Shortly after, Banks shared the moment on Instagram,
reminding
her followers, “In case you forgot,” with a yellow heart emoji at the end. While her walk and confidence were undeniable, social media exploded with reactions.
A netizen’s reaction to Tyra Banks’s appearance at the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, posted on October 15, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/tyrabanks
“Is that Tyra? I so did not recognize her! 🫨”
one surprised viewer
said
. Another added,
“Tyra don’t look like Tyra anymore [sic],”
reflecting the confusion surrounding the model’s transformation.
Tyra Banks walks the runway for the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York City on October 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Some mistook Banks for a famous drag queen and television personality.
“Thought that was RuPaul 😬,”
a third
remarked
while another
stated
,
“girl that’s rupaul 😭😭 [sic].”
RuPaul poses backstage at “VH1 Divas 2000: A Tribute to Diana Ross” in New York on April 9, 2000 | Source: Getty Images
However, many find Banks’s outfit unworthy of her iconic status.
“Where are Tyra’s wings? 😭 This is her runway comeback, and you gave her that cheap cape and a pair of leggings!?”
a fan
lamented
.
Tyra Banks walks the runway for the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York City on October 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
“now Tyra tore the runway up like always but they could’ve given her the BIGGEST wings [sic],”
one supporter
insisted
, suggesting she deserved a grander moment. Some
expressed
disappointment, calling it the
“worst outfit of the night.”
A netizen’s response to Tyra Banks’s appearance at the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, posted on October 15, 2024 | Source: x.com/cscamcorder
Another agreed that Banks’s ensemble fell short of expectations.
“I really needed this…but the hair and outfit were just not at all what I expected for THE angel. VS, you crazy…Tyra needed some feathers, glitz and WINGS! AND let the woman do a full walk. She’s the reason I watched [sic]!”
one fan
exclaimed
.
Tyra Banks walks the runway for the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York City on October 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
But not all responses were critical—some fans felt that Banks still reigns supreme in their hearts.
“THE QUEEN IS BACK 😍,”
proclaimed
a dedicated fan.
“You look absolutely incredible!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌,”
another enthusiastically
declared
.
“You looked AMAZINGGGGGGG 😍😍😍 Back like you NEVER left [sic],”
one supporter
wrote
while someone
gushed
,
“Forever QUEEN OF THE RUNWAY!! 🔥👑.”
Tyra Banks walks the runway for the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York City on October 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Banks’ appearance at the 2024 show follows her return to modeling in 2019 after a long hiatus. In one Instagram post, she
wrote
, “She used to model. She retired to be a business boss. Now she’s back. #BanX”
In an ET interview, the then-45-year-old model
explained
the reason behind her comeback, “I decided to come out of retirement because I always say there’s no such thing as cookie-cutter beauty to me. I’m gonna bust those beauty walls down.” With her comeback, she now aims to shift the narrative and advocate for beauty at all ages.
Tyra Banks at Build Studio in New York City on February 25, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
Banks also opened up about why she initially retired over a decade earlier. While some speculated it was to focus on her talk show and business ventures, she
clarified
, “I retired from modeling because I didn’t want to age out of the system.”
Leaving on her own terms was vital for her, as she wanted to preserve her authenticity and
avoid being “kicked out”
due to aging. Throughout her career, Banks has been candid about her struggles with body image.
In a 2018 interview with People, the former “America’s Next Top Model” host reflected on the pressures she faced during her early years in modeling.
“I used to feel like my body was not mine. I’ve been too thin or too big. And I used to feel like I was betraying people if I lost weight,” Banks
said
.
Tyra Banks walks in the Yves Saint Laurent Ready-to-Wear Fall/Winter 1992-1993 fashion show during Paris Fashion Week in March 1992 | Source: Getty Images
Despite being initially rejected by high-fashion brands for not fitting the traditional mold, Banks persisted and broke through industry barriers, ultimately becoming a Victoria’s Secret Angel.
Tyra Banks walks in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on November 13, 2001 | Source: Getty Images
By the time she was 24, she had also graced the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in redefining beauty standards.
Banks’ relationship with her body continued to evolve after welcoming her son, York, in 2016 via surrogacy. “When he was first born, maybe because it was through surrogacy, I wanted to be bigger for him,” she
recalled
. “I felt that was love in a way. I wanted him to feel that cush and that nurture.”
Over the years, more changes came. After suffering an ankle injury, Banks’ doctor advised her to lose weight to support her recovery. This led to a 30-pound weight loss.
“Now I’m a different body type. But I don’t feel like I’m betraying people. I’ve still got a–, I’ve still got boobs!” she
shared
.
Tyra Banks appears on “Dancing with the Stars” on September 22, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
Beyond her personal journey, Banks has consistently championed female empowerment and self-acceptance. In a separate social media post, she shared an inspiring quote with her followers,
captioning
it, “Go on girl, be your fierce & beautiful self!”
From the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show to her trailblazing modeling career and journey through motherhood,
Tyra Banks
continues to prove she is an unstoppable force, redefining womanhood on her own terms.