Tyra Banks brings her strut (and ‘smize’) back to revamped Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

Tyra Banks brings her strut (and 'smize') back to revamped Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

As a woman who grew up watching the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, I can say that witnessing Tyra Banks’ triumphant return to the runway was a truly heartwarming moment. Her strut and her signature “smize” were as mesmerizing as ever, reminding us all of why she was such an icon in the first place.


On Tuesday, Tyra Banks emerged from her retirement to gracefully conclude the redesigned 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

19 years after a pause, the 50-year-old woman stepped out from below the stage runway, flaunting her unique walk and “smize,” dressed in a VSX balconette catsuit, bustier, and a shiny cape. Unfortunately, she didn’t put on the famous feathered angel wings this time.

Tyra Banks, star of “America’s Next Top Model” and talk show host, was trailed by numerous models emulating her every step during the final episode. Known for being the first Black contract and catalog cover model for the brand, Banks strutted down the runway in nine prime-time shows before her retirement in 2005 to explore other entertainment opportunities and expand her media empire.

If you may have missed it,” the previous host of “Dancing With the Stars” posted on Instagram, accompanying a video with her return.

The popular annual fashion show, which was once highly anticipated by viewers during its broadcast TV run from 1995 to 2018, halted for six years following its cancellation in 2019 due to criticism regarding the use of plus-size and transgender models, issues with exclusivity, and a lack of body positivity. This year’s event, lasting 45 minutes, was held at the Duggal Greenhouse within Brooklyn’s Navy Yard and streamed on Amazon Prime. The brand boasted it as a representation of “our current state, encompassing all that you cherish – the glamour, runway, wings, musical entertainment, and more!

Supermodel Gigi Hadid, making her debut on the runway in 2015 for a consistently eccentric fashion show, announced its comeback alongside Banks in May. This year, she kicked off the runway wearing a pink satin jumpsuit with mechanical angel wings, as the words “We Are Back” illuminated screens behind her.

At the event, Hadid was accompanied by her sister Bella Hadid, along with numerous other models. This group included debutants in the VS Fashion Show like supermodel Kate Moss, who’s 50, former French first lady Carla Bruni, aged 56, body positivity advocate Ashley Graham, 36, and trans model and influencer Alex Consani, at 21. Some critics, despite this diverse representation, still felt that the revived show didn’t go far enough or was merely adopting a superficial stance on inclusivity.

In a way that felt like a gathering of old friends, banking institutions were treated to a parade of familiar faces as veterans Alessandra Ambrosio, Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, Behati Prinsloo, Taylor Hill, Doutzen Kroes, and Jasmine Tookes – with the latter donning the brand’s $3-million Fantasy Bra – graced the catwalk.

Legendary musician Cher sang popular songs “Strong Enough” and “Believe” during the female-centric concert lineup that also featured K-pop sensation LISA and vocalist Tyla from South Africa.

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2024-10-16 20:01

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