When Tyra Banks graced the Victoria’s Secret runway in October 2024, it wasn’t just a model walking down the catwalk; it was a moment rich with symbolism and nostalgia. Nineteen years have passed since she last strutted under the iconic brand’s lights, and her return reflects more than a reunion with her modelling roots; it speaks to how fashion, beauty standards, and pop culture have evolved over nearly two decades.
The Victoria’s Secret Legacy and Its Evolution
Victoria’s Secret has experienced significant shifts in recent years, reshaping its once-established image. When Banks last walked in a Victoria’s Secret fashion show in 2005, the brand was a fixture of glamorous, extravagant runway displays. It embodied an era of supermodels who epitomised an ideal of beauty and allure that has since faced scrutiny for its exclusivity and lack of diversity. In the years following her departure, Banks herself became an industry pioneer, not only as a model but also as an influential figure in popular culture. Her television show America’s Next Top Model, launched in 2003, introduced millions to the behind-the-scenes world of modelling, while challenging the industry’s beauty standards by highlighting diverse contestants.
Fast forward to the 2020s, and Victoria’s Secret faced calls for change amid shifting societal perspectives on beauty. In 2019, the brand cancelled its fashion show altogether, acknowledging the need to address its image in a world increasingly championing body positivity and inclusivity. The subsequent relaunch was a cautious effort to adapt, including a televised special on Prime Video in 2023 that introduced a new vision for the brand. Banks’ return to the runway this year, alongside fellow supermodel Gigi Hadid, signified a blending of the old with the new, as the brand attempts to reconcile its history with the demands of modernity【264†source】.
Tyra Banks’ Lasting Influence and the Symbolism of Her Return
At 50, Tyra Banks remains an icon not only in modelling but as a broader cultural influencer. Her return to Victoria’s Secret, dressed in a striking black corset and glistening leggings, underscores how the industry is embracing seasoned figures alongside new faces. The significance of Banks’ age on the runway cannot be overstated. In a sector that historically values youth, her presence marks a break from convention, signalling to fans and fashion insiders alike that beauty and confidence are not limited by age.
Throughout her career, Banks has continually reshaped her identity, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. From her role as the first Black woman on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue to her ventures as a talk-show host, author, and entrepreneur, Banks’ influence has spanned far beyond fashion. She redefined her brand through her show America’s Next Top Model, challenging the fashion industry to reconsider its narrow definitions of beauty. Her return is both a personal victory and a potent reminder of how the fashion industry is evolving, however slowly, to celebrate women’s multifaceted lives and achievements beyond their youth.
How the Victoria’s Secret Runway Has Adapted
The fashion show that Banks rejoined looks different from her last appearance in 2005. The cancellation in 2019 marked a pivotal moment, driven by criticisms of the brand’s outdated portrayal of femininity. Victoria’s Secret responded by recruiting the VS Collective, a group of diverse and influential women, including Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Megan Rapinoe, to promote a more inclusive image. The new format incorporates these perspectives, creating a runway show that embraces not only physical diversity but also different stories and achievements of its models.
By participating in the latest show, Banks is stepping onto a stage that’s striving for inclusivity – a stark contrast to her earlier years with the brand. Her return isn’t merely a nostalgic nod to the past; it’s an endorsement of the changes that Victoria’s Secret is undergoing. Banks’ presence on the runway in 2024 reflects a shift in cultural values, one where fashion brands are increasingly aligning themselves with broader social movements that celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and empowerment.
Reflections on Beauty Standards and Cultural Impact
Tyra Banks’ career has been a testament to her versatility and foresight. Her influence has shaped discussions on beauty standards, particularly through her openness about her personal struggles and her efforts to amplify diverse voices in fashion. By rejoining the Victoria’s Secret runway, Banks highlights how the brand – and the broader fashion industry – is attempting to redefine itself in response to changing societal norms.
Her return after nearly two decades resonates with audiences who have followed her career and witnessed the evolution of fashion’s beauty ideals. As Victoria’s Secret continues to revamp its brand, Banks’ role on the runway can be seen as a bridge between the aspirational ideals of the past and a more inclusive vision for the future. The fashion industry, once solely the domain of youthful, size-zero models, is gradually expanding to include figures like Banks, who represent resilience, experience, and a progressive approach to beauty.
In conclusion, Tyra Banks’ return to the Victoria’s Secret runway embodies a compelling narrative of personal and cultural evolution. Her presence, juxtaposed against the backdrop of an industry undergoing transformation, not only symbolises the lasting impact of her career but also the changing tides in fashion that now celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and the empowerment of women at every stage of life.
