5 Jaw-Dropping Facts About Tyra Banks' Victoria's Secret Return And Her 'Angel Card' Scandal

Tyra Banks, a name synonymous with supermodel status and entrepreneurial genius, made a monumental return to the spotlight in late 2024, proving that her reign as a fashion icon is far from over. After nearly two decades away from the catwalk, the legendary model closed out the revamped Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, a moment that instantly became one of the most talked-about events of the year and a powerful symbol of the brand's new era. This triumphant walk not only cemented her enduring legacy but also brought renewed attention to her groundbreaking history with the lingerie giant. The conversation surrounding Tyra Banks and Victoria's Secret today, in late 2025, is a fascinating blend of nostalgia and modernity, touching on everything from her pioneering role as the brand's first Black contract model to her candid opinions on the company's dramatic "VS Collective" rebrand. Her story is one of breaking barriers, building an empire, and returning to the stage that launched her into global superstardom, but under entirely new terms.

Tyra Banks: The Supermodel, Mogul, and Icon

Before diving into her Victoria's Secret journey, it is essential to understand the sheer scale of the empire Tyra Banks has built, transitioning from a top-tier supermodel to a media and business mogul.

• Full Name: Tyra Lynne Banks
• Born: December 4, 1973
• Birthplace: Inglewood, California, U.S.
• Age (as of late 2025): 51
• Career Highlights: Model, Television Personality, Producer, Actress, Entrepreneur, Author.
• Pioneering Achievements: First Black woman on the cover of the *Sports Illustrated* swimsuit issue, first Black model to secure a Victoria's Secret contract.
• Television Ventures: Creator and host of *America's Next Top Model* (ANTM), host of *The Tyra Banks Show*, host of *Dancing with the Stars*.
• Current Ventures: Founder of SMiZE & Dream (an ice cream company), CEO of her own production company, and an upcoming role in Peacock’s *Bel-Air*.
• Estimated Net Worth (2025): Approximately $90 million to $100 million.

Tyra Banks’ career trajectory is the blueprint for a model successfully pivoting into a powerful brand, making her return to the Victoria's Secret runway in 2024 a massive cultural event.

The Groundbreaking Legacy: Tyra Banks as Victoria's Secret's First Black Angel

Tyra Banks' initial run with Victoria's Secret was not just a modeling job; it was a pivotal moment in fashion history that helped redefine beauty standards on a global stage. She first walked in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 1996 and quickly ascended to Angel status. From 1997 to 2005, Banks was one of the most prominent faces of the brand, alongside contemporaries like Adriana Lima and Gisele Bündchen.

Breaking the Contract Barrier

Tyra Banks holds the distinction of being the first Black model to sign a contract with Victoria's Secret, a groundbreaking achievement at the time. She also became the first Black model to grace the cover of the Victoria's Secret catalog. Her presence shattered a significant barrier and paved the way for future models of color in the industry.

The Fantasy Bra and Her Retirement

During her tenure, Banks was chosen to wear the coveted Fantasy Bra twice, a high honor reserved for the most iconic Angels. She wore the $3 million "Heavenly Star Bra" in 1997 and the $10 million "Very Sexy Fantasy Bra" in 2004. Her retirement from the brand in 2005 was a deliberate choice, not an imposed one. Banks revealed that she was offered a three-year contract renewal, but ultimately decided to decline, signaling her transition away from full-time modeling to focus on her burgeoning television and business career, including *America's Next Top Model*.

The Triumphant 2024 Return: Why She Came Back and What She Said

The biggest news surrounding Tyra Banks and Victoria's Secret in the current era is her shocking return to the runway for the revamped 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. After a 19-year hiatus from the brand's catwalk, the 50-year-old icon came out of retirement to close the show in a moment that captivated fans worldwide. The decision to return was significant, as the 2024 show marked a major effort by Victoria's Secret to re-establish its relevance and embrace a more diverse, modern image following a four-year hiatus and a controversial history.

The 'Different' Experience

Banks herself commented on the experience, noting that walking in the 2024 show felt "different" compared to her Angel days two decades prior. Her appearance, alongside other iconic figures like Kate Moss, was a powerful endorsement of the brand's attempt at a comeback. Banks emerged from below the stage in a show-stopping outfit, closing the event to a roaring crowd, solidifying her status as a permanent fixture in the brand's history. Her comments underscore the seismic shift in the fashion industry, where the conversation has moved toward inclusivity, body positivity, and female empowerment—themes that were largely absent during the original Angel era.

From 'Angel Card' Anecdotes to 'Beauty Revolution': Tyra's View on the VS Rebrand

Tyra Banks has been vocal about both the old and new eras of Victoria's Secret, offering a unique perspective as a former insider and current mogul.

The Shocking 'Angel Card' Revelation

One of the most revealing anecdotes Banks shared about her time with the company relates to an exclusive perk she received while under contract: the "Angel Card." This card allowed her to get free Victoria's Secret lingerie in stores. However, Banks claims that after she decided not to renew her contract in 2005, the company swiftly revoked this privilege. She recounted an embarrassing moment in a store where a purchase was halted because the card had been deactivated, a harsh reminder that the "Angel" status was strictly tied to her contract. This story highlights the transactional nature of the Angel title in the pre-rebrand era.

Praising the 'VS Collective'

In stark contrast to the old-school Angel Card story, Banks has publicly applauded the brand's recent dramatic overhaul. In 2021, Victoria's Secret dropped the Angels and introduced the "VS Collective," a group of diverse and accomplished women, including athletes, activists, and entrepreneurs, to serve as brand ambassadors. Banks called the rebrand a "Beauty Revolution" and an "inclusive initiative," recognizing the company's efforts to break down barriers and embrace diversity, a mission she pioneered decades ago as the first Black contract model. Her endorsement of the new direction is a significant nod of approval from one of the brand's most successful and influential former faces. The enduring story of Tyra Banks and Victoria's Secret is a powerful narrative of evolution. It moves from a groundbreaking model navigating a less-inclusive industry to a powerful businesswoman who returned to the runway on her own terms, providing a crucial bridge between the brand’s iconic past and its more inclusive future.