7 Iconic Tyra Banks Victoria's Secret Moments: The Real Story Behind Her Emotional 2024 Comeback

The legendary Supermodel Tyra Banks has an indelible legacy with Victoria's Secret, a relationship that defined an era of fashion and cemented her status as one of the most recognizable faces in the world. As of December 2025, the latest news surrounding her involvement with the brand centers on her stunning and emotional return to the runway in October 2024, an event that thrilled fans and marked the return of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show itself.

Tyra Banks' career with the lingerie giant spanned nearly a decade, from her first appearance to her official retirement as an Angel, but her surprise comeback nearly 20 years later proved that her star power remains unmatched. Her journey is a masterclass in modeling, entrepreneurship, and breaking barriers for Black women in the industry, making her story with Victoria's Secret a crucial chapter in pop culture history.

Tyra Banks: A Supermodel’s Profile and Biography

Tyra Banks, also known as BanX, is more than just a model; she is an American television personality, producer, writer, and actress. Her influence extends far beyond the runway, notably as the creator and host of the long-running reality competition show *America's Next Top Model* (*ANTM*).

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• Full Name: Tyra Lynne Banks (also known as BanX)
• Date of Birth: December 4, 1973
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, USA
• Parents: Carolyn London (mother, medical photographer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab) and Don Banks (father)
• Career Highlights: Supermodel, Television Personality, Producer, Writer, Actress
• Modeling Milestones: First Black woman to land on the cover of the *Sports Illustrated* swimsuit issue; one of the first Black models to achieve Supermodel status.
• Victoria's Secret Tenure: Angel from 1997 to 2005; first walked in the VS Fashion Show in 1996.
• Other Ventures: Host of *America's Next Top Model*, host of *Dancing with the Stars*.

The Golden Era: Tyra Banks as an Original Victoria's Secret Angel

Tyra Banks’ tenure with Victoria’s Secret marked a significant period for the brand, helping to define the "Angel" concept that became globally famous. She was a crucial figure in the brand's rise during the late 90s and early 2000s.

1. The First Walk (1996)

Banks began her relationship with Victoria's Secret by walking in the fashion show in 1996. This was before the official "Angel" designation and helped pave the way for her eventual iconic role.

2. Becoming an Original Angel (1997)

In 1997, Tyra Banks was officially named one of the original Victoria's Secret Angels, becoming one of the brand's most visible and powerful spokesmodels.

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3. The Iconic Angel Wings Debut (1998)

Perhaps her most enduring contribution to the VS legacy occurred in 1998 when Tyra Banks made history as the very first model to step onto the runway wearing the now-famous "Angel Wings." This moment elevated the show from a simple lingerie presentation to a fantastical, theatrical spectacle.

4. The $10 Million Fantasy Bra (1997)

Banks was chosen to wear the 1997 Diamond Dream Bra, a spectacular piece valued at $3 million. She also wore the 2004 Heavenly "70" Fantasy Bra, which was valued at $10 million, cementing her status as a top-tier model for the brand.

5. The Final Walk (2005)

Banks completed her official run as a Victoria's Secret Angel in 2005, retiring from the runway to focus on her burgeoning television and business empire, including the launch of *ANTM*. Her departure was a major moment, signaling the end of the original Angels' era.

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The Shocking Comeback: Tyra Banks at the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

After nearly two decades away, the fashion world was stunned by the news that Tyra Banks would return to the runway for the long-awaited relaunch of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2024.

6. The Emotional Return (October 2024)

The 2024 show, held at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, was a star-studded event featuring a mix of new-generation models and veteran Angels. Tyra Banks’ appearance was one of the most anticipated moments, marking a powerful, emotional return to the catwalk where she had made history.

In a candid interview on *The Drew Barrymore Show*, Banks reflected on her comeback, describing it as "emotional" and a full-circle moment. Her return alongside other iconic figures like Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio was a tribute to the brand's heritage while attempting to usher in a new, more inclusive era.

7. Explaining Her Absence from the 2025 Show

Following her highly publicized 2024 appearance, fans were eager to see Banks return for the 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. However, she was noticeably absent. In a subsequent interview, Banks clarified that her absence was due to timing and her focus on other major commitments, including her ongoing ventures in the fashion and entertainment world. She explained that her 2024 return was a special, one-off moment to celebrate the show's relaunch and to break down barriers, rather than a permanent return to Angel duties.

Tyra Banks' Lasting Topical Authority and Industry Impact

Tyra Banks' legacy with Victoria's Secret is not just about the outfits she wore or the wings she donned; it is about her role as a trailblazer. She was a crucial figure in promoting diversity in high fashion at a time when the industry was less inclusive. Her Supermodel status, achieved alongside other icons like Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford, gave her a platform to launch a successful post-modeling career.

Her work with Victoria's Secret directly fueled her topical authority in the fashion world, which she leveraged into the creation of *America's Next Top Model*. The show became a global phenomenon, further solidifying her position as an industry mogul and mentor. Even with the brand's recent efforts toward rebranding and modernizing, Tyra Banks remains the gold standard for what it means to be a Victoria's Secret Angel—a powerful, entrepreneurial, and globally recognized figure.

Her emotional 2024 comeback served as a powerful reminder of her enduring influence, proving that her iconic walk and powerful presence are timeless, setting the stage for future generations of models.