Tyra Banks Runway: 5 Iconic Moments And Her Shocking 2024 Return That Cemented Her Legacy

Tyra Banks, the undisputed supermodel-turned-media-mogul, has always been synonymous with the catwalk, but her recent, unexpected return to the biggest stage in lingerie fashion has completely redefined her legacy. As of December 2025, the fashion world is still buzzing about her monumental comeback, a powerful statement proving that her signature walk—full of energy, personality, and the legendary "Smize"—remains unmatched, even decades after her official retirement from the runway. Her career is a masterclass in longevity, pivoting from a high-fashion icon in Paris to a commercial powerhouse in New York, and now, a trailblazing executive.

This article dives deep into the runway journey of Tyra Banks, from her start as a teenager in the 1990s to her powerful closing moment at the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. We explore the iconic walks that built her career, the cultural impact of her presence, and how she continues to shape the fashion industry's conversation around beauty, diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Tyra Banks: Supermodel Mogul Biography Profile

Tyra Lynne Banks is more than a model; she is a trailblazer who broke barriers in fashion and entertainment. Her career trajectory from a high-fashion runway star to a television personality and business executive is a blueprint for modern celebrity.

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• Full Name: Tyra Lynne Banks
• Born: December 4, 1973
• Birthplace: Inglewood, California, U.S.
• Career Start: Began modeling at age 15.
• Modeling Agency: Signed with Elite Model Management.
• Key Milestones:
  • First African American woman on the cover of *GQ* magazine.
  • First Black woman on the cover of the *Sports Illustrated* Swimsuit Issue (1996).
  • Named "Supermodel of the Year" by VH1 (1997).
  • Original Victoria's Secret Angel.
• Post-Modeling Ventures: Creator and host of *America's Next Top Model* (ANTM), host of *The Tyra Banks Show*, author, and founder of the cosmetics brand Tyra Beauty.

The Catwalk That Changed Everything: Tyra's 2024 Victoria’s Secret Return

In a moment that shocked and delighted the fashion world, Tyra Banks returned to the Victoria's Secret runway to close the 2024 Fashion Show. This was not just a walk; it was an event that instantly became the most talked-about fashion comeback of the year. After retiring from the Victoria's Secret catwalk in 2005 to focus on her growing media empire, Banks’s return nearly two decades later was a powerful statement on longevity, body positivity, and reclaiming her iconic status.

The return was significant for several reasons. First, it marked a triumphant moment for the rebranded Victoria’s Secret, which had faced criticism and even went on a hiatus before its revamped format in 2023. Second, Tyra, at 50, walked with the same high-wattage energy and signature confidence that defined her 90s supermodel era, proving that true star power never fades. The overwhelming positive response to her appearance reportedly led her to consider modeling again, demonstrating the enduring connection she has with her audience and the industry.

Her closing walk was a masterclass in performance. Unlike the often-stoic, high-fashion walks, Tyra brought a sense of joy, theatrics, and connection to the audience—a hallmark of her style. It was a reminder of why she was, and remains, a giant in the modeling world, able to transcend the traditional role of a mannequin and become a true entertainer on the catwalk.

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5 Iconic Runway Moments That Defined The Tyra Banks Walk

Before she was a television mogul, Tyra Banks was a runway force, known for her versatility and ability to pivot effortlessly between the stark elegance of Paris haute couture and the theatrical glamour of New York commercial shows. Her presence was a revolutionary step for diversity in the high-fashion world, where women of color were still fighting for visibility at legacy brands.

1. Conquering Paris Haute Couture (Early 1990s)

Tyra’s career exploded when she moved to Paris at age 17. In her first runway season, she booked an unprecedented 25 shows, a feat that immediately established her as a major force. She walked for every top-tier house imaginable, including Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent (YSL), and Thierry Mugler. Her work with Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel was particularly notable, showcasing her ability to handle the most elite, high-fashion garments with grace and intensity.

2. The Victoria’s Secret Angel Era (1997–2005)

Tyra Banks was one of the original and most prominent Victoria's Secret Angels. Her tenure defined the brand’s golden age. She was known for her playful energy, smiling, laughing, and interacting with the audience, a style that was truly her own. She was the face of the brand for nearly a decade, wearing the coveted Fantasy Bra twice (1997 and 2004) and setting the standard for the modern, charismatic lingerie model.

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3. The 'Smize' and The Catwalk Personality

While not a single moment, the entire Tyra Banks runway approach—encapsulated by the term "Smize" (smiling with your eyes)—was a cultural phenomenon. She famously encouraged models on *America's Next Top Model* to bring personality, energy, and a connection to the camera into their walk. This infectious, high-energy style stood in stark contrast to the often-blank, somber expressions preferred by some high-fashion designers, proving that emotional connection could sell just as effectively as high-art aesthetics.

4. Closing the Thierry Mugler Show (1990s)

The 90s were marked by theatrical, boundary-pushing fashion, and no one did it better than Thierry Mugler. Tyra was a favorite of the designer, often closing his shows in dramatic, avant-garde outfits. These appearances highlighted her versatility and willingness to embrace the conceptual, performance-art side of the catwalk, cementing her status as a true supermodel who could wear anything.

5. The Triumphant Victoria's Secret Comeback (2024)

As detailed above, her closing walk in 2024 was a full-circle moment. It was a powerful, emotional, and visually stunning return that spanned 19 years since her last walk for the brand. This moment didn't just celebrate her past; it made a statement about her present influence and future potential in the industry, solidifying her status as a legendary figure whose impact continues to evolve.

The Evolution of a Mogul: From Catwalk to Corporate Empire

Tyra Banks’s relationship with the runway did not end when she retired from active modeling in 2005. Instead, she took the lessons learned on the catwalk and used them to build a media and business empire, making her one of the most successful supermodel entrepreneurs in history.

The ANTM Legacy and Redefining Beauty

Through *America’s Next Top Model* (ANTM), Tyra brought the runway and the modeling industry into millions of homes globally. The show, which ran for over 20 seasons, was instrumental in popularizing fashion terminology and modeling techniques like "Smizing" and "Booty Tooch." More importantly, ANTM became a platform for Tyra to champion diversity, challenging the industry’s narrow standards of beauty by casting models of different sizes, heights, races, and backgrounds.

The Business of Beauty and Fashion

Tyra’s business acumen is as sharp as her walk. Beyond television production, she launched Tyra Beauty, a cosmetics brand aimed at empowering women through makeup. She also attended Harvard Business School’s Owner/President Management Program, further cementing her transition from model to CEO. Her influence extends to the financial world, with her net worth reflecting her success as a media mogul.

Continued Industry Influence (2025 and Beyond)

As of late 2025, Tyra Banks continues to be an influential figure. While she reportedly skipped the 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show due to other commitments, her presence is still felt, with speculation about her involvement in other high-profile events like Paris Fashion Week. Her career remains a testament to resilience and the power of reinvention, always advocating for a more inclusive and dynamic fashion industry. Her 2024 runway walk was a historic bookmark, not an ending, suggesting that the supermodel who once dominated the 90s catwalk is still ready to set the pace for the future.