Tyra Banks recently made headlines for her much-anticipated return to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show nearly two decades after she stepped away from the catwalk.
At 50 years old, the supermodel and business mogul brought her signature style and grace back to the runway, closing a show that opened with the promise of nostalgia and excitement. During her appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, Tyra shared her feelings of joy and fulfillment as she reunited with a brand that played a significant role in her early career.
According to Banks, her experience this time around was dramatically different from her previous walks. Host Drew Barrymore noted that Tyra appeared to be “living in the moment and really present,” a sentiment the supermodel wholeheartedly agreed with.
Reflecting on this transformative experience, Banks revealed that while in her earlier years she walked for herself, this time she felt connected to the audience and carried the energy of everyone around her as she graced the runway.
“50-year-old women, insecure women — I just felt like there was more, and I look at the playback and I’m like, boom, boom, boom. I was stomping because I felt like I was a vessel more so than it’s just all about me. It was different,” Banks said.
One of the most candid moments from her interview was when Tyra addressed the topic of body changes over the years. “Also what was different is my boobies were like 10 times bigger because I was about 40-50 pounds heavier on this runway than when I retired,” she humorously told the audience.
This lighthearted acknowledgment of her evolving body shows her confidence and also portrays a realistic and relatable perspective on aging and body image in the fashion industry. Tyra’s candidness reveals an important conversation regarding the pressures faced by models, particularly as the industry continues to evolve towards inclusivity and acceptance of diverse body types.
As a former Victoria’s Secret Angel who walked in nine shows before her retirement in 2005, Tyra’s journey with the brand has always been about more than just fashion; it represents a ride of empowerment and self-acceptance.
Her return comes at a time when discussions about body positivity are more relevant than ever. By speaking openly about her experiences and changes, she continues to inspire generations of women to embrace their own transformations with confidence and pride.