Tyra Banks Nearly two decades after leaving the lingerie brand’s iconic annual runway, she returned to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway. The supermodel and entertainment mogul, 50, ended the show with an emotional and powerful moment. Banks’ reappearance felt like more than just a return to fashion — it was a celebration of confidence and her growth journey since retiring from modeling in 2005.

Banks reflected on that comeback during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, where she talked about how deeply connected she felt to that moment. Barrymore, 49, praised Banks for how radiant she appeared during her walk, noting that she was “good with herself” and “living in the moment.”

© Mike Coppola

Banks wholeheartedly agreed, describing how different the experience was from her previous years on the runway. For Banks, the walk wasn’t just about her. In recent years, she admitted, the focus has been primarily on the personal – her confidence, her presence and her self-awareness. This time she had a broader purpose, representing not only herself but also other women, particularly those who may be losing confidence as they age.

Banks described feeling empowered and connected to the audience, as if her experience spoke to women who shared similar insecurities. “This time I felt like everyone was inside me,” Banks shared. “50-year-old women, insecure women – I just felt like there was more. I watch the playback and think: boom, boom, boom. I stomped because I felt like I was a vessel, even more than it was just about me.

This return to the runway also showed how her body has evolved. Banks humorously acknowledged the physical changes she underwent, saying, “My breasts were about 10 times bigger because I was about 40 to 50 pounds heavier on that runway than when I retired.” So I thought, ‘Don’t fall out, Don.’ ‘don’t fall out.”

After attending nine Victoria’s Secret shows before retiring, the America’s Next Top Model creator has come full circle, giving her appearance new depth and meaning. As Banks put it, she became a “vessel” of empowerment for women around the world – proof that at 50, she still has the wings and strength to soar.

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024 behind the scenes

The iconic Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is officially back after a six-year hiatus. HOLA! USA had exclusive access behind the scenes before the show, where the Victoria’s Secret models were pampered and groomed from head to toe.

A crowd of beauty professionals gathered, each playing a crucial role in preparing the models for the runway. Makeup artists carefully apply layers of foundation, hairstylists work diligently to create stunning hairstyles, and nail technicians teach their art by creating manicures and pedicures.