Tyra Banks Ushers in a New Era at Victoria's Secret With a Runway Return at 50

Tyra Banks Ushers in a New Era at Victoria's Secret With a Runway Return at 50

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is back in a big way! Not only is the iconic event returning to New York City on Oct. 15, but the brand is inviting a fashion legend. Tyra Banks will be donning her angel wings on the catwalk at the age of 50.

The news was revealed in an Aug. 28 Instagram video starring Gigi Hadid and featuring Chappell Roan’s “Femininomenon” playing in the background. Hadid strutted down a hotel lobby in a sparkling white dress to reveal Banks, who handed over “Tyra Mail” to the 29-year-old supermodel — which was an invitation to the fall show and a nod to her former reality show, America’s Next Top Model. Banks said, “See you there” with a wink.

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Hadid turned back to the camera and mouthed, “I love you.” Yes, an OG is back on the runway. The company also had a cute caption for the post, writing, “Sorry, couldn’t write a caption, we were too busy picking up our jaws off the floor at @tyrabanks and @gigihadid delivering VSFS invites. You understand. #VSFashionShow.” Victoria’s Secret previously announced that Imaan Hammam, Candice Swanepoel, Grace Elizabeth, Devyn Garcia, Paloma Elsesser, Taylor Hill, and Mayowa Nicholas would also appear at the show.

In 2019, Victoria’s Secret pivoted its brand messaging to more empowering campaigns like its 2021 “badass ROLE models” featuring Banks, Priyanka Chopra, and Megan Rapinoe. The SMiZE & DREAM founder praised the lingerie company for powering forward with changing societal standards. “I’m proud that in my lifetime, I’m witnessing a beauty revolution,” Banks wrote on Instagram. “To the new collective of badass ROLE models, I may have cracked that door open, but y’all are charging through. Keep on keepin’ on until we all LOSE COUNT of how many are breaking through behind you.

And for anyone doubting why a 50-year-old would do the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, Banks is putting the aging argument to rest. “When I was younger in elementary school, I thought 50 was great granny,” Banks told People in May. “I thought I would have little glasses and just have a quilt on my lap and watch soap operas all day. I’m poppin’. I am not insecure about myself. I ain’t trippin’… 50 feels good!”

Before you go, click here to see all the celebrity women who have spoken out about ageism.

Paulina Porizkova
Paulina Porizkova

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