After nearly two decades away from the runway, Tyra Banks made her highly anticipated return to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
In a candid interview with Today style correspondent Zanna Roberts Rassi, Banks reflected on her journey as a trailblazing model, body positivity, and the importance of family support throughout her career.
Sitting down at the Waldorf Astoria Residences in New York City, Banks discussed how her modeling career began in Paris, where her mother played a pivotal role.
“My mom was like, ‘If you want to go to Paris, you need to be an expert on what Paris fashion is,'” Tyra recalled.
Together, they pored over French fashion magazines and runway videos, preparing Tyra to dominate the casting scene.
Her determination paid off, as she landed a record-breaking 25 fashion shows in her first season. But as her body began to change, Tyra faced pressure from her agency to lose weight.
Instead of succumbing to those demands, her mother stood firm, famously telling her, “We’re going to eat pizza,” and encouraged her to focus on clients who would appreciate her natural figure.
That advice led Tyra to break barriers, becoming the first Black model to sign a contract with Victoria’s Secret.
Reflecting on her career, Tyra revealed mixed feelings about leaving the runway 10 years ago.
“I don’t know if I should have [left]. Maybe it would’ve been OK. The world has changed,” she mused.
Now, juggling motherhood and her business ventures, Banks is ready for her comeback—this time with a renewed sense of self and confidence.
When asked about her upcoming appearance, Tyra shared that her nerves are kicking in.
“I don’t get nervous in front of millions, but it’s been 20 damn years,” she admitted. Tyra also revealed she’s not pushing her 8-year-old son, York, into the modeling world, but she delights in his curiosity. “He’s finally understanding that I’m a model. He’s like, ‘Mommy, is this a model face?'”
In the spirit of body positivity, Tyra talked openly about her insecurities, noting that during previous Victoria’s Secret shows, she always kept her booty covered.
“That was just my kind of insecurity, and it’s still there,” she confessed.
However, she credits her loved ones, including her partner Louis Bélanger-Martin, for helping her through tough moments of self-doubt.
Tyra’s return to the Victoria’s Secret runway is shaping up to be a triumphant moment for the iconic model.
As she prepares to strut her stuff once again, she’s not only embracing her body but also her evolving role as a mother, businesswoman, and advocate for self-love.
