Tyra Banks’ Triumphant Return: Inside the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Revival

A defining moment that bridges iconic legacy and bold new visions of runway diversity.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 26, 2025

A defining moment that bridges iconic legacy and bold new visions of runway diversity.

Tyra Banks’ Triumphant Return: Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024

After nearly two decades away, Tyra Banks stepped onto the runway once again, closing the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show with a dazzling performance that both honored her legendary career and redefined what the catwalk means today. The show, held in New York City, marked not only Tyra’s homecoming but also the return of Victoria’s Secret’s iconic fashion showcase after a six-year hiatus—a break triggered by changing cultural tides and growing demands for inclusivity and authenticity.

Why Tyra Banks’ Comeback Matters

For fashion fans, Tyra’s presence on the Victoria’s Secret runway is much more than a nostalgic callback—it’s a benchmark of progress for the industry. At 50 years old, Tyra commanded the finale in a show-stopping black bustier corset adorned with a fragmented glass-like cape, shimmering leggings, and statement heels. Her walk signaled both continuity and radical change: a bridge between the era of the original Angels and a modern runway that embraces age diversity, empowerment, and multifaceted female identity.

First runway appearance in 19 years: Tyra last walked in 2005, at the peak of her modeling career.
New era of modeling: Tyra described her return as an “out-of-body experience,” highlighting her belief that now, “the world has changed so much” that one can be a business leader, a mother, and still embody the Victoria’s Secret image.
Personal message: Before the event, Tyra posted an empowering note on social media: “You are… Never too young to SMiZE. Never too old to DREAM. And I hope you’ll be doing both with me… after almost 20 years!”

The Return of the Runway: Victoria’s Secret Reinvents Its Fashion Show

The 2024 show marks Victoria’s Secret’s first major runway event since 2018, returning after a period of reflection sparked by criticism about body positivity and representation. The previous parent company, L Brands, had canceled the show in 2019 citing the need to “rethink the marketing of Victoria’s Secret” amidst declining viewership and mounting pressure for reform.

This year, the brand signaled change by:

Listening to customer feedback and promising “a contemporary lens that represents the brand today.”
Showcasing a diverse lineup of supermodels, new faces, and veteran icons.
Pairing fashion with an all-women musical talent roster, underscoring empowerment and creative artistry.

Headline Models: Icons, Mainstays, and Rising Stars

The 2024 event was nothing short of a supermodel summit. Key appearances included:

Gigi Hadid: Opened the show in a chic pink one-piece and feathered angel wings, setting an energetic tone for the night. Her confident runway strut and sharp, short hairstyle exemplified the modern VS Angel image.
Bella Hadid: Joined her sister, sparkling in a signature look that balanced glamour with understated sophistication.
Adriana Lima: A Victoria’s Secret icon herself, Lima graced the runway, reminding audiences of her storied legacy.
Kate Moss and Lila Moss: Kate Moss, now 50, shone in a sheer lace number paired with her 22-year-old daughter, Lila—offering a beautiful generational moment and symbolizing the evolving ideals of womanhood and style.
Ashley Graham: Advocate for body positivity and plus-size representation, Ashley’s involvement continued the show’s commitment to diversity.
Candice Swanepoel, Behati Prinsloo, Joan Smalls, and others: A global roll call reflecting both nostalgia for the golden age of VS and excitement for what’s next.

Performance Highlights: Cher, Tyla, Lisa (BLACKPINK) & Music for Empowerment

For the first time ever, the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show featured an all-women performance lineup of musical superstars, creating spectacular synergy between fashion and live music:

Cher: The living legend closed the night with an electrifying set, seamlessly blending diva glamour with the joie de vivre of the show’s finale.
Tyla: The Grammy-winning singer infused the catwalk with her soulful vocals and dynamic stage presence.
Lisa (BLACKPINK): The K-pop sensation performed “Kiss Me,” adding a global pop culture punch to the festivities.

Runway Themes & Segments: A Contemporary Tribute

The event’s creative direction spanned multiple themed segments, harmonizing tradition with transformation. Notable themes included:

Modern Heritage: Revisiting the roots of Victoria’s Secret through an evolved perspective on beauty and strength.
Twinkle: Harnessing metallics, sparkle, and futuristic silhouettes for a celebration of night-out glamour.
Heroes: An empowering homage to women in history and modern society, featuring icons like Kate Moss.
Atelier: Focusing on craft, texture, and artistic innovation, with models like Ashley Graham, Devyn Garcia, and Jill Kortleve.
Unwrap the Magic: A playful, whimsical set brimming with bold color and fantastical elements, ending with Bella Hadid’s radiant appearance.

A Revitalized Vision: Diversity, Representation, and Modern Glamour

One of the most significant aspects of the 2024 show was its commitment to modern values:

Age diversity: Veterans like Tyra Banks and Kate Moss walked alongside new stars and even their daughters, symbolizing a celebration of every generation.
Body positivity: Models of various body types, including Ashley Graham, underscored the brand’s broader embrace of all women.
Cultural inclusivity: The inclusion of international stars and an all-women performance lineup reflected the show’s commitment to empowering women globally.

As Ashley Graham noted in backstage interviews, the show’s evolving stance on inclusivity represents a vital shift towards “celebrating who we really are.” Models and performers alike championed authenticity, self-expression, and creative freedom.

How Fans and Critics Reacted

The revived show generated widespread excitement on social media and in reviews:

Fan enthusiasm: Many praised Tyra Banks’ inspiring walk and the emotional resonance of seeing beloved supermodels back on stage.
Pop culture moment: The combination of generational icons, rising talent, and global musicians made the show a trending topic worldwide.
Critic perspectives: Some fashion insiders noted the “contemporary lens” and applauded the more inclusive casting, although a few expressed hope for even more diversity in future shows.

The Impact on Fashion and the VS Brand

This year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show revival represented more than a spectacle. It’s a signal of:

Brand reinvention: Aiming for relevance in a more socially conscious marketplace.
Reimagined glamour: Mixing signature elements—wings, sparkle, and luxury lingerie—with new ideas about confidence and identity.
Legacy and future: Creating space for both heritage and innovative voices within the fashion world.

Spotlight: Iconic Runway Looks

Model	Memorable Look	Meaning/Theme
Tyra Banks	Black bustier, glass cape, dazzling leggings	Finale, strength & reinvention
Gigi Hadid	Pink one-piece, feathered angel wings	Show opener, modern angel
Kate Moss	Sheer black lace dress with daughter Lila	Mother-daughter legacy
Adriana Lima	Classic sultry VS look	VS legacy & confidence
Ashley Graham	Body-positive lingerie set	Diversity & empowerment

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long was Tyra Banks away from the Victoria’s Secret runway?

A: Tyra Banks had not walked the Victoria’s Secret runway since 2005, making this her first appearance in 19 years.

Q: What changes did Victoria’s Secret introduce in the 2024 show?

A: The 2024 show highlighted increased diversity, age inclusion, and an all-women performer lineup, aiming to represent contemporary audiences and values.

Q: Who were some of the standout performers and models at the show?

A: Besides Tyra Banks, highlights included Cher, Tyla, Lisa (BLACKPINK), Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, Kate Moss, Adriana Lima, and Ashley Graham.

Q: Why was the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show previously cancelled?

A: The show was cancelled after 2018 due to mounting criticism regarding body image and marketing practices, combined with declining viewership. The brand used this pause to reassess its messaging and inclusivity.

Q: How did fans respond to the revival?

A: Most fans celebrated the event’s emotional and nostalgic moments, especially Tyra Banks’ triumphant return, and reflected positively on the brand’s updated approach. Some expressed hopes for further diversity evolution.

Key Takeaways: What the 2024 Show Means for Fashion’s Future

Inclusivity is now front and center. Victoria’s Secret heeded calls for better representation, showcasing more ages, sizes, and cultures.
Nostalgia fuels excitement but progress is essential. Familiar faces delighted audiences, but the push for meaningful change was clear in both casting and performances.
The fashion show is once again a cultural event. With showstopping looks and viral performances, Victoria’s Secret has staked its claim to relevance in the modern era.

From Tyra Banks’ empowering walk to a spectacle proudly shaped by legendary women, the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was both an homage and a statement—proof that, with vision and courage, iconic traditions can evolve and thrive in the present day.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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