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5 Shocking Facts About Tyra Banks' Victoria's Secret Era: From First Black Cover Model To The Revoked 'Angel Card'

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Few figures in fashion history command the same level of respect and curiosity as Tyra Banks, and her tenure as a Victoria’s Secret Angel remains a cornerstone of her iconic career. As of December 23, 2025, the narrative surrounding Banks' time with the lingerie giant continues to evolve, fueled by her own recent candid interviews and the brand's ongoing attempt to redefine its image through the "VS Collective." This article dives deep into the high-flying glamour, the groundbreaking achievements, and the surprising behind-the-scenes drama—including a recently revealed story about a revoked perk—that defined the supermodel’s nearly decade-long run.

Tyra Banks was not just a model; she was a trailblazer who shattered glass ceilings, becoming one of the most successful and recognizable faces in the industry. Her presence helped solidify the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show as a global cultural phenomenon, setting the standard for what it meant to be a modern, entrepreneurial supermodel. While her runway days with the brand officially concluded in 2005, her legacy and her recent commentary on the brand's controversial past and diverse future are more relevant now than ever before.

The Icon: Tyra Banks Complete Biography & Profile

  • Full Name: Tyra Lynne Banks
  • Date of Birth: December 4, 1973
  • Place of Birth: Inglewood, California, U.S.
  • Nationality: American
  • Occupation: Model, Television Personality, Producer, Actress, Author, Entrepreneur
  • Modeling Career Highlights: First African American woman on the covers of GQ and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue (solo cover in 1997); one of the original Victoria's Secret Angels.
  • Victoria's Secret Tenure: Angel from 1997 to 2005.
  • Key Businesses/Ventures: Creator and host of America's Next Top Model (ANTM), host of Dancing with the Stars, Tyra Beauty, ModelLand.
  • Education: Harvard Business School (Executive Education program).
  • Awards & Honors: Two Daytime Emmy Awards, multiple NAACP Image Awards, named one of Time magazine's most influential people.
  • Legacy: Known for pioneering the transition from supermodel to media mogul.

The Groundbreaking Era of the Original Victoria's Secret Angel (1997–2005)

Tyra Banks’ career with Victoria's Secret began long before the Angel wings became a signature symbol. She first walked the runway for the brand in the early 1990s, but 1997 marked a pivotal year for both Banks and the company.

Breaking Barriers: The First Black Catalog Cover

In 1997, Tyra Banks achieved a monumental "first" that redefined representation in the fashion industry: she became the first African American woman to be featured solo on the cover of the Victoria's Secret catalog. This achievement was a crucial step in her ascent to supermodel status, placing her alongside industry legends like Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford.

That same year, she was officially named one of the original Victoria's Secret Angels, a group that also included models like Helena Christensen, Karen Mulder, Daniela Peštová, and Stephanie Seymour. This exclusive contract elevated her status from a high-profile model to a global brand ambassador.

Iconic Runway Moments and the Fantasy Bra

Banks' runway presence was legendary, characterized by her powerful walk, expressive eyes, and signature "smize" (smiling with your eyes). She was known for bringing energy and drama to the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, which began airing on television in 2001, making her a household name internationally.

She wore the coveted Fantasy Bra twice: the "Heavenly Star Bra" in 1997, valued at $3 million, and the "Very Sexy Fantasy Bra" in 2004, valued at $10 million. Wearing the Fantasy Bra is considered the ultimate honor for a Victoria's Secret model, and Tyra’s two selections underscore her importance to the brand during its peak.

Her final walk in 2005 marked the end of an era, allowing her to fully transition into her role as a media mogul, launching America's Next Top Model (ANTM) and expanding her business empire. The 2005 show is often cited by fans as one of the most memorable in the brand's history.

Revoked Perks and the Surprising Return to the Runway

Despite her status as an original Angel and her major contributions to the brand, Banks recently revealed a surprising and somewhat embarrassing detail about her post-Angel life: the revocation of a key perk.

The Infamous 'Angel Card' Controversy

Banks shared that during her contract, she was given a special "Angel Card" which granted her access to free Victoria's Secret lingerie in retail stores. This was a standard perk for the models.

However, after her contract ended in 2005, she attempted to use the card at a Victoria's Secret store only to have it declined. The store manager informed her that the card was only valid while she was an active Angel. This anecdote, shared in recent interviews, highlights the stark transition from being an A-list brand ambassador to a former employee, albeit a legendary one. Banks admitted the moment was "embarrassing" but framed it as a funny story about the realities of celebrity perks.

The Unexpected Comeback

In a move that surprised the fashion world, Tyra Banks returned to the Victoria's Secret runway for a special appearance in the late 2010s, nearly 20 years after her debut. This return was highly publicized and served as a powerful reminder of her enduring influence and star power.

The appearance was a nod to the brand's heritage, bringing back one of its most iconic faces. It also sparked significant discussion on social media, particularly on platforms like TikTok, about the brand's past controversies and the evolving standards of beauty and representation in the industry.

The Legacy: Tyra Banks and the VS Collective

The Victoria's Secret brand has faced intense scrutiny in recent years regarding its lack of diversity, objectification of women, and the controversial leadership of its former executives. In response, the company launched the "VS Collective," a new initiative featuring diverse ambassadors to reshape its image.

Banks' Perspective on the New Direction

As the first Black contract model for the brand, Tyra Banks’ perspective on the VS Collective is particularly relevant. She has acknowledged the historical significance of her own groundbreaking role while also supporting the brand's move toward greater inclusivity and body positivity.

Banks’ legacy paved the way for future Black supermodels like Chanel Iman and Jourdan Dunn, and her success demonstrated the global appeal of diverse beauty. Her commentary on the brand's evolution is often one of cautious optimism, recognizing the need for change while celebrating the positive impact she had during her original tenure.

From Supermodel to Media Mogul

Banks' career is a masterclass in leveraging a modeling platform into a multifaceted media empire. Entities like America's Next Top Model (ANTM) and her business ventures, including ModelLand, have cemented her status as an entrepreneur. Her transition from posing for the camera to owning the production studio is a major part of her lasting influence.

The lessons she taught on ANTM—such as finding your light, the importance of branding, and the power of the "smize"—are now ingrained in pop culture. Her time as an Angel provided the global visibility necessary to launch these powerful second acts, demonstrating that the Victoria's Secret runway was merely a launchpad for a much larger, more diverse career.

tyra banks victoria secret
tyra banks victoria secret

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