Tyra Banks' Viral Moment at VS Fashion Show: 'Cheap' Outfit & Unrecognizable Transformation at 50

Striking photos of Tyra Banks returning to one of the world's most iconic runway shows sparked a wave of nostalgia—and surprise—among social media users.

Supermodel Tyra Banks made headlines after closing the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in New York on October 15, delivering a runway moment that left netizens divided.

The 50-year-old supermodel reemerged in a bold, form-fitting black ensemble with a structured corset and flowing cape. Her voluminous, textured hair and fierce expression captivated the audience as she strutted down the runway.

Shortly after, Banks shared the moment on Instagram, reminding her followers, "In case you forgot," with a yellow heart emoji at the end. While her walk and confidence were undeniable, social media exploded with reactions.

"Is that Tyra? I so did not recognize her! 🫨" one surprised viewer said. Another added, "Tyra don't look like Tyra anymore [sic]," reflecting the confusion surrounding the model's transformation.

Some mistook Banks for a famous drag queen and television personality. "Thought that was RuPaul 😬," a third remarked while another stated, "girl that's rupaul 😭😭 [sic]."

However, many find Banks's outfit unworthy of her iconic status. "Where are Tyra's wings? 😭 This is her runway comeback, and you gave her that cheap cape and a pair of leggings!?" a fan lamented.

"now Tyra tore the runway up like always but they could’ve given her the BIGGEST wings [sic]," one supporter insisted, suggesting she deserved a grander moment. Some expressed disappointment, calling it the "worst outfit of the night."

Another agreed that Banks's ensemble fell short of expectations. "I really needed this…but the hair and outfit were just not at all what I expected for THE angel. VS, you crazy…Tyra needed some feathers, glitz and WINGS! AND let the woman do a full walk. She’s the reason I watched [sic]!" one fan exclaimed.

But not all responses were critical—some fans felt that Banks still reigns supreme in their hearts. "THE QUEEN IS BACK 😍," proclaimed a dedicated fan. "You look absolutely incredible!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌," another enthusiastically declared.

"You looked AMAZINGGGGGGG 😍😍😍 Back like you NEVER left [sic]," one supporter wrote while someone gushed, "Forever QUEEN OF THE RUNWAY!! 🔥👑."

Banks' appearance at the 2024 show follows her return to modeling in 2019 after a long hiatus. In one Instagram post, she wrote, "She used to model. She retired to be a business boss. Now she's back. #BanX"

In an ET interview, the then-45-year-old model explained the reason behind her comeback, "I decided to come out of retirement because I always say there's no such thing as cookie-cutter beauty to me. I'm gonna bust those beauty walls down." With her comeback, she now aims to shift the narrative and advocate for beauty at all ages.

Banks also opened up about why she initially retired over a decade earlier. While some speculated it was to focus on her talk show and business ventures, she clarified, "I retired from modeling because I didn't want to age out of the system."

Leaving on her own terms was vital for her, as she wanted to preserve her authenticity and avoid being "kicked out" due to aging. Throughout her career, Banks has been candid about her struggles with body image.

In a 2018 interview with People, the former "America's Next Top Model" host reflected on the pressures she faced during her early years in modeling.

"I used to feel like my body was not mine. I've been too thin or too big. And I used to feel like I was betraying people if I lost weight," Banks said.

Despite being initially rejected by high-fashion brands for not fitting the traditional mold, Banks persisted and broke through industry barriers, ultimately becoming a Victoria's Secret Angel.

By the time she was 24, she had also graced the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in redefining beauty standards.

Banks' relationship with her body continued to evolve after welcoming her son, York, in 2016 via surrogacy. "When he was first born, maybe because it was through surrogacy, I wanted to be bigger for him," she recalled. "I felt that was love in a way. I wanted him to feel that cush and that nurture."

Over the years, more changes came. After suffering an ankle injury, Banks’ doctor advised her to lose weight to support her recovery. This led to a 30-pound weight loss.

"Now I'm a different body type. But I don't feel like I'm betraying people. I've still got a–, I've still got boobs!" she shared.

Beyond her personal journey, Banks has consistently championed female empowerment and self-acceptance. In a separate social media post, she shared an inspiring quote with her followers, captioning it, "Go on girl, be your fierce & beautiful self!"

From the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show to her trailblazing modeling career and journey through motherhood, Tyra Banks continues to prove she is an unstoppable force, redefining womanhood on her own terms.