Tyra Banks is back in the spotlight, gracing the cover of Essence Beauty Issue with the same confidence and star power that made her a household name. At 51, the supermodel, TV personality, and entrepreneur proves that reinvention is key, balancing her career, business ventures, and personal challenges while continuing to break barriers in fashion and entertainment.
While Banks is no stranger to pressure, she recently faced a heartbreaking personal loss—her Los Angeles home was destroyed in the California fires. The most difficult part for her was explaining the tragedy to her 9-year-old son, York. “I wasn’t sure how to tell my son that the house was gone,” she shares in the interview. Despite the devastation, Banks remains resilient, focusing on rebuilding and moving forward.
From being the first Black woman to grace the covers of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, GQ, and the Victoria’s Secret catalog, to creating America’s Next Top Model, Banks has always been at the forefront of industry change. While ANTM has faced criticism in recent years, she acknowledges that beauty standards have evolved over time. “There’s a timeline when it comes to change,” she says, reflecting on the show’s impact.
After years away from the catwalk, Banks made a stunning return to Victoria’s Secret at 50. Encouraged by her mother, she embraced the opportunity to represent Black women and older women on a stage that often prioritizes youth. Now, she’s officially back in the modeling industry, signing with agencies in Sydney, Paris, and New York.
Beyond modeling, Banks has ventured into business with SMiZE & DREAM, her ice cream brand inspired by childhood memories with her mother. She’s also exploring new creative projects in Hollywood, including plans for a Life-Size 3 sequel, where she hopes to cast a rising Black actress in the lead role.
With offers to revive ANTM and a renewed passion for modeling, Banks is proving that she’s far from done. As she reflects on her journey, she shares a simple yet powerful message to her younger self: “It’s going to be okay.” And with her latest comeback, it certainly looks like it is.
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TEAM
Photographed by Kenny Germé
Styled by Edem Dossou
Written by Brooklyn White
Hair: Richi Grisillo using Moroccanoil
Makeup: Justin Henry using Patrick Ta
Nails: Cindy Vellis
Set Design: Mariska Lowri
Tailor: Juli Herlihy
Photography Assistants: Nick Shaw, Daryl Orillaza, Toby Wilkinson
Digital Technician: David Deas
Fashion Assistants: Alvin Darmawan & Angelica Cueva
Set Assistant: Alice Joel
Post Production: One Hundred Berlin
Executive Production: The Morrison Group
Local Production: CC Production
Production Assistant: Zac Panyar
Location: Baker Street Studios
English