Tyra Banks, the renowned supermodel and former Victoria’s Secret Angel, recently shared a surprising story about her experience with the lingerie brand after her retirement from modeling in 2005. Banks revealed on the Tuesday episode of Today with Jenna & Friends that her Victoria’s Secret Angel Card, which was supposed to grant her free lingerie for life, was declined at a Los Angeles store one year after she left the brand.
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During her more than 10 years as a Victoria’s Secret model, Banks was gifted a special Free Angels card that allowed her unlimited shopping privileges with no spending cap. She expressed how she would indulge in lingerie sets from every collection, enjoying the perks of being a loyal face of the brand. However, when Victoria’s Secret offered Banks a three-year contract, and she declined in pursuit of a career in hosting, the brand promptly retracted her Angel privileges.
The embarrassing incident unfolded as Banks attempted to make a purchase at a Victoria’s Secret store in Los Angeles, only to have her card declined. The model humorously shared that she was left with a pile of items ready for checkout, only to realise that her once coveted shopping pass was no longer valid. Despite the awkward moment, Banks admitted that she misses the comfort and luxury of indulging in lingerie, a departure from her current preference for practicality and simplicity.
Reflecting on her decision to turn down Victoria’s Secret’s contract offer years ago, Banks shared her regret on Jenna Bush Hager’s show. She revealed that at the time, she felt that pursuing a talk show career would not align with the expectations of being a model for the brand. Despite her successful transition into television hosting with shows like America’s Next Top Model and The Tyra Banks Show, she expressed a longing to reclaim her ties to the fashion world.
Having briefly returned to the Victoria’s Secret runway in 2019 and 2024, Banks hinted at a possible comeback to her lingerie roots if the brand were to reinstate her Angel Card benefits. The model emphasised that having the card back would be a crucial first step in rekindling her partnership with the iconic brand. Banks’ candid revelation on national television showcases her humour and vulnerability, endearing her to fans as she navigates her past and present connections to the fashion industry.
Tyra Banks’ journey from supermodel to media mogul has been marked by significant career transitions and moments of reflection. As she continues to explore new ventures and opportunities, her openness about the highs and lows of her professional path resonates with audiences. Whether she returns to the Victoria’s Secret catwalk or pursues other projects, Banks’ impact on the fashion and entertainment industries remains undeniable, shaping her legacy as a multifaceted and resilient figure in the public eye.