Tyra Banks considers a modelling comeback at 51
The former supermodel has been secretly living in Australia for 18 months and rethinking her retirement.
Tyra Banks is one of the few models who became a household name.
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Not only was she an iconic runway star, but she also became a pop culture staple as the former host of the legendary (and sometimes controversial) 'America's Next Top Model'.
Despite the modelling industry’s claims of inclusivity, true longevity in this career path remains elusive. Banks retired from modelling in 2005 to focus on other ventures but has occasionally returned to the spotlight.
Most recently, she starred in a campaign for Kim Kardashian's SKIMS clothing brand and made a return to the Victoria's Secret runway in 2024.
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In an interview with Australia's Daily Telegraph, it was revealed that Bank's has been splitting her time between Australia and the USA, quietly keeping a low profile.
While it wasn't widely known that she now calls Sydney home, her time there has even made her reconsider her retirement.
Kim was a one-off. Victoria’s Secret, that was a one-off. But now I’m like, it might even feel like a vacation day because, as an entrepreneur, it just doesn’t stop and I don’t sleep.
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She also says that returning to the industry "being thicker and curvier and being now over 50 years old" could be a powerful and empowering statement.
Banks emphasised that this comeback isn’t just about her – it’s about representing and inspiring women everywhere.
Reflecting on her life in Sydney, she revealed that she's been wearing wigs to blend in with the laid-back Australian culture, which she finds less intrusive compared to life in America.
I think I want to even get modelling agencies, not just like New York and LA, Paris, but maybe even here too, because I’m here so much, so to get a Sydney agency. But we are coming out, I want to go to stuff now. It has been entrepreneur time, just like my head is down, no social stuff. Now, I am ready. I need some outfits though, I need some Aussie brands that can fit my bootie, you know, some curves. I’m ready to get out.
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Main image courtesy of Kim Kardashian Official Instagram