Tyra Banks and Adriana Lima are iconic figures in the fashion industry, representing two distinct generations of supermodel success. Their paths crossed in 1999 when Lima, then 18 and new to Victoria’s Secret, received crucial mentorship from Banks, an established star and trailblazer.
Mentorship and Early Career
During Lima's first Victoria’s Secret commercial shoot, Banks encouraged her to stay calm and confident, advice Lima has acknowledged as pivotal. Banks, already a fashion icon and the first Black woman featured on the covers of GQ and Sports Illustrated, supported Lima as she rose to prominence.
Between 2000 and 2005, Banks and Lima appeared together at major events including Cannes, Herald Square, and several Victoria’s Secret shows. Banks retired from Victoria’s Secret in 2005 to focus on her television career, while Lima continued with the brand for another 13 years, becoming its longest-serving Angel.
Parallel Careers and Recent Reunion
- Tyra Banks transitioned into television, launching America’s Next Top Model in 2003 and hosting 22 cycles.
- Adriana Lima maintained a high-profile runway career, wearing the prestigious Fantasy Bra three times and retiring from Victoria’s Secret in 2018.
- In 2024, both models reunited on the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show revival in Brooklyn, with Lima closing the opening segment and Banks closing the entire show.
Awards and Recognition
In April 2025, Banks and Lima were honoured at the Fashion Los Angeles Awards. Banks received the Fashion Icon award, while Lima was celebrated for her comeback with the Fashion Comeback of the Year title.
Legacy
Tyra Banks broke barriers in the 1990s as one of the first Black supermodels to dominate both high fashion and commercial modelling, later shaping the industry through television. Adriana Lima, discovered through Ford’s modelling contests, became one of the most recognizable faces of Victoria’s Secret and a consistent figure in global fashion campaigns.
