Tyra Banks Stuns On Essence Beauty Cover, Hints At Possible Return To Modeling
Source: Taylor Hill / Getty
Tyra Banks stepped up to the plate to pose for Essence’s new “Beauty Issue” set to hit newsstands on March 18, and the model and runway veteran did not miss.
At 51, Banks graced the cover of the March/April Beauty Issue in a stunning photograph taken by Kenny Germé. Styled by Edem Dossou, the legendary muse rocked a coat by Agapornis, a dress from Dawei Studio, earrings by Florence Moorhead, and sandals by Larucci.
Paired with poofy hair and dark dramatic eye makeup, Banks looked otherworldly as she stared directly into the camera with her mesmerizing eyes. This proved that she could still shatter any photoshoot despite stepping away from the modeling industry in 2005 to pursue other business ventures. The star is now at the helm of her wildly popular SMiZE & DREAM ice cream brand, which draws inspiration from the ice cream flavors she and her family adored growing up.
Although she loves the hustle and bustle of work, Banks revealed to Essence writer Brooklyn White that entrepreneurship can be “extremely stressful” at times.
“I don’t sleep. I’m hot-flashing now, so I wake up in the middle of the night many times—and I just work, because I’m jolted awake. It’s entrepreneurship: boom, boom, boom, constantly. But when I’m on a set, it’s almost Zen, because I’m not in charge.”
Amid her hectic work schedule, Banks makes the most of her downtime, enjoying quality time with her son, York, and her boyfriend, French business executive Louis Bélanger-Martin, in Australia. The modeling icon has been living overseas since the heartbreaking loss of her Los Angeles home in the devastating wildfires. She has not returned to visit the property since the tragedy.
“I have these moments of thinking my house is still there because my memory is the house. I haven’t been able to connect reality with my memory. They’re separate right now. Of course, I’ve seen pictures of the devastation, and I’ve seen pictures of our home site—but because I haven’t seen it in person, it is a strange psychological thing,” she shared.
Tyra Banks Returning To Modeling
Source: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty
But all is not lost for the celebrity. Banks shared with White that she’s been considering a return to the runway. The America’s Next Top Model host revealed that walking in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in October 2024 reignited a spark within her. She mesmerized viewers with her iconic strut, captivating eyes, and radiant smile as she graced the runway once again.
Banks thanked her mother, Carolyn London, for giving her the confidence she needed to make her return to the iconic fashion show.
“My mama said, ‘You’re not just walking for you this time,’ ” Banks revealed. “ ‘You’re 50. You’re walking for so many people. You’re walking for Black women. You’re walking for older women.’ ”
Looking ahead at her career, if she returns to modeling, the fashion giant said she would love to take her talent across the globe.
“I’m gonna sign with an agency in Sydney. I’m gonna have agencies in Paris. I’m going to be in New York. Like, I’m just gonna do this,” Banks shared to Essence.
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