Tyra Banks is setting the record straight on why she skipped this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York — just one year after making her high-profile comeback.
Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, the 51-year-old model and entrepreneur said her absence came down to business priorities abroad. “I’m in Australia doing Hot Cream and stuff … I don’t know, we’ll see,” Banks said when asked if she considered walking again, per People.
Banks, who retired from modeling in 2005 after walking nine shows for the lingerie brand, launched her Sydney-based ice cream shop, SMiZE & Dream, earlier this year. Its first “Hot Ice Cream” flavor, Hot Mama, debuted in late September and quickly sold out after a week.
Even while overseas, Banks expressed gratitude for the company that helped define her career. “Victoria’s Secret is an American staple and now a global institution,” she said. “I probably wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you about hot ice cream if it wasn’t for what Victoria’s Secret did for my career.”
The former “America’s Next Top Model” host also reflected on her legacy, adding, “Ten years of being an Angel with them, you know? And being the first Black many things for them. Breaking down those doors and now seeing all that beautiful diversity … I have a lot to thank them for.”
Tyra’s “Hot Ice Cream” Has Everyone Talking
While Banks skipped the catwalk this year, her latest business venture is still turning heads — and confusing a few. The model has been promoting her “Hot Ice Cream,” a first-of-its-kind dessert that blends warmth and sweetness in one cup.
“Not a latte. Not a hot chocolate. But your favorite scoops transformed into liquid. Hot. Ice cream. Sippable, baby,” Banks teased on social media.
The concept stems from her childhood ice cream nights with her mother, Carolyn London, which inspired her to launch SMiZE & Dream. Still, fans online have been both intrigued and puzzled. One commenter asked, “Tyra what the hell are you talking about? We need more details.”
Critics weighed in on the buzz, calling the dessert both intriguing and confusing. Some described it as “a creamy, dreamy consistency that can be sipped from a cup,” while others admitted they still don’t quite get it.
Bringing “Hot Mama” to New York
Banks recently hinted that Hot Mama will soon make its way to the U.S. In a playful Instagram Reel shared with SMiZE & Dream, she asked followers where in New York the brand should “drop” next — from museum cafés to hotel lounges.
“She’s hot. She’s got a cold twin. She’s confusing a lot of people… and we love it,” the caption read.
Whether on the runway or in business, Banks continues to embrace reinvention. “I probably wouldn’t be where I am if it weren’t for what Victoria’s Secret did for my career,” she said, proving her legacy remains as bold and unpredictable as ever.
