Supermodel and entrepreneur Tyra Banks chose the perfect plus-one for ESSENCE’s Black Women in Hollywood Awards on Thursday, February 25, 2025 – her mother, Carolyn London. The duo turned heads as they arrived in matching outfits at the prestigious event where Banks received the first-ever Luminary Spotlight honor. This special mother-daughter moment highlighted their close relationship and shared journey through the modeling and entertainment world.
Model Icon Receives First-Ever Luminary Spotlight Award
The ESSENCE March/April 2025 cover star attended the ceremony to accept a groundbreaking new honor. Banks received recognition as the inaugural Luminary Spotlight honoree, celebrating her vast contributions to Hollywood and beyond. Her selection for this award reflects her multifaceted career spanning modeling, television production, entrepreneurship, and film.
Banks certainly earned this distinction through decades of breaking barriers. Most notably, she created the wildly successful competition series “America’s Next Top Model,” which launched over 50 international versions. The original show introduced the world to talents like Eva Marcille, Yaya DaCosta, and Winnie Harlow – models who later transitioned into successful acting careers themselves.
Mother-Daughter Bond Powers Decades of Success
The close relationship between Banks and London has been a driving force behind the supermodel’s extraordinary career. London has consistently provided crucial guidance at pivotal moments in her daughter’s journey. This supportive dynamic was evident as they posed together on the red carpet.
“She was constantly told that Black models didn’t sell magazines, that Black models don’t get advertising campaigns,” London revealed in a 2021 interview about challenges they faced. “A trait we both have is ‘Don’t tell us that you can’t do something.’ There’s always a way in. It may be on the side door, the back door, the basement door, a tunnel. You find it.”
Victoria’s Secret Runway Return Inspired by Mom’s Wisdom
Banks recently made headlines when she returned to the Victoria’s Secret runway last October at age 50. This comeback moment quickly went viral, cementing her enduring relevance in the modeling world. Interestingly, she credits her mother for encouraging this career-defining decision.
“My mama said, ‘You’re not just walking for you this time,'” Banks recalled in her ESSENCE cover story. “‘You’re 50. You’re walking for so many women. You’re walking for Black women. You’re walking for older women.'” This maternal advice proved prophetic as Banks’ runway return resonated with women everywhere.
Modeling Career Revival at Age 50
The overwhelming response to her Victoria’s Secret appearance has inspired Banks to fully return to modeling. “I had no idea it was gonna blow up in the way that it did,” she shared with ESSENCE. “So now I am going to model again, officially.”
Banks isn’t approaching this comeback halfheartedly. She revealed plans to sign with modeling agencies across multiple continents. “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,” the supermodel explained with characteristic determination.
ESSENCE Cover Star Continues Breaking Barriers
The March/April 2025 ESSENCE cover features Banks looking radiant and confident. This latest magazine appearance adds to her impressive collection of covers throughout her pioneering career. Her ongoing relationship with ESSENCE highlights her important role in Black media representation.
Throughout her journey, Banks has consistently challenged industry norms about age, race, and beauty standards. Her current career renaissance demonstrates how she continues to redefine possibilities for models beyond their traditional prime years. Once again, she’s expanding the boundaries of what’s possible in fashion and entertainment.
