Ahead of the 2024 show, Tyra revealed to Harper’s Bazaar that her involvement with the brand was just a crack in the door of diversity in the fashion industry.

“You know, it’s interesting because in terms of diversity, I was diverse. I was considered curvier, and I was a black girl, and I think it’s important to still recognize that at the time… 19 years ago (it was), ‘Wow, they put Tyra on covers and they’re breaking all these barriers and Victoria’s Secret is stepping out and saying she’s the first black woman, “really going against the norm,” she told the publication. “What’s even better today is that they broke those doors open. I feel like I’ve cracked it open, and now that they’re cracking open, I’m so excited.”

Tyra also took a moment to shout out and cheer up one of the brand’s new Angels, Paloma Elsesser, as she spoke about the brand’s latest inclusivity efforts. “When I’m watching the video commercial I did with Paloma and I’m walking down the hall, you know, like a woman with Victoria’s Secret who’s broken so many doors, Paloma hands over that invitation and she bursts out. It’s just like this continuation of beauty and diversity, which is really exciting.”

One thing’s for sure: Tyra definitely is still at the top, and she passes the baton with confidence and grace to our new generation of VS Angels.