Even being one of the most famous Victoria’s Secret models in the world has its limits when it comes to getting free lingerie.
Just ask Tyra Banks.
The entrepreneur, talk show host and retired model, who is guest co-hosting TODAY with Jenna & Friends this week, told Jenna Bush Hager she once had “a free Angel’s Card” given to her by the head of the company. Banks, 51, was a Victoria’s Secret Angel in the late 1990s and early 2000s during her pioneering modeling career.
However, she learned in an embarrassing way that the card wasn’t good for life.
“They were like, ‘Forever, we love you so much. You have this card, and you can go to any shop forever, and shop forever with no cap on it,'” Banks told Jenna on July 29.
“So I would get lingerie for myself, matching tops and bottoms. A collection that came out? I got it.”
Banks said that all changed when she decided not to continue her employment with the company.
“And then a few years after, they put a contract on the table and said, ‘Let’s sign three more years,'” Banks said. “And I was like, ‘I don’t want to, I’m going to be a talk show host, I’m not going to do it.’
“And they let me have that Angel Card for a year later, and then they said, ‘Give it back, baby,'” Banks continued.
Jenna then asked her if she learned of the card being revoked when she was at a Victoria’s Secret store buying lingerie.
“Yes,” Banks said sheepishly.
“No, you did not. They said, ‘Sorry we cannot accept your Angel card?'” an incredulous Jenna asked.
“I hate saying this on national TV!” Banks joked.
Jenna then asked her if she had “a whole pile of stuff” at the counter when she found out the Angel Card no longer worked.
“Yes, Jenna! It was like in the suburbs store in Los Angeles off the freeway,” Banks said. “I can’t remember the name of the mall, but oh my gosh!”
TODAY.com has reached out to Victoria’s Secret for comment.
Banks joked that now her lingerie doesn’t “match anymore.”
“Iโm going to call Victoriaโs Secret,” she said. “Give me my card back.”
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show that once featured Banks was canceled in 2019 amid controversy and declining ratings. However, it was revived in 2024 with Banks as part of the show.
Jenna asked Banks if she would consider doing another contract with Victoria’s Secret.
“I would do a deal if you gave me my card back,” Banks said. “Let’s start there, that is the most important thing. I want my card. And then I have to represent the brand. So we’ll see.”
