WNBA star Angel Reese made history on October 15, 2025, becoming one of the first professional athletes to grace the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York City. Her stunning debut, featuring elaborate floral and winged ensembles, marks a pivotal moment for diversity in fashion and highlights the growing crossover appeal of athletes in pop culture.
The highly anticipated Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show returned to New York City on October 15, 2025, delivering a spectacle of fashion, music, and groundbreaking debuts. Among the most talked-about moments was the runway walk of Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, who officially earned her “wings” and etched her name into the history books. Reese became one of the first professional athletes to walk in the iconic show, alongside Olympic gymnast Suni Lee, marking a significant step for athletic representation in high fashion.
A Dream Realized: Reese’s Journey to the Runway
For Angel Reese, walking in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was a lifelong aspiration. She described the experience as “stepping into a dream” and a moment that felt like “destiny.” Prior to her debut, Reese openly shared her excitement on social media, posting, “i ’m finally getting my wings. i ’ll be walking the victoria ’s secret 2025 runway show for the first time, and it feels like destiny. ✨ wings on , heels ready …catchmeontherunway💗@victoriassecret.” This sentiment was echoed in her interview with Vogue, where she recalled watching the show as a child and dancing in Victoria’s Secret attire, making her appearance a truly “full-circle moment.”
To prepare for this high-profile event, Reese diligently worked with a modeling coach, focusing on perfecting her runway walk. Her dedication ensured she brought the same confidence and charisma from the basketball court to the catwalk. She embodied the fusion of athleticism and glamour that the reimagined show now champions.
Unveiling the Iconic Looks
Angel Reese’s debut on the Victoria’s Secret runway was nothing short of spectacular. Her initial appearance featured an immaculate pink floral lingerie set, literally dripping with delicate blossoms and intricate lace detailing. This ensemble was beautifully complemented by a dramatic feathered stole, draped elegantly across her arms and covered in soft pink and rose-toned textures. She completed the look with signature angel white wings, adding to the ethereal appeal.
She later closed the show with another equally striking look: a simple lacey baby pink lingerie set, layered under a short-sleeve open crop top, and adorned with a huge pair of intricate angel wings. Each outfit underscored her powerful presence and cemented her status as a true Victoria’s Secret Angel.
Beyond the Court: Redefining Athlete Influence
Angel Reese’s participation is more than just a modeling gig; it’s a powerful statement about the evolving role of athletes in mainstream culture. As one of the first professional athletes to walk the Victoria’s Secret runway, Reese, alongside Suni Lee, has shattered traditional boundaries between sports and fashion. Her vibrant personality, outspokenness, and significant social media presence have made her one of the most visible figures in women’s sports, seamlessly bridging the gap between sports, fashion, and pop culture.
The 23-year-old WNBA star has cultivated a strong personal brand through various ventures outside basketball. She is an ambassador for major brands like Reebok and Juicy Couture and hosts her own podcast, “Unapologetically Angel.” This widespread influence allows her to inspire women and girls to “dominate in our field but also chase our goals outside of it,” as she told People. Reese proves that versatility and ambition can lead to success across multiple industries.
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show: A Reimagined Legacy
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which began in 2001 and ran annually for nearly two decades, underwent a significant transformation after its cancellation in 2019. The brand’s decision to bring the show back in 2023 with a rebranded vision has emphasized diversity and inclusivity, moving away from its previous narrow beauty standards. Reese herself attended the show last year as a guest, foreshadowing her eventual role on the runway.
The 2025 show, held along the Brooklyn waterfront in New York City, was live-streamed globally across platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Prime Video. This accessibility allowed a broad audience to witness the event and celebrate its renewed commitment to celebrating all women.
A Star-Studded Event: Fellow Models and Performers
Reese was in esteemed company, joining a diverse lineup of models and performers. Other notable figures making their runway debut included Precious Lee, Barbie Ferreira, Daiane Sodre, Iris Law, Quenlin Blackwell, Yumi Nuis, and fellow athlete Suni Lee. They walked alongside returning Angels and supermodels such as Alessandra Ambrosio (walking her 19th show), Adriana Lima, Gigi Hadid, Candice Swanepoel, Doutzen Kroes, Stella Maxwell, Alex Consani, Anok Yai, Ashley Graham, Barbara Palvin, Joan Smalls, Lily Aldridge, Paloma Elsesser, and Taylor Hill.
The show’s musical segments featured electrifying performances from a roster of A-list artists, including pop sensation Madison Beer, K-pop group TWICE, Latin superstar Karol G, and hip-hop icon Missy Elliott, adding to the high-energy atmosphere of the evening.
Fanfare and Future Impact
The excitement surrounding Angel Reese’s debut was palpable across social media. Fans flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter) with enthusiastic reactions, praising her stunning looks and confident walk. Comments like “SHE ATEEE #ARWINGS” and “she’s stunning, idc what anyone says” highlighted the immense support and admiration she received from her dedicated fanbase. Her appearance was seen by many as inspirational, further solidifying her status as a role model.
While Angel Reese’s off-court ventures continue to flourish, her basketball career remains a significant part of her identity. The former Louisiana State University (LSU) national champion and 2023 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player recently concluded her second WNBA season with the Chicago Sky. Despite the team missing the playoffs, Reese’s continued influence in fashion and entertainment demonstrates her undeniable crossover appeal and capacity to make a significant impact far beyond the basketball court.
