WNBA sensation Angel Reese made history as the first professional athlete to grace the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway, marking a pivotal moment for representation and the evolving intersection of sports, fashion, and pop culture.
In a groundbreaking fusion of athleticism and high fashion, Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese took her undeniable presence from the basketball court to the global stage of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. On October 15, 2025, Reese became the first professional athlete to ever walk in the iconic show, cementing her status as a cultural icon who effortlessly bridges the worlds of sports, entertainment, and fashion. This debut was not merely a walk down a runway, but a powerful statement on confidence, representation, and breaking traditional boundaries, as USA TODAY reported.
The Journey to the Runway: From Court to Catwalk
Preparing for the bright lights of the runway was a unique challenge for the 23-year-old WNBA star. Reese, known for her dedication on the court, approached her modeling debut with the same rigorous commitment. She hired a modeling coach to “perfect my walk” and drew inspiration from legendary supermodel Tyra Banks, the first African American woman to appear in the Victoria’s Secret catalog. Reese told USA TODAY backstage, “I love her… attitude, her confidence up there, and just being able to see her little small gestures was something I really watched.”
The transition also involved a shift in lifestyle. “I definitely changed my diet, not eating as much as I do as an athlete,” Reese revealed. “As an athlete, you fuel up and for modeling, you fuel down. So I’m ready to eat.” Despite the new environment, her signature confidence remained unshaken. “In my head, I’m just going to continue to tell myself, ‘You’re that girl,'” she affirmed, a sentiment she expressed was “destined” for her.
A “Wings Reveal” for the Ages
For her debut, Angel Reese graced the runway in a stunning pink floral lingerie set, intricately adorned with blossoms and delicate lace detailing. This ensemble was beautifully complemented by a dramatic feathered stole, draped elegantly across her arms, featuring soft pink and rose-toned textures. Later in the show, she donned the iconic angel white wings, a symbol that has defined the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show for decades. Her confident stride was set to the infectious rhythm of Lumidee’s “Never Leave You (Uh Oooh, Uh Oooh).”
Reese’s charisma and crossover appeal were on full display, captivating the audience and underscoring why she has become one of the most visible figures in women’s sports. Her appearance was a celebration of her unique blend of confidence, athletic prowess, and fashion-forward style.
More Than a Moment: Representation and Impact
Reese’s historic walk carried profound significance beyond fashion. “I’m the first athlete to be able to be a VS Model,” Reese stated. “As a Black woman… representation is really important for me.” This sentiment was echoed by Olympic gymnastics champion Suni Lee, who also walked in the show. Lee told Marie Claire that being chosen was “like a dream outside of my comfort zone,” and emphasized, “I want young girls to know they don’t have to fit into just one box. You can chase Olympic gold and still own your femininity.”
Fans and media alike quickly praised the duo on social media, recognizing the inspiring message their appearance sent to young athletes and fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Reese’s debut was a powerful testament to her ability to bridge the gap between sports, fashion, and pop culture, leveraging her style, outspokenness, and massive social media influence.
The Star-Studded Return of an Icon
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which originally launched in 2001 and ran annually for nearly two decades, made a highly anticipated return after a hiatus that began in 2019. Reese herself attended the show’s return last year, manifesting her dream to walk the runway. This year’s event featured a dazzling mix of music and celebrity appearances, with performances by Madison Beer, K-pop group TWICE, Karol G, and Tyla. The catwalk was graced by an array of supermodels and influential figures, including returning “angels” like Adriana Lima and Gigi Hadid, alongside other notable names such as:
- Ashley Graham
- Barbara Palvin
- Stella Maxwell
- Candice Swanepoel
- Joan Smalls
- Irina Shayk
- Barbie Ferreira
- Emily Ratajkowski
- Lila Moss
- Lily Aldridge
- Yoon Young
- Precious Lee
- Alex Consani
- Amelia Gray
- Awar Odhiang
- Abby Champion
- Blesnya Minher
- Abény Nhial
- Maty Fall
- Mathilda Gvarliani
- Ashlyn Erickson
- Quen Blackwell
- Liu Wen
The show’s revival not only brought back its signature glamour but also demonstrated a renewed commitment to diversity and empowerment, as highlighted by Yahoo Entertainment.
Angel Reese: A Brand Beyond Basketball
Reese’s appearance at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is a natural extension of her burgeoning career and influence. A former LSU National Champion and NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player in 2023, Reese was selected 7th overall in the 2024 WNBA draft. She has quickly established herself as a rebounding machine, setting double-double records on the court.
Off the court, Reese has been a trailblazer in securing NIL deals since college, with an impressive roster of endorsement partnerships including Reebok, Beats by Dre, Tampax, Mielle Organics, Hershey’s Reese’s, Playstation, Amazon, and of course, Victoria’s Secret. Her podcast, “Unapologetically Angel,” further showcases her confident and authentic persona, reinforcing her appeal across various platforms.
How to Catch the Historic Show
Fans who wished to witness this historic event could do so through multiple digital platforms. The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was livestreamed across the brand’s official Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok channels. Additionally, subscribers to Prime Video could watch the show, and it was also available via Amazon Live, accessible on desktop, the Amazon Shopping app, and the Amazon Live channel within the Prime Video app. The pink carpet pre-show festivities were also streamed on Prime Video and Amazon Live.
Angel Reese’s debut at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is more than just a fleeting moment in pop culture; it’s a testament to her trailblazing spirit and a powerful step forward for the visibility and representation of athletes in new arenas. Her ability to seamlessly merge her athletic prowess with high fashion underscores her undeniable impact as a multifaceted icon for a new generation.
