Angel Reese made history in 2025 by becoming the first professional athlete to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, marking a groundbreaking moment during the brand’s highly anticipated return to runway fashion after a six-year hiatus.
Key Takeaways
- Angel Reese became the first professional athlete to participate in a Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, bridging the gap between high fashion and professional sports.
- She showcased two stunning pink ensembles and worked with a professional modeling coach to perfect her runway technique for this historic debut.
- Reese’s WNBA rookie season was record-breaking, with 15 consecutive double-doubles and the league’s highest rebounding average at 13.1 per game.
- The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show featured a star-studded lineup including iconic Angels, contemporary supermodels, and musical performances by Missy Elliott and Karol G.
- Her crossover success unlocks future brand opportunities for athletes across industries while pushing fashion boundaries.
Angel Reese: Redefining Beauty Standards
Angel Reese’s debut as a Victoria’s Secret Angel signifies more than just a fashion show appearance. The Chicago Sky forward disrupted long-held industry norms by claiming her space among top-tier supermodels. With this milestone, she showcased how athletic dominance and fashion glamour can coexist remarkably well.
Strategic Selection by Victoria’s Secret
Victoria’s Secret selected Reese recognizing her influence beyond the basketball court. The brand’s return to runway fashion was strategically supported by her involvement, reflecting a modern commitment to authenticity and inclusion. Reese’s inclusion signals a redefined identity for brands that once conformed to narrower beauty ideals.
Rigorous Preparation and Style Statement
Behind the scenes, Reese worked extensively with a professional modeling coach to master runway poise while sustaining her elite athletic training. Her performance is a testament to the rigorous preparation needed to succeed in multiple high-performance realms. The pink-themed ensembles she wore not only celebrated the show’s aesthetic but also emphasized her powerful, confident physique—challenging conventional fashion imagery.
Influence Across Sports and Fashion
Historic Crossover Moment
The 2025 show captivated global audiences, largely due to the novelty and significance of Angel Reese’s breakthrough. The event blurred traditional boundaries between sports and fashion, positioning Reese as a trailblazer for athlete-brand integration.
Expanding Reach and Audience
Basketball fans discovered high fashion through Reese’s journey, while Victoria’s Secret reached new demographics. This synergy showcases the market potential of athlete-fashion collaborations.
Reese’s Athletic Credibility
Her impressive rookie season set the stage for her foray into fashion. Reese’s on-court performance, combined with her charisma, aligned perfectly with the evolving brand identity of Victoria’s Secret.
Star-Studded Entertainment
The show featured top models and musical acts that included Missy Elliott and Karol G. These elements enhanced the entertainment experience and amplified the event’s cultural relevance.
Implications for Athlete Branding
Opening Doors for Future Collaborations
Angel Reese has created a replicable formula for sports personalities aspiring to cross into fashion. Her success proves athletes can represent luxury brands authentically and effectively.
Generating Financial Opportunity
Reese’s initial appearance holds long-term financial potential through expanding endorsements and future collaborations. Modern athletes increasingly view such partnerships as essential components of sustained brand development.
Shifting Beauty Norms and Representation
Victoria’s Secret’s inclusion of Reese highlights changing consumer values. Today’s audiences favor authenticity and diversity, prompting fashion houses to reevaluate modeling standards and strategic alignments.
Seamless Transition with Professional Coaching
Reese’s modeling coach played a pivotal role, teaching her to adapt her athletic confidence to the demands of fashion presentation. Her preparation bridged the gap between athletic performance and runway composition.
Strategic Execution and Cultural Impact
Brooklyn Venue and Urban Appeal
The choice of Brooklyn for the event location represented a deliberate strategy to tap into vibrant, diverse urban audiences while maintaining an exclusive brand aura.
Social Media Amplification
Reese’s vast social following helped broadcast the show’s highlights across platforms like Instagram and TikTok. This exposure increased brand visibility and connected with young, trend-focused consumers.
Future of Athletes in Fashion
Angel Reese’s debut may inspire future shows to include more athletes. Her reception proves that athleticism and beauty are not mutually exclusive and that fashion can embrace multifaceted forms of excellence.
Role Model for Young Athletes
Her high-profile appearance sends a message to young athletes worldwide: success in one field doesn’t limit your potential in others. Reese exemplifies how to build a multidimensional career.
The Rise of Strategic Brand Partnerships
Template for the Future
The partnership between Reese and Victoria’s Secret stands as a benchmark for successful athlete-fashion collaborations. Both brands benefited from the increased visibility and expanded audiences.
Cross-Industry Competition
Reese’s move into fashion adds healthy competition between athletic and lifestyle brands vying for influential personalities. Athletes now command higher value in endorsement negotiations across sectors.
A New Cultural Era
By featuring an athlete in a high-profile fashion show, Victoria’s Secret has acknowledged that the definition of beauty has broadened. Athletic excellence is now celebrated alongside traditional glamour.
Empowering the Athlete-Entertainer Hybrid
Reese’s appearance redefines what it means to be a modern celebrity. Athletes increasingly rival traditional entertainers in influence, brand equity, and appeal.
A Moment to Remember
The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show featuring Angel Reese will be remembered as a turning point in how sports and fashion intersect. Her powerful debut broke barriers and created opportunities for future generations to explore and expand across industries. Reese proved that excellence truly transcends boundaries, setting a bold example for what modern success looks like.
WNBA Star Angel Reese Makes Historic Victoria’s Secret Runway Debut
Angel Reese shattered barriers in 2025 by becoming the first professional athlete to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, creating an unprecedented bridge between professional sports and high fashion. The historic moment took place in Brooklyn, New York, as Victoria’s Secret made its highly anticipated return to runway fashion after a six-year absence from the spotlight.
I watched Reese’s announcement unfold on social media, where she shared her excitement with fans by declaring, “From Angel to a Victoria Secret ANGEL. I’m finally getting my wings.” This playful reference to her first name and the brand’s iconic angel status captured the significance of her groundbreaking achievement. Her selection represents a shift in how fashion brands view athletic prowess and diverse beauty standards.
Breaking New Ground in Fashion and Sports
The WNBA star’s participation in the “Wings Reveal” lineup marked more than just a runway appearance. She officially received Victoria’s Secret’s coveted angel wings, symbolizing her formal induction into an exclusive circle that has traditionally been reserved for supermodels. This moment demonstrates how athletic excellence and fashion modeling can intersect in powerful ways.
Reese’s historic debut challenges conventional boundaries between different entertainment industries. Her athletic background brings a new dimension to the fashion show, showcasing strength and confidence that resonates with diverse audiences. The collaboration highlights how modern brands are expanding their definitions of beauty and representation to include accomplished women from various fields.
The Brooklyn venue provided the perfect backdrop for this historic crossover event. Victoria’s Secret’s return to the runway after six years coincided perfectly with Reese’s groundbreaking participation, creating a moment that will likely be remembered as pivotal for both the fashion industry and women’s sports. Her presence on the runway demonstrates that athletic achievement and fashion modeling aren’t mutually exclusive pursuits.
This milestone opens doors for future collaborations between professional athletes and high-fashion brands. Reese’s success proves that the skills, dedication, and presence required for elite athletic performance translate beautifully to the fashion runway. Her achievement sets a precedent that other athletes may follow, potentially creating new opportunities for crossover success in entertainment and fashion industries.
Angel Reese’s Stunning Pink Runway Looks Command Attention
Angel Reese made an unforgettable impression during her Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show debut, showcasing two carefully selected pink ensembles that perfectly captured her athletic confidence and natural charisma. The 23-year-old Chicago Sky forward stepped onto the runway with the same determination she brings to the basketball court, proving that her talents extend far beyond professional sports.
Her first look featured a delicate floral three-piece lingerie ensemble that balanced femininity with bold confidence. The soft pink tones complemented her skin beautifully, while the accompanying fluffy boa added dramatic flair as she moved down the catwalk. Each step demonstrated the preparation she’d invested in this moment, showing viewers that athletic prowess translates remarkably well to high-fashion modeling.
The second ensemble elevated her runway presence even further with a cut-out baby tee that showcased her athletic physique in an entirely new context. Paired with dramatic lacy white wings, this look created a striking visual contrast that captured photographers’ attention and highlighted her versatility as a performer. The wings themselves became an extension of her movement, flowing gracefully as she navigated the runway with practiced precision.
Preparation Behind the Performance
Recognizing the importance of this groundbreaking moment, Reese hired a professional modeling coach to perfect her runway technique. This decision reflects her commitment to excellence in every endeavor she pursues. The coaching sessions focused on developing the specific walk style that Victoria’s Secret shows are known for, helping her adapt her natural athletic movement to the fashion industry’s expectations.
Her preparation paid off spectacularly as she shared the stage with some of the industry’s most established supermodels. Rather than appearing intimidated by the company, Reese displayed the same competitive spirit that has made her successful in professional basketball. Her athletic background provided a unique advantage, giving her the body awareness and confidence needed to command attention on such a prestigious platform.
The contrast between her sports career and this fashion debut created a compelling narrative that resonated with audiences. While many heroes exist in sports and entertainment, Reese’s ability to excel in both domains sets her apart from her peers. Her performance demonstrated that professional athletes possess the discipline and physical presence needed to succeed in high-fashion environments.
The fashion show appearance represents more than just a modeling debut; it signals a new chapter in how professional athletes can expand their brand presence. Reese’s confidence on the runway showed viewers that the skills developed through years of competitive athletics translate beautifully to other performance-based industries. Her natural poise and commanding presence made it clear that this wouldn’t be her last fashion industry appearance.
Industry insiders noted how seamlessly she integrated with the show’s established rhythm and energy. Her athletic training provided her with the stamina and focus needed for the demanding runway environment, while her competitive nature ensured she delivered a memorable performance. The pink ensembles she wore became secondary to the confidence and star power she brought to each look.
This groundbreaking appearance opens doors for other professional athletes who might consider similar opportunities in fashion and entertainment. Reese’s success demonstrates that the boundaries between sports and fashion continue to blur, creating exciting new possibilities for athletes seeking to diversify their careers and showcase different aspects of their personalities.
Record-Breaking WNBA Career Propels Reese to Fashion Stardom
Angel Reese’s journey to becoming the first professional athlete in a Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show stems from her exceptional basketball achievements and magnetic personality. The Chicago Sky selected her seventh overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, launching a rookie season that would rewrite record books and establish her as one of the league’s most dynamic players.
Historic Rookie Performance Sets New Standards
Reese’s immediate impact on professional basketball was nothing short of extraordinary. She achieved 13 consecutive double-doubles during her rookie campaign, a feat that had never been accomplished in WNBA history. This record later extended to an impressive 15 games, showcasing her consistent dominance on both ends of the court. Her statistical achievements were equally remarkable, averaging 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game throughout the season. That rebounding average stands as the highest in league history, cementing her reputation as one of basketball’s most formidable forces under the basket.
Building on Championship Legacy
Her professional success built upon an already stellar college career that captured national attention. Reese led LSU to its first NCAA women’s basketball national championship in 2023, earning the prestigious title of NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player. This championship run showcased her ability to perform under pressure and elevated her profile beyond traditional basketball circles.
Following her WNBA breakthrough, Reese continued expanding her athletic horizons by competing in the inaugural season of the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league. This participation demonstrated her versatility and willingness to embrace new challenges, qualities that would later translate seamlessly into her fashion endeavors.
Her cultural impact extends far beyond statistics and championships. Known affectionately as “Bayou Barbie” during her LSU tenure and “Chi Barbie” since joining the Sky, Reese has cultivated a unique brand that bridges athletics and style. This distinctive persona caught the attention of major fashion publications, culminating in her appearance on the cover of Vogue in 2025.
The combination of her record-breaking performance, championship pedigree, and undeniable charisma positioned Reese perfectly for her groundbreaking Victoria’s Secret collaboration. Legendary performers often transcend their original medium, and Reese’s transition from basketball courts to fashion runways exemplifies this evolution. Her ability to maintain excellence across different platforms speaks to her exceptional work ethic and natural ability to command attention.
Reese’s selection for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show represents more than just a modeling opportunity – it symbolizes the expanding influence of women’s professional sports and the recognition of athletes as multifaceted entertainers and role models.
Star-Studded Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Returns After Six-Year Break
The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show marked a triumphant return for the iconic brand after a six-year hiatus, bringing together an extraordinary lineup of talent that captured global attention. Following its original run from 2001 to 2019, the show resumed in 2024 and continued to evolve with fresh faces and groundbreaking additions.
An Unprecedented Cast of Models and Athletes
The runway featured a remarkable blend of established supermodels and fresh talent. Legendary Victoria’s Secret Angels took center stage, including Candice Swanepoel, Adriana Lima, Lily Aldridge, and Alessandra Ambrosio, proving their enduring appeal and expertise. These veteran models shared the spotlight with contemporary supermodels like Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, Paloma Elsesser, and Ashley Graham, creating a dynamic representation of beauty and fashion excellence.
Angel Reese‘s participation created fashion history as the first professional athlete to earn her wings alongside longtime fashion models. Her presence on the runway represented a significant shift in the show’s traditional casting approach. Olympic gymnast Suni Lee also made her runway debut, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to celebrating athletic achievement and diverse forms of strength and beauty.
The musical performances elevated the show’s entertainment value with powerhouse artists delivering memorable sets:
- Missy Elliott brought her legendary energy to the stage.
- Karol G represented Latin music’s growing influence.
- Madison Beer and Twice rounded out the musical lineup, offering different genres and styles.
Reese’s historic achievement stands apart from traditional fashion model casting decisions. Her background as a professional basketball player brought a unique athletic grace and confidence to the runway that distinguished her performance. The decision to include her reflects Victoria’s Secret’s evolving vision of beauty and empowerment, moving beyond conventional modeling backgrounds to embrace diverse forms of excellence.
The show’s return after such an extended break required careful planning and execution. Victoria’s Secret rebuilt the spectacle with updated production values while maintaining the glamour and excitement that made the original show a cultural phenomenon. The brand successfully balanced nostalgia for longtime fans with fresh elements designed to attract new audiences.
Representation, Innovation, and Impact
The 2025 fashion show demonstrated how brands can successfully reinvent themselves while honoring their heritage. By including athletes like Reese and Lee alongside established models, Victoria’s Secret expanded its definition of who can represent the brand. This approach reflects broader cultural shifts toward inclusivity and representation in fashion and entertainment.
The musical performances added layers of entertainment that kept viewers engaged throughout the show. Each artist brought their unique style and fanbase, creating multiple moments of excitement beyond the fashion presentations. This multi-faceted approach helped ensure the show’s relevance across different demographics and interests.
Victoria’s Secret’s decision to feature Reese represents more than just casting innovation. Her athletic achievements and public profile brought credibility and authenticity to the brand’s messaging about strength and confidence. Professional athletes possess qualities that align perfectly with contemporary beauty standards that celebrate capability and determination.
The show’s production quality matched the caliber of its cast, featuring elaborate sets, lighting, and choreography that created a truly spectacular viewing experience. Each segment was carefully crafted to highlight both the lingerie collections and the personalities of the models wearing them. The attention to detail in staging and presentation helped establish the 2025 show as a worthy successor to the brand’s legendary fashion events.
This return to form positioned Victoria’s Secret at the forefront of fashion entertainment once again. The combination of established Angels, contemporary supermodels, groundbreaking athlete participation, and stellar musical performances created a show that honored the brand’s past while boldly stepping into its future.
Breaking Barriers: How Reese’s Debut Signals New Era for Athlete Fashion Crossovers
Angel Reese’s groundbreaking appearance marks a pivotal moment that extends far beyond a single runway walk. Her historic debut represents a fundamental shift in how the fashion industry perceives and celebrates athletic excellence, opening doors for countless athletes who previously found themselves limited to their respective sports.
This landmark moment arrives at a time when fashion brands increasingly recognize the value of authentic representation. Reese’s participation demonstrates how athletic body types, confidence, and determination can redefine traditional beauty standards in high fashion. Her presence on that runway sends a clear message that strength, power, and athletic prowess belong alongside conventional fashion ideals.
The Perfect Storm of Visibility and Brand Power
Reese’s selection wasn’t accidental – her charismatic public image and commanding social media presence created the perfect foundation for this crossover moment. Her established personal brand resonates with audiences far beyond basketball courts, making her an ideal candidate for such a high-profile fashion debut.
The timing couldn’t have been more strategic. Her highly publicized rivalry with Caitlin Clark captured national attention and drove WNBA TV ratings to unprecedented heights. This increased visibility translated into broader public interest in women’s basketball, with Reese emerging as one of the league’s most recognizable faces.
Her runway appearance represents more than just athlete empowerment – it’s a bold statement about inclusivity in fashion. By featuring a professional athlete, Victoria’s Secret acknowledged that beauty comes in many forms, including the muscular, powerful physiques that define elite athletic performance.
This crossover signals a new era where athletes can leverage their platform and influence across multiple industries. Reese’s debut proves that sports figures can successfully transition into fashion spaces without compromising their athletic identity. Her confidence and natural presence demonstrated that athletic training translates beautifully to runway performance.
The broader implications extend throughout the sports and fashion industries. Other athletes now have a clear precedent showing that their physical presence and personal brands can command attention in luxury fashion spaces. This opens up new revenue streams and partnership opportunities that were previously unavailable to most professional athletes.
Reese’s participation also challenges fashion’s historical preference for traditional model body types. Her athletic build and confident demeanor prove that fashion can celebrate diverse forms of strength and beauty. This representation matters for young athletes who can now see themselves reflected in high-fashion spaces, knowing their athletic achievements and physical capabilities are valued and celebrated rather than hidden or minimized.
The Cultural Impact of Athletic Excellence Meeting High Fashion
Angel Reese’s groundbreaking appearance in the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show represents far more than a simple crossover between sports and fashion. I see this moment as a pivotal shift in how society values and celebrates women’s athletic achievements. Her participation alongside major celebrities and athletes signals a growing cultural acceptance and enthusiasm for women’s sports that extends well beyond the basketball court.
Breaking Barriers Through Athletic Excellence
Excellence in athletics has always opened doors, but Reese’s journey into high fashion demonstrates how today’s athletes can leverage their success to enter previously exclusive spaces. Her record-breaking basketball career provided the foundation, yet her willingness to embrace bold fashion choices created the perfect storm for this historic moment. I observe that her crossover exemplifies a new generation of athletes who refuse to be confined by traditional boundaries.
The fashion industry has historically been selective about which athletes receive invitations to major shows and campaigns. Basketball players, particularly women, rarely found themselves walking runways for luxury brands. Reese’s inclusion breaks this pattern and establishes a precedent that athletic prowess combined with personal style can command attention from the most prestigious fashion houses.
Redefining Modern Sports Iconography
Today’s sports icons understand that their influence extends far beyond their primary discipline. I recognize that Reese’s participation in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show illustrates the evolution of athlete branding, where success isn’t limited to sports but can extend to mainstream media, fashion, and personal entrepreneurship. Her approach demonstrates strategic thinking about building a multifaceted personal brand.
Blending her basketball achievements with a bold fashion debut, she’s helping redefine what it means to be a modern, multi-dimensional sports icon. Athletes no longer need to wait until retirement to explore other interests or industries. Instead, they can simultaneously build multiple aspects of their personal brand while maintaining peak athletic performance.
This shift reflects broader changes in how audiences consume sports content and connect with athletes. Fans want to see the complete person behind the uniform, including their style choices, personal interests, and entrepreneurial ventures. Reese’s Victoria’s Secret appearance satisfies this curiosity while positioning her as a trendsetter rather than just a basketball player.
Her participation also challenges outdated notions about femininity in sports. Female athletes have long faced pressure to choose between being taken seriously as competitors or embracing traditionally feminine expressions like fashion and beauty. Reese’s runway walk demonstrates that these choices aren’t mutually exclusive. Athletic strength and fashion sensibility can coexist beautifully.
The ripple effects of this moment extend beyond individual achievement. Young female athletes watching Reese strut down the Victoria’s Secret runway see expanded possibilities for their own futures. They understand that excelling in sports can open doors to entertainment, fashion, business, and countless other opportunities they might not have previously considered.
Fashion brands are taking notice of this shift as well. They’re recognizing that athletes bring authentic stories, dedicated fan bases, and genuine influence that can’t be manufactured through traditional celebrity endorsements. Reese’s participation likely represents the beginning of increased collaboration between high fashion and women’s sports rather than an isolated incident.
Her success in bridging these industries also highlights the importance of timing and preparation. I notice that her fashion choices throughout her basketball career have consistently demonstrated style awareness and confidence. This wasn’t a sudden pivot but rather a natural extension of interests she’d been developing alongside her athletic pursuits.
The cultural impact extends to how we discuss and value women’s sports achievements. When athletes like Reese gain recognition in mainstream fashion contexts, it elevates the entire sport and creates new pathways for sponsorship, media coverage, and fan engagement. Entertainment industry crossovers become more common when athletes prove their marketability across multiple platforms.
This moment represents a fundamental shift in how athletic excellence translates to broader cultural influence, setting new standards for what’s possible when sports stars refuse to limit their ambitions to a single arena.
Sources:
Harper’s Bazaar, “Angel Reese Is a Vision in Pink at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show”
CBS News Chicago, “Chicago Sky player Angel Reese becomes first pro athlete to walk in Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show”
All American Speakers, “Angel Reese Biography | Booking Info for Speaking Engagements”
Encyclopedia Britannica, “Angel Reese | Stats, Height, WNBA, & Facts”
Axios, “LSU’s Angel Reese makes history in Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show”
Wikipedia, “Angel Reese”
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