In a groundbreaking moment for both the sports and fashion worlds, WNBA star Angel Reese made history in 2025 by becoming the first professional athlete ever to walk in the prestigious Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Reese, a forward for the Chicago Sky, debuted as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, captivating the audience as she strutted down the runway in a stunning black lace lingerie set, complete with the brand’s iconic angel wings. The moment was not only a personal triumph for Reese, but also a significant shift in how athletes are perceived in the world of high fashion.
For Reese, the opportunity was the realization of a dream she had long held. She shared her excitement in an emotional statement, recalling that just a year earlier, she had attended the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show as a spectator. Back then, she never imagined that she would one day be among the stars walking the runway. The experience of watching the show had inspired her, but it was still a far-off dream to be part of such a global fashion institution. Yet, in 2025, that dream became a reality as she made history by walking alongside some of the most famous supermodels in the world, a testament to her growing influence and versatility.
Reese’s inclusion in the show marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her career. It is not just a one-time appearance but the start of a broader global collaboration between the WNBA star and Victoria’s Secret. Her appearance at the show is a powerful representation of her multi-dimensional career, bridging the worlds of sports and fashion. Known for her dominance on the basketball court, Reese has now expanded her influence into the fashion world, showing that her impact stretches far beyond the sport that made her famous.
What makes Reese’s participation in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show even more significant is the way she represents the evolving definition of beauty in the fashion industry. Historically, the industry has been criticized for promoting narrow, often unattainable standards of beauty. However, Reese’s presence on the runway is a bold statement that challenges those norms. As an athlete, she brings strength and power to the runway, and her inclusion underscores the increasing recognition that beauty comes in many forms, including the muscular and athletic. Reese’s body, shaped by years of rigorous training and competition, stands as a powerful counterpoint to the stereotypical images often seen in high fashion.
Her collaboration with Victoria’s Secret marks a shift in how the brand is approaching representation. In recent years, Victoria’s Secret has made significant efforts to diversify its models and align itself with a broader range of body types, backgrounds, and influences. Reese’s involvement further cements this move towards inclusivity, showing that the brand is committed to representing strong, confident women from all walks of life. By showcasing athletes like Reese, Victoria’s Secret is broadening its vision of beauty, one that encompasses not only traditional femininity but also athleticism, self-confidence, and strength.
Reese’s journey from basketball courts to the fashion runway also serves as an inspiration to many young women. Her career in sports has already made her a trailblazer, breaking barriers and setting records. Now, with her move into the world of high fashion, she is proving that women can excel in multiple domains and define success on their own terms. For young girls watching her journey, Reese represents the idea that you can be both strong and beautiful, confident and powerful, whether you’re on the court or walking the runway.
Beyond her role as a model for Victoria’s Secret, Reese’s career is expanding in ways that many might not have expected. She continues to challenge the boundaries of what it means to be a professional athlete, showing that an athlete’s brand can extend far beyond the sport itself. Her work with Victoria’s Secret is just one example of how athletes are increasingly seen as influencers who can shape culture, fashion, and the world’s perception of what it means to be successful.
In the end, Angel Reese’s historic appearance at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is not just a personal milestone; it is a cultural moment that reflects the changing landscape of both the fashion and sports industries. Reese has proven that there are no limits to what she can achieve, and her story is one that will continue to inspire and influence generations to come. As she continues to break down barriers and redefine the roles athletes can play in society, her partnership with Victoria’s Secret represents the beginning of an exciting new era, one in which strength, confidence, and inclusivity take center stage.
