Angel Reese continues to dominate both on and off the court — this time making history on one of the most iconic runways in fashion.
The 23-year-old WNBA star and Chicago Sky forward became the first professional athlete ever to walk the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, joining an all-star lineup of models and performers on Wednesday night.
The milestone appearance comes as Victoria’s Secret pushes forward with its rebranding efforts, shifting from its once-criticized image of exclusivity to a broader message of diversity and empowerment.
“I posted on my [Instagram] Story last year when I was here at the show watching front row,” Reese said backstage. “I said, ‘I’m gonna be a Victoria’s Secret model one day.’ I didn’t know it was gonna come this fast.”
A New Era for Victoria’s Secret
The 2024 return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show marked the brand’s first since its six-year hiatus, following years of criticism and declining ratings. Once one of the most-watched televised events of the 2010s, the show was canceled in 2019 after viewership fell from 9.7 million in 2013 to 3.3 million in 2018.
This year’s revamped runway celebrated body positivity, inclusivity, and representation. Reese walked alongside models Bella and Gigi Hadid, Adriana Lima, and a range of transgender, pregnant, and plus-size models.
The show opened with a stunning moment from nine-months-pregnant model Jasmine Tookes, who appeared in a gold macramé dress with pearl embellishments and a clam shell-shaped wing — a nod to Botticelli’s Birth of Venus.
Other stars included Paloma Elsesser, Ashley Graham, Yumi Nu, and Olympic gymnast Sunisa Lee, who performed during a “halftime show” segment for Pink, Victoria’s Secret’s youth-focused line.
“Everybody looks different, but they’re all beautiful,” Reese told CNN. “You can look beautiful in many different shades, sizes, lengths, heights — tall, short — you can be here.”
A New Face of Empowerment
Reese’s inclusion represents a shift toward celebrating strength and athleticism as forms of beauty. The decision came after discussions with Victoria’s Secret CEO Hillary Super, who has spearheaded the company’s ongoing rebrand.
“She really told me… ‘You can be here. You’re an athlete, you have the body and you look amazing, and you’re really confident,’” Reese said.
Super, who took over the brand in August 2024, has overseen a modest revenue rebound — with annual sales rising 1% to $6.23 billion last year — after years of declining profits and competition from more inclusive lingerie brands.
Representation That Inspires
Reese’s presence on the runway sends a powerful message to young women, especially athletes, about expanding the definition of femininity and confidence.
“A lot of young women are going to be watching me today to know that they have some inspiration and know that they can dream this big,” she said.
The show’s performers — including Missy Elliott and Karol G — added to the night’s empowering energy. Yet even amid its new era, the event didn’t stray far from its roots in glamour, showcasing voluminous hair, bold makeup, and daring ensembles.
As for Reese, she embraced every bit of the spotlight.
“I’m not going to shy away from looking like this, because I work my ass off for this body,” she said. “Being sexy is just something that I love and always embrace.”
From the hardwood to high fashion, Angel Reese has once again proven she’s in a league of her own.
