Marina
Angel Reese achieved a groundbreaking milestone by shifting her spotlight from the basketball court to the fashion runway.
In doing so, she became the first professional athlete ever to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show—a significant moment in both sports and fashion history.
A Historic Runway Debut
Stepping into the Wings
On Wednesday in New York, Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese joined Victoria’s Secret’s high-profile “Wings Reveal” lineup. Her appearance marked her as the first pro athlete in the show’s storied history.
Before the show, Reese reflected on the moment:
“It was destined for me … I’m so happy to be in this room with so many amazing models and women. The team behind this has been incredible.”
Perfecting the Walk
Reese shared that she enlisted the help of a modeling coach to hone her walk.
“I walk, sleep, hoop. And I hoop, sleep, walk.”
The Look That Turned Heads
The Outfit
At 23 years old and standing 6-foot-3, Reese made her runway debut in a delicate pink floral lingerie set, featuring lace and blossom accents. Draped over her arms was a dramatic feathered stole in soft pink and rose tones—complementing her ensemble beautifully.
Iconic Wings on an Athlete
She wore the classic angel white wings, a signature of the Victoria’s Secret stage. Accompanied by Lumidee’s “Never Leave You (Uh Oooh, Uh Oooh),” she delivered a memorable performance.
From the Court to Fashion Stardom
Athletic Excellence
Before her foray into fashion, Reese made a name for herself in basketball. She’s a former LSU national champion and was named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player in 2023.
A Longheld Dream
Celebrity stylist Law Roach, who has transformed the careers of Zendaya and Celine Dion, has a close connection with Reese. He shared,
“Walking this show was not a big dream to me—then she made it happen in under a year. She looks stunning. That makes me proud because of how deep our connection is.”
The Show: Spectacle and Star Power
The fashion event was streamed live via YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Prime Video in the U.S. It blended music acts and celebrity appearances. Highlights included:
- Madison Beer, donning pink wings, singing “Make You Mine” alongside lingerie models
- K-pop group TWICE, performing “This Is For” and “Strategy”
- Karol G, performing and later walking solo in red wings and lingerie
Legacy and Influence
Angel Reese has become one of the most prominent faces in women’s sports. Her bold style, candid voice, and powerful social media presence have helped bridge the worlds of sports, fashion, and pop culture.
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show first launched in 2001 and ran annually for nearly twenty years before being canceled in 2019. It was revived recently, and Reese previously attended before making her debut last week.
By becoming the first professional athlete to walk the Victoria’s Secret runway, Angel Reese shattered boundaries and redefined what it means to straddle athletic triumph and fashion visibility.
Her runway debut was not just a personal milestone—it was a cultural moment that highlights the evolving intersection of sports and style. Reese continues to inspire by showing that talent can transcend a single arena.