Angel Reese Shines as First Pro Athlete at Victoria’s Secret Show

On October 15, 2025, Angel Reese made history as the first professional athlete to walk the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. The event, held in New York City, marked a significant milestone for the WNBA star, who is known for her dynamic presence on the basketball court as a forward for the Chicago Sky. Reese’s debut featured an extravagant floral lingerie ensemble, complete with custom sparkling wings and a lacy pink Dream Angels Wicked Unlined Lace Balconette Bra priced at $50, along with matching Lace Brazilian Panty for $20.

Reese, who is 23 years old, prepared extensively for this moment, recruiting runway coach Alexander Aleson out of retirement to refine her skills. In an interview with Vogue, she explained her approach to mastering the runway, stating, “I watched a lot of Tyra, I watched a lot of Naomi, I watched Adriana Lima.” Reese focused on the subtleties of their walks and mannerisms, emphasizing the importance of small gestures, such as a smile or “smize.”

Shared Moments and Symbolism

Alongside Reese, Suni Lee, the Olympic gymnast and former Glamour Woman of the Year, also made her Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show debut on the same night. Lee took the stage during the PINK Halftime Show segment, showcasing a layered look that included a pink Cotton Dorm Unlined Racerback Bralette priced at $25 and a black Wink Push-Up Triangle Bralette for $50, complemented by a pair of drawstring boyshorts and an Ivy Fleece Campus Full-Zip Hoodie costing $80.

The two athletes shared a memorable moment backstage, drawing attention to their contrasting heights—Reese stands at 6’3″, while Lee measures just 5’0″. This contrast highlighted not only their individual achievements but also the diversity celebrated in the fashion industry. “Everybody looks different, but they’re all beautiful,” Reese remarked to CNN, reflecting on the show’s inclusivity. The runway featured a variety of models, including Jasmine Tookes, who is currently nine months pregnant, and trans model Alex Consani, who made history in the previous year’s show.

A Journey of Dreams Fulfilled

Reese and Lee’s participation in this year’s show marked a poignant full-circle moment for both. The pair had attended the previous year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show as spectators, where they first crossed paths. Lee, reflecting on her journey, expressed, “Growing up, I didn’t see many girls who looked like me in spaces like this. To now be here as an athlete, as someone who’s worked so hard to achieve her dreams, it feels powerful.” Meanwhile, Reese revealed that she had been envisioning this moment for over a year, having shared her aspirations on social media during last year’s event.

“I posted on my Instagram Story last year, when I was here at the show watching front row. I said, ‘I’m gonna be a Victoria’s Secret model one day,’” Reese told CNN. She added, “I didn’t know it was gonna come this fast.”

Both Reese and Lee’s participation in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show underscores a significant shift towards inclusivity in the fashion world, allowing athletes to embrace new platforms while challenging traditional beauty standards. Their journeys serve as an inspiration, emphasizing that hard work and determination can lead to remarkable opportunities.