Angel Reese makes history at Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

WNBA player Angel Reese has made history as the first professional athlete to walk the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. The event, held on Wednesday, showcased the lingerie brand’s evolving identity as it redefines modern beauty and inclusivity.

The 23-year-old Chicago Sky forward shared the stage with supermodels Bella and Gigi Hadid and former “Angels” such as Adriana Lima, in a dazzling show celebrating women of all body types, sizes, and backgrounds.

A Rebranded Vision of Beauty and Inclusivity

Once synonymous with ultra-glamorous, narrow beauty ideals, Victoria’s Secret is undergoing a major transformation. The brand’s 2024 comeback show, after a six-year hiatus, reflected a broader representation of women.

The runway featured pregnant, plus-size, and transgender models, signaling a shift from its earlier controversial image. Nine-month-pregnant model Jasmine Tookes opened the event in a stunning gold macramé gown that celebrated motherhood and natural beauty.

Other notable appearances included Paloma Elsesser, Ashley Graham, Yumi Nu, and Alex Consani, who, along with Valentina Sampaio, made history last year as the show’s first transgender participants. Olympic gymnast Sunisa Lee also performed during the “halftime show” for Pink, Victoria’s Secret’s youth-focused sub-brand.

Angel Reese: ‘I Manifested This Moment’

Speaking backstage, Reese revealed that this moment was something she had long dreamed of. “I posted on my Instagram Story last year when I was in the front row — I said, ‘I’m going to be a Victoria’s Secret model one day,’” she said. “I didn’t know it would come this fast.”

The basketball star credited Victoria’s Secret CEO Hillary Super for encouraging her and showing that athleticism and femininity can coexist on the runway. “She told me, ‘You can be here. You have the body, the confidence, and the presence,’” Reese shared.

Hillary Super’s leadership, beginning in August 2024, coincided with a 1% revenue uptick, bringing the company’s annual earnings to $6.23 billion. Despite this modest rebound, the brand continues to rebuild after years of declining sales and cultural backlash.

Once a powerhouse generating nearly two-thirds of L Brands’ revenue, Victoria’s Secret’s valuation fell from $28 billion in 2015 to $1.1 billion in 2020 when it was taken private.

To reshape its image, the company launched the VS Collective, featuring ambassadors like Megan Rapinoe and Eileen Gu, known for promoting body positivity and gender equality. Angel Reese now joins this movement as the only professional athlete to walk the Victoria’s Secret runway.

While the show embraced diversity and inclusivity, it still retained its signature spectacle. Performances by Missy Elliott and Karol G brought energy to the event, while returning icons such as Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio balanced the lineup with nostalgic appeal.

Former Euphoria actor Barbie Ferreira and YouTuber Quenlin Blackwell also appeared, representing the new generation of influencers redefining beauty and confidence.

For Angel Reese, her appearance was about more than fashion — it was about empowerment and representation. “A lot of young women are going to watch me and know they can dream this big,” she said. “Being sexy is something I love and embrace — I work hard for this body.”

Her confident walk down the Victoria’s Secret runway wasn’t just a glamorous moment — it was a symbol of change, where sports, fashion, and inclusivity came together under one spotlight.