Angel Reese, the standout WNBA forward for the Chicago Sky, made history on October 15, 2025, by becoming the first professional athlete to walk the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. This landmark appearance underscores the lingerie brand’s ongoing transformation towards inclusivity and diversity after years of commercial struggles and criticism over narrow beauty standards.
The fashion show, held at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York and live-streamed globally, featured a diverse cast that included supermodels Bella and Gigi Hadid, former Angels like Adriana Lima, and groundbreaking participants such as pregnant model Jasmine Tookes, plus-size models Paloma Elsesser and Ashley Graham, and transgender model Alex Consani. Olympic gymnast Sunisa Lee also appeared in a segment for the Pink sub-brand, highlighting the event’s commitment to representing a wide spectrum of beauty. This shift marks a deliberate move away from Victoria’s Secret’s past, which was often criticized for promoting unrealistic body ideals and led to a decline in viewership before the show’s cancelation in 2019.
Reese’s participation was a personal milestone, as she revealed backstage that she had “manifested this moment” after attending the 2024 show. She shared that she posted on her Instagram Story last year, stating, “I’m gonna be a Victoria’s Secret model one day,” and expressed surprise at how quickly the opportunity arose. Her involvement stemmed from discussions with Victoria’s Secret CEO Hillary Super, who praised Reese’s confidence and athletic physique, encouraging her to embrace the role and symbolizing the brand’s outreach beyond traditional modeling circles.
The event is part of Victoria’s Secret’s broader rebranding strategy, which includes the VS Collective—a group of ambassadors advocating for gender equality and body positivity. While other athletes like Megan Rapinoe and Eileen Gu are part of the collective, Reese is the first to actually walk in the fashion show, signaling a new chapter for the brand. This comes as Victoria’s Secret attempts to reverse a decade of slowing sales and increased competition from comfort-focused lingerie labels, with recent modest revenue growth to $6.23 billion under Super’s leadership.
Musical performances by artists such as Missy Elliott and Karol G added energy to the show, which maintained elements of glamour like voluminous hair and daring ensembles. Reese wore two different looks during her runway walk and emphasized her pride in her body, stating, “I’m not going to shy away from looking like this, because I work my ass off for this body.” Her presence aimed to inspire viewers, particularly young women and athletes, by demonstrating that confidence and ambition can transcend conventional boundaries.
In interviews, Reese highlighted the inspirational impact of her participation, noting that many would see her and realize they too can dream big. She praised the inclusivity of the event, saying, “Everybody looks different, but they’re all beautiful,” and underscored the message that beauty comes in all shades, sizes, and heights. This emphasis on diversity reflects a broader cultural shift and Victoria’s Secret’s effort to align with modern values, potentially influencing its relevance in a competitive market.
The fashion show represents a critical juncture for Victoria’s Secret as it navigates challenges from athleisure brands and changing consumer preferences. Reese’s historic walk not only celebrates individual achievement but also symbolizes the brand’s potential for renewal. If successful, this direction could pave the way for more inclusive collaborations and strengthen Victoria’s Secret’s position in the evolving landscape of fashion and entertainment.