What's happened
WNBA star Angel Reese will walk in Victoria’s Secret’s 2025 fashion show on October 15, becoming the first professional athlete to do so. She expressed her excitement and described the moment as a full-circle achievement, amid her ongoing team tensions and injury issues. The show airs on Prime Video.
What's behind the headline?
The inclusion of Angel Reese as the first professional athlete in Victoria’s Secret history signals a shift toward greater diversity and representation in mainstream fashion. Reese’s participation challenges traditional beauty standards and highlights the growing acceptance of athletes as fashion icons. Her story underscores the increasing crossover between sports and fashion, driven by brands seeking to appeal to broader audiences. This move also aligns with Victoria’s Secret’s efforts to modernize its image and attract younger, more diverse consumers. The timing suggests a strategic push to generate buzz and re-establish relevance after the show’s 2019 cancellation and recent revival. Reese’s personal journey of overcoming team tensions and injuries adds a layer of resilience and authenticity, resonating with fans and viewers alike. Overall, her appearance will likely influence future inclusivity initiatives within the industry, encouraging more athletes and diverse body types to participate in high-profile fashion events.
What the papers say
The New York Times and The Independent both highlight Reese’s historic role, emphasizing her status as the first athlete to walk in the show and her personal journey. The NY Post provides detailed coverage of her preparations and emotional reflections, framing her participation as a full-circle moment. While the NY Post focuses on her excitement and recent controversies with her team, The Independent and The New York Times contextualize her achievement within broader industry shifts toward diversity and representation. The sources collectively portray Reese as a trailblazer, with The NY Post emphasizing her personal empowerment and The Independent and NY Times framing her as part of a larger movement for inclusivity in fashion.
How we got here
Victoria’s Secret revived its annual fashion show in 2024 after a hiatus since 2019. Angel Reese, a prominent WNBA player, announced her participation in October 2025, marking the first time a professional athlete has walked in the show. Reese’s involvement follows her recent modeling appearances and brand collaborations, including her debut signature shoe with Reebok and her role as Juicy Couture’s ambassador.
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