Angel Reese to Make History as First Professional Athlete on Victoria’s Secret Runway
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Victoria’s Secret is breaking new ground, announcing that Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese will grace the runway at the 2025 fashion show on October 15th. This landmark moment marks Reese as the first professional athlete ever to participate in a Victoria’s Secret fashion show, signaling a significant shift in the brand’s approach to representation and beauty standards.
A Long-Overdue Moment for Black Women in Sports
While Reese’s affinity for fashion and beauty – evidenced by her appearances at the Met Gala and a cover feature in Vogue Magazine – is well-known, her inclusion in the Victoria’s Secret show carries a deeper meaning. It acknowledges a history of Black women athletes influencing style and culture, frequently enough without receiving due credit. Think of trailblazers like Flo Jo, whose intricately embellished nails became a cultural touchstone, and Venus and Serena Williams, whose signature braid beads were ubiquitous within the Black community. Though, it took years for the broader fashion industry to acknowledge and credit these athletes as trendsetters.
Victoria’s Secret Embraces Inclusivity
Now, with Victoria’s Secret – a brand historically associated with ideals of desirability – casting a Black woman athlete, the moment feels “powerful and quite frankly overdue.” This comes at a time when the unique style of Black women athletes, from Sha’Carri Richardson’s ornate nail designs to coco Gauff’s cool take on sportswear, is finally gaining widespread recognition. While external validation isn’t necessary – “we’ve always known how fashion-forward and creative Black women athletes are” – the impact of representation on a platform like Victoria’s Secret is undeniable.
The lingerie brand reported 2.67 million peak viewers on its YouTube stream for the 2024 fashion show, and maintains a global presence with over 1,300 stores in nearly 70 countries. This reach amplifies the significance of Reese’s inclusion.
Challenging Stereotypes and Redefining Beauty
The move is especially meaningful considering the historical challenges faced by black women athletes. They have frequently enough been subjected to racist and sexist criticism, such as the body shaming Serena Williams endured despite being celebrated for her physique within the Black community. These attacks stem from deeply ingrained stereotypes portraying Black women as “hyper masculine and undesirable,” while concurrently upholding thin, pale white women as the standard of femininity and beauty.
Furthermore, Black women athletes who venture into fashion and beauty are often pressured to “choose a lane,” as if athleticism and style are mutually exclusive.Reese herself encountered this bias when a commenter on X (formerly Twitter) suggested she should decide between being an “IG model” or a “WNBA player.” Her appearance on the Victoria’s Secret runway is a defiant rejection of this narrow-minded thinking, proving that Black women can excel in both sports and style. She embodies the spirit of being able to be “fine and play” – to be both stunning and a champion.
A Step Forward, But More Progress Needed
Reese’s runway debut coincides with Victoria’s Secret’s broader commitment to inclusivity, following years of criticism for exclusionary practices. The 2024 show, the first after a six-year hiatus, featured plus-size and transgender models alongside those of diverse races and ages. While the casting received mixed reactions, with some labeling it as tokenism, the author, who has covered the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show for ten years, expressed gratitude for the progress and hope for continued evolution. Angel Reese’s presence on the 2025 runway represents another crucial step in the right direction.
jessica C. Andrews (she/her) is an award-winning editor and writer who currently works as the senior style director of PS, overseeing beauty, fashion, shopping, and identity content.with more than 15 years of experience,her areas of expertise include fashion,shopping,and travel. Prior to joining PS, Jessica held senior roles at Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and Bustle and contributed to The New York Times, Elle, Vanity Fair, and Essence. She’s appeared on “Good Morning America,” NBC, and Fox 5 New York and spoken on various panels about fashion, hair, and Black culture.
