Angel Reese: First Pro Athlete at Victoria’s Secret Show

Angel Reese becomes first pro athlete to star in Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

In a historic moment for sports and fashion, WNBA star Angel Reese has become the first professional athlete to walk the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. The 23-year-old forward for the Chicago Sky joined iconic models like Bella and Gigi Hadid, as well as legendary former “Angels” including Adriana Lima, as the lingerie brand showcased its newly inclusive vision.

Reese’s appearance comes as part of Victoria’s Secret’s rebranding efforts after years of declining viewership and criticism for promoting narrow beauty standards. Speaking backstage, Reese reflected on her journey: “I posted on my Instagram Story last year, watching front row, and said, ‘I’m going to be a Victoria’s Secret model one day.’ I didn’t know it would happen so fast.”

A Star-Studded and Diverse Lineup

The 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, returning after a six-year hiatus, featured a groundbreaking mix of models. Nine-month-pregnant Jasmine Tookes opened the live-streamed runway in a gold macrame dress, accentuating her baby bump and evoking classical art imagery. Plus-size models such as Paloma Elsesser, Ashley Graham, and Yumi Nu graced the stage, alongside Alex Consani and Valentina Sampaio, who made history as the first trans women to participate.

Olympic gymnast Sunisa Lee performed in a special halftime show for Pink, Victoria’s Secret’s younger-focused sub-brand. Reese commented on the inclusivity: “Everybody looks different, but they’re all beautiful. That’s the inclusivity of being a Victoria’s Secret model, knowing beauty comes in all shades, sizes, and heights.”

Angel Reese’s Path to the Runway

Reese revealed that her participation followed personal conversations with Victoria’s Secret CEO Hillary Super, who has spearheaded the brand’s turnaround. “She told me, ‘You can be here. You’re an athlete, you have the body, and you look amazing,’” Reese shared. The collaboration highlights the brand’s push to feature individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, including sports.

Victoria’s Secret, once a dominant force in lingerie retail, experienced steep declines in sales and influence over the past decade. From generating two-thirds of L Brands’ revenue in 2015 to being acquired privately for $1.1 billion in 2020, the label has steadily repositioned itself with a modern, inclusive ethos.

Revamping Brand Identity and Inclusivity

Super’s leadership has seen Victoria’s Secret embrace diverse ambassadors through the VS Collective, promoting body positivity and gender equality. Soccer icon Megan Rapinoe and Olympic skier Eileen Gu have also joined, though Reese is the first professional athlete to represent the brand on the runway. “Many young women will see me and realize they can dream big,” she said.

The 2024 show also included a blend of veteran Angels and fresh faces. Former models Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio appeared alongside unexpected newcomers like Barbie Ferreira and YouTuber Quenlin Blackwell. Performances by Missy Elliott and Karol G added to the spectacle, combining music, fashion, and celebration of body diversity.

Embracing Confidence and Athleticism

Reese emphasized her pride in combining athleticism with glamour: “I’m not going to shy away from looking like this because I work hard for my body. Being sexy is something I love and always embrace.” Her participation reinforces a new message: Victoria’s Secret celebrates strength, confidence, and beauty in all forms.

The landmark moment of a professional athlete on the Victoria’s Secret runway underscores the brand’s shift from traditional beauty norms toward a broader, more inclusive vision. Angel Reese’s appearance is expected to inspire future models and athletes, highlighting that versatility, talent, and self-confidence define modern glamour.

From Reese’s declaration of manifesting this dream to her historic walk, the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show will be remembered as a turning point in the brand’s history. Angel Reese becomes first pro athlete to star in Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, symbolizing a merging of sport, fashion, and inclusivity on the global stage.