Introduction
When athletes cross over into fashion, the spectacle is inevitable. In 2025, WNBA star Angel Reese made headlines—not for a block or rebound, but for walking the runway. She became the first professional athlete to ever walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, turning heads and breaking boundaries in both sports and style.
This article will explore her remarkable journey—from her “VS Fashion Show debut” to the runway specifics, her walk technique, fashion comparisons, and what her participation signals for future crossovers between athletics and high fashion.
Angel Reese’s Path to the Victoria’s Secret Runway
From Court to Catwalk: A Dream Manifested
Angel Reese, known for her dominant presence on the basketball court, has also long nurtured a love for fashion. In 2024, Reese attended the Victoria’s Secret show as an observer and publicly shared her ambition to walk it someday.
Fast forward to October 15, 2025: the moment arrived. Reese accepted the invitation to walk in the famed “Wings Reveal” lineup, officially becoming the first pro athlete to strut in Victoria’s Secret.
Reese hired a modeling coach, honed her runway walk, and made the crossover with confidence. “I walk, sleep, hoop,” she quipped, underscoring the dual focus she maintained.
Significance & Impact
Her participation is more than symbolic—it marks a shift in how fashion and sports intersect. Reese’s walk in the show underscores inclusive representation, especially of athletes in traditionally beauty-dominated arenas.
Also, Reese’s crossover amplifies her personal brand and influence: she has launched a signature sneaker (Angel Reese 1) in partnership with Reebok and collaborated with fashion labels like Juicy Couture.
Anatomy of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025
A Return of the Spectacle
After a hiatus, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made a comeback in 2024, revised with more inclusive casting, diversity, and modern branding.
In 2025, the show was held October 15 in Brooklyn, New York, at Steiner Studios.
The 2025 lineup included veteran Angels (Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, Alessandra Ambrosio), supermodels (Gigi & Bella Hadid, Joan Smalls, Anok Yai), and newcomers—including Angel Reese, gymnasts, plus-size and transgender models.
Musical acts spiced up the show: Missy Elliott, Karol G, Madison Beer, and K-pop group TWICE performed.
Reese’s Looks on the Runway
Angel Reese walked in two pink-themed lingerie ensembles.
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Floral rose lingerie set with delicate lace, complemented with a shawl and soft glam styling.
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Cut-out tee, lacy underwear, and dramatic wings: Reese paired a sparkly pink cut-out T-shirt with matching lingerie and elegant strappy heels, plus the brand’s iconic angel wings.
Her entrance soundtracked by Lumidee’s “Never Leave You (Uh Oooh, Uh Oooh)” as she glided down.
Backstage, she was seen preparing in the brand’s signature pink and white stripes, interacting with stylists, and finalizing her “Bombshell blowout” hair look.
Runway Walk: Technique, Presence & Style
What Makes a Runway Walk Shine
A runway walk involves more than striding forward—confidence, posture, rhythm, and attitude all combine. Models are trained to walk with fluid hips, controlled shoulders, and an engaging gaze. The “turn” or pivot at the end amplifies presence.
Angel Reese approached her walk with intention. She studied iconic models—Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, Adriana Lima—and absorbed mannerisms like Tyra’s subtle bounce, Naomi’s fierce attitude, and each model’s “smize” (smile with eyes) technique.
Her athletic training likely helped with discipline, balance, and body awareness—all advantageous traits for mastering a runway.
Reese’s Runway Key Strengths
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Height & symmetry: At 6′3″, Reese’s tall frame and stride lent natural runway appeal.
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Stage presence: Her confidence on court translates to stage confidence—no hesitation, full ownership.
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Versatility: Transitioning from sports uniforms to delicate lingerie, she proved adaptability.
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Symbolism & narrative: Her very presence tells a story—athleticism meets fashion, stereotypes challenged.
Comparisons: Standard VS Runway Walks
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In a typical fashion show, models keep strict posture, narrow strides, and neutral expressions.
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Reese’s walk had athletic energy—slightly more dynamic, expressive, and perhaps less restricted. Her prior experience commanding court presented her as someone comfortable in large spaces.
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Her walk may deviate slightly in rhythm or bounce, given her athletic background—but this deviation becomes strength: it underscores her uniqueness.
VS Fashion Show vs “Angel Reese” Fashion Show?
You asked “Angel Reese: Vs Fashion Show | Victoria Secret show | Runway walk.” Let’s compare “VS Fashion Show” in general to Reese’s appearance.
The Standard Victoria’s Secret Show
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Lingerie-centric, fantasy themes, angel wings, strong emphasis on spectacle
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Heavily choreographed segments, dramatic lighting, music, thematic sets
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Historically, limited body diversity—lean, traditionally “model” frames — though post-revival, more inclusive casting is encouraged.
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The runway walk is part of a much larger production: quick pacing, transitions, group dynamics
Angel Reese’s Impact
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Reese’s inclusion bridges sports and fashion, and her walk becomes symbolic, not just performance
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She expands the narrative: models can be strong, athletic women—not just aesthetic figures
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She injects narrative into her walk—her identity precedes her steps
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In effect, she blends “VS Fashion Show” with her own “Angel Reese fashion show” identity, allowing the show to welcome new definitions of beauty
Challenges & Critiques
Training & Adaptation
Stepping into the fashion world from sports is not seamless. Reese needed coaching, mastering balance, rhythm, lighting awareness, and stage confidence. She reportedly worked with a modeling coach to “perfect her walk.”
Expectations & Scrutiny
As a trailblazer, Reese’s performance would be under intense scrutiny. Any misstep (literal or figurative) would be magnified by media and fans. Her success thus required not only physical skill but mental tenacity.
Potential Backlash
Some critics might argue that an athlete risks overshadowing models or diluting the “fashion purity” of runway shows. But the counterargument is stronger: fashion needs evolution and diversity.
What Angel Reese’s Walk Means for the Future
Paving the Way for Athletic Models
Reese’s runway debut could open doors for other athletes—female, male, or nonbinary—to enter fashion more fully. The narrative of “you can’t be both sporty and sexy” is being rewritten.
Brands Will Take Note
Fashion brands seeking fresh faces and authentic identities will likely look toward athletes with strong followings and cross-cultural appeal. Reese’s huge social media influence exemplifies this synergy.
Reimagining Beauty Norms
Her walk is a small but powerful statement: beauty is multifaceted. Athleticism, power, grace—all can coexist. The next generation of runway shows may incorporate more hybrid identities: dancers, gymnasts, martial artists, or athletes turning models.
Cultural & Media Impact
Reese’s crossover gets attention in both sports and fashion media, expanding her reach. As more stories feature such crossovers, audiences become more open to nontraditional runway icons.
Conclusion
Angel Reese’s debut on the Victoria’s Secret runway is more than a headline moment—it’s a cultural pivot. By walking the show, she shattered the barrier between athletics and fashion, challenging conventional norms of beauty, and inspiring athletes everywhere to dream bigger. Her stride down the runway represented not only personal achievement but also a shifting landscape in fashion.
From her modeled looks to her poised walk, Reese delivered a performance grounded in confidence, athletic discipline, and self-belief. As she balanced her identity as a basketball star and an emerging fashion figure, she defied pigeonholes.
We are now at a juncture where runway shows aren’t just for traditional models—they can be platforms for diverse voices. And Angel Reese walked that path, wings and all.
