Angel Reese makes history as first professional athlete at Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

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Angel Reese makes history as first professional athlete at Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

Angel Reese made history as the first professional athlete to walk the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. This event took place on Wednesday and signaled a significant rebranding for the iconic lingerie label, which has faced challenges in recent years.

Historic Walk at Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

The 23-year-old WNBA player, who plays for the Chicago Sky, joined notable supermodels including Bella and Gigi Hadid, and former “Angels” like Adriana Lima. The line-up also highlighted diversity with transgender, pregnant, and plus-size models participating.

Diverse Cast Reflects Brand’s New Vision

  • Jasmine Tookes, who is nine months pregnant, opened the show in a stunning gold macrame dress.
  • Plus-size models like Paloma Elsesser, Ashley Graham, and Yumi Nu were also featured.
  • Transgender model Valentina Sampaio made history last year by being the first trans woman to walk the runway.
  • Gymnast Sunisa Lee participated in a “halftime show” for the Pink sub-brand, aimed at younger audiences.

Reese shared her excitement backstage, stating that she had “manifested” this moment since attending the show the previous year. She had expressed a desire to become a Victoria’s Secret model, a goal she achieved much sooner than anticipated.

Repositioning the Victoria’s Secret Brand

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show returned after a six-year hiatus, with a fresh perspective aimed at inclusivity. The brand has faced scrutiny over the past decade for promoting narrow beauty standards. Viewership declined significantly, dropping from 9.7 million in 2013 to just 3.3 million by 2018. The show was ultimately canceled in 2019.

Victoria’s Secret’s sales have experienced a decline, but recent changes, including the arrival of CEO Hillary Super in August 2024, have led to a 1% increase in annual revenue to $6.23 billion. This growth follows years of challenges, including store closures and stiff competition from brands focusing on comfort and a range of sizes.

Inspiring Young Women

Reese emphasized the importance of representation, stating, “Everybody looks different, but they’re all beautiful.” She highlighted that her presence at the show was a testament to the brand’s commitment to inclusivity. The Victoria’s Secret Collective, a group promoting body positivity and gender equality, has included various celebrities to help reshape the brand’s image.

Despite the new direction, former Angels still graced the runway alongside new faces, including actors and influencers. Performances by artists such as Missy Elliott and Karol G added to the night’s celebratory tone. Reese captured the essence of the event, stating, “Being sexy is just something that I love and always embrace.”