Angel Reese is a force on and off the basketball court. The Chicago Sky forward just made history as one of the first professional athletes to walk the runway in the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. For Reese, whose name is a happy coincidence, this moment is a dream come true. Like many women, she grew up admiring the iconic Angels and even posted on social media last year, manifesting her goal to walk in the show one day.
“I have a video of me, when I was younger, dancing in Victoria’s Secret sweatpants and a hoodie,” Reese shared. “It’s a full circle moment for me.”
Inspired by the Icons
Reese’s confidence and style have always set her apart. She’s often referred to as the “Bayou Barbie,” a testament to her commanding presence. For her runway debut, she drew inspiration from supermodels she watched on America’s Next Top Model, particularly Tyra Banks. She also studied the walks of other legends like Naomi Campbell and Adriana Lima, taking note of their unique mannerisms—from Tyra’s signature bounce to Naomi’s fierce strut.
Training for the Runway
To perfect her walk, Reese worked with a runway coach, Alexander Aleson, who came out of retirement just for her. His advice was simple: “Be confident, be yourself, have fun. Know that you’re that girl. Just own it.”
Reese’s history-making runway appearance is a testament to the growing intersection of sports, fashion, and pop culture. It highlights a new era where athletes are becoming fashion leaders, breaking down traditional barriers and inspiring a new generation of multifaceted women.
