Angel Reese Makes History as First Athlete in Victoria’s Secret Show

WNBA player Angel Reese has made history as the first professional athlete to walk the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, held on March 13, 2024. This event marks a significant step in the brand’s ongoing rebranding efforts following years of commercial challenges. The show featured a diverse lineup, including supermodels such as Gigi and Bella Hadid, along with former “Angels” like Adriana Lima.

Reese, a forward for the Chicago Sky, participated alongside models of various backgrounds, including pregnant, transgender, and plus-size individuals, showcasing the brand’s commitment to inclusivity. This year’s show was especially notable as it returned after a six-year hiatus, reflecting a new vision for a brand that had faced significant criticism for promoting outdated beauty standards in the past.

Backstage, Reese expressed her excitement, stating she had “manifested this moment” while attending last year’s event. She recalled posting on her Instagram Story, declaring, “I’m gonna be a Victoria’s Secret model one day,” emphasizing her surprise at how quickly her dream became a reality.

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show had previously seen a dramatic decline in viewership, dropping from 9.7 million viewers in 2013 to just 3.3 million in 2018, leading to its cancellation in 2019. Historically, the brand was known for its use of predominantly slim, white models in its campaigns. The recent show, however, featured models like Jasmine Tookes, who walked the runway at nine months pregnant, and plus-size models Paloma Elsesser, Ashley Graham, and Yumi Nu.

The show’s new direction aligns with the vision of Hillary Super, the CEO of Victoria’s Secret, who joined the company in August 2024. Under her leadership, the brand reported a modest revenue increase of 1% to $6.23 billion last year, a welcome change after a decade of declining sales and numerous store closures.

Reese noted that her inclusion in the show stemmed from discussions with Super, who encouraged her by stating, “You can be here. You’re an athlete, you have the body and you look amazing, and you’re really, really confident.” This encouragement reflects the brand’s shift towards embracing athletes and individuals who represent a broader spectrum of beauty.

As part of its rebranding strategy, Victoria’s Secret launched the VS Collective, a group of brand ambassadors dedicated to promoting gender equality and body positivity. While Reese is the only athlete to have walked the runway, the collective includes prominent figures such as soccer player Megan Rapinoe and Olympic skier Eileen Gu.

During the show, Reese highlighted the importance of representation, stating, “A lot of young women are going to be watching me today to know that they have some inspiration and know that they can dream this big.” The event also featured performances by artists like Missy Elliott and Karol G, contributing to a lively atmosphere that celebrated individuality and diversity.

The runway itself showcased a blend of traditional glamour and contemporary inclusivity, with models of all shapes and sizes walking to the beat of modern music. Reese confidently declared, “I’m not going to shy away from looking like this, because I work my ass off for this body,” embracing the new definition of sexiness that the brand aims to convey.

As Victoria’s Secret continues to evolve, the inclusion of athletes like Angel Reese signifies a broader cultural shift in the fashion and beauty industry, where diverse representations of beauty are increasingly celebrated. The 2024 fashion show serves as a pivotal moment for the brand, signaling its commitment to inclusivity while also attracting a new generation of consumers.