Angel Reese Makes Victoria’s Secret History — and Sparks a Global Debate About Beauty, Power, and Perception

Angel Reese knows how to command attention — both on and off the basketball court. The 6-foot-3 Chicago Sky forward, known for her bold confidence and unapologetic authenticity, made history this week as the first professional athlete to walk in the iconic Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, a milestone that immediately sent social media — and pop culture — into overdrive (People).

Reese stunned audiences on October 15, 2025, as she stepped onto the runway wearing shimmering pink lingerie, crystal-encrusted heels, and massive angel wings that paid homage to Victoria’s Secret’s legendary “Angels” era. Her walk, broadcast globally as part of the brand’s revived “The Tour” runway event, symbolized a powerful collision of sport, fashion, and female empowerment (The New York Times).

“Angel Reese’s appearance wasn’t just about beauty,” fashion journalist Tamara Fields told The Guardian. “It was about reclaiming visibility — showing that athleticism and sensuality can coexist without apology.”

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The Moment That Broke the Internet

Almost instantly, Reese’s debut sparked an avalanche of conversation online. Some celebrated the WNBA star’s crossover moment as a victory for body diversity and representation in fashion. Others, however, criticized her walk or accused her of contradicting her previous statements about not wanting to be objectified.

On social media, one detractor wrote, “She can’t walk in heels,” while another claimed, “Victoria’s Secret has lowered its standards.” But many more came to her defense.

“Excuse me, the hell she don’t meet model standards — she surpasses them,” one supporter commented under Victoria’s Secret’s Instagram post. “Damn, she’s fine! She’s redefining what beauty looks like.”

Even major outlets like NBC News noted that the backlash revealed deeper issues about whose bodies are deemed “fashion-worthy.” Critics argued that much of the negativity reflected long-standing biases against Black women’s bodies, athletic physiques, and non-traditional forms of beauty.

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Reese Responds — On Her Own Terms

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Reese responded to the controversy with characteristic flair. On October 16, she posted a TikTok video of herself practicing her runway walk with a professional coach, captioned with the lyrics to Cardi B’s viral “Am I the Drama?” — a playful yet pointed reminder of her confidence.

“They say my body is too attainable. They say I’m doing too much. But I’m just being me,” Reese wrote.

The clip quickly went viral, drawing millions of views and a flood of supportive comments from fans and fellow athletes alike.

“This is why they made her,” one fan wrote. “Confidence, poise, beauty, power — she’s the whole package.”

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Support and Backlash Collide

Social media influencer and sports commentator Tanya Ray Fox weighed in with a viral video on Threads, calling out the hypocrisy of critics who cling to outdated Eurocentric beauty ideals.

“You thought we thought Kate Moss was the pinnacle of beauty?” Fox asked sarcastically. “Angel Reese represents a new standard — one rooted in confidence, culture, and strength.” (Black Enterprise)

Fashion analysts have also noted that Reese’s inclusion on the runway aligns with Victoria’s Secret’s broader rebranding efforts. Since 2023, the company has worked to rebuild its image following criticism over its lack of diversity and unrealistic beauty expectations (The New York Times). Inviting a high-profile athlete like Reese to join the show, many experts argue, is both a marketing statement and a cultural one — signaling that “the new Angel” is as strong as she is beautiful.

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A Pattern of Power and Self-Expression

For Angel Reese, this is hardly the first time her confidence has made headlines. From her bold fashion statements to her viral postgame celebrations — including the now-famous ring-pointing gesture during the 2023 NCAA Championship — she has long embraced visibility as both a Black woman and athlete (ESPN).

In May 2023, she appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, where she told People,

“The biggest takeaway I want people to know is that you can be girly off the court and still have swag. You can be sexy, confident, and powerful — all at once.”

Her social media presence reflects that message: in October, she posted photos of herself in a gold swimsuit on a yacht with the caption, “Minding my own business. Don’t check for me.” The post racked up more than a million views in less than a day.

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When Empowerment Meets the Spotlight

Still, the spotlight on Reese has not come without controversy. Her mentor and fellow LSU supporter Shaquille O’Neal faced backlash earlier this year after making remarks many fans called inappropriate.

During an episode of her podcast Unapologetically Angel, produced by O’Neal’s Big Podcast Network, he joked that she should wear “shorts like the ones from Wild ’N Out while dunking” to sell more merchandise. Reese’s uncomfortable reaction — and firm rebuttal that women athletes don’t need male validation — drew widespread praise for her professionalism.

“Women in this league play for legacy, not approval,” she said at the time (ESPN).

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Beyond the Runway: Redefining Representation

Whether adored or critiqued, Angel Reese’s Victoria’s Secret debut has solidified her as more than a basketball phenom — she’s a cultural disruptor. Her walk was not just a fashion statement but a declaration of ownership over her image, her femininity, and her power.

As The New York Times wrote, “Reese’s moment on the runway was a visual rejection of the idea that athleticism and allure are mutually exclusive.”

In an era where athletes like Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, and now Angel Reese are reshaping the boundaries of beauty and identity, Reese’s wings on the Victoria’s Secret runway symbolize something greater: a new generation of women unafraid to soar on their own terms.