need to know
- Angel Reese will appear in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on October 15, making her the first professional athlete to walk the iconic runway
- “It's going to be an unforgettable night and I'll be forever grateful,” the WNBA star told People
- Top models including Adriana Lima, Alex Consani and Anok Yai will also take to the catwalk
Angel Reese hits the Victoria's Secret show!
On Wednesday, October 15, the basketball star will become the first professional athlete model to walk the iconic runway show. Reese participated in the event's legendary return in 2024, and this year she will make her debut as a Victoria's Secret Angel, kicking off her global partnership with the brand.
“I literally couldn't stop smiling!” Reese told People of when she learned the news. “It's a surreal, full-circle moment – just last year I was in the audience showing off the runway, so inspired and in awe of all the powerful women walking the runway, and now I'm back as an Angel. It will be an unforgettable night and I will be forever grateful.”
The WNBA player added that she's “very proud and excited” to be the first professional athlete to walk for Victoria's Secret, and she doesn't take the milestone lightly.
“I hope I can inspire women and girls around the world and remind them that we can dominate in our fields, but also pursue goals beyond our goals — and for me, that's walking the most iconic runways in fashion and entertainment,” she said.
Victoria's Secret Angel Reese.
Kailyn James in Association
When it comes to getting ready for the catwalk, the WNBA star said her preparation is “no different than training and practicing for a game.”
“It’s all about faith!” she explains. “I've been training for basketball and the fashion show the past few weeks, and I'm getting ready to switch out my Angel Reese 1s for heels on Wednesday night!”
Reese also plans to showcase her “signature tunnel walk” during the show.
“I’ll be confident in my stride, but I know inside I’m going to be freaking out!” she said.
The athlete added that strutting in front of a legend like Missy Elliott, one of the show's musical guests, makes her feel “more empowered.”
On October 8, the brand announced Elliott, Madison Beer, Karol G and K-pop star TWICE as this year's headliners, joining last year's all-female lineup, which included Cher, Lisa and Tyla.
Victoria's Secret also confirmed that Adriana Lima, Alex Consani, Anoke Yayi, Joan Smalls, Lily Aldridge and Yumi Nou are among the models in the lineup.
“Adriana Lima is iconic,” Reese said. “Of course, an OG like Gisele [Bündchen] Even my friend Arnock! Just a total powerhouse. ”
The basketball star also counts Tyra Banks as one of her biggest role models.
“She was the first person to do so many incredible things in fashion, and it's incredible to see her success continue to grow,” she said.
Tyra Banks at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
Mike Coppola/Getty
For Reese, seeing Banks return to the Victoria's Secret runway in 2024 is “an honor.”
“I had the absolute best time last year,” she recalls. “I'm a huge fan of Tyra and her moments on the runway were incredible.”
She continued, “I love all the big hair and it's such an honor to see all the incredible women take to the runway and represent more than just a show – it's truly such an empowering and celebratory event!”
On October 15, it was Reese's turn to make history.
“I feel so honored to be a part of such a powerful moment that celebrates women and our multifaceted nature,” she said. “I know the energy and excitement will be unparalleled – and I'm ready!”
The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show will be held in New York on October 15th. It will be broadcast live on Prime Video.