Leave it to Angel Reese to make history. Last year, she became the first WNBA player to walk a Victoria’s Secret show runway—showcasing how Black women can do it all…and well. Since then, she’s done everything from grace the cover of Australian Vogue, where she discussed the importance of championing women’s basketball in the country, to serving nostalgic realness with a Juicy Couture partnership.
And even yesterday, she shook the internet when she announced her trade from the Chicago Sky team to the Atlanta Dream. “I’m excited for a new journey. Year three is going to be exciting. I’ll be able to play with Rhyne and Paopao and just have a great coaching staff. And, of course, Atlanta has the culture, the family, the food! Everybody’s going to be at the game. I’m excited to get to work for the season,” she tells ESSENCE exclusively this morning at Victoria’s Secret on Fifth Ave. The star was there celebrating the fact that she’s the first WNBA player to star in a campaign by the brand.
“Representation is everything and hopefully the young girls can see that they can do anything they put their minds to,” Reese says of being the face of The Season of Strapless campaign. That may include, “being a model and also being a great basketball player as well,” as she says. “I hope many different people are inspired and reminded that they can do these same things that I’m doing.”
This campaign is, as the name suggests, all about the new era of strapless bras for the brand. In other words, their Invisible by Victoria’s Secret Strapless Collection, available online and in stores nationwide on April 8, is both comfortable and slip-free. Within the campaign, Reese also rocks the Summer Swim Collection and holds a new scent, the Bombshell Bronze Eau de Parfum, of the brand’s cult-favorite fragrance. Safe to say, after seeing the sultry images, you’ll be inspired to plan your summer getaways.
“The campaign is so gorgeous,” as Reese reflects. “I love everything about it—from the pictures to the videos to the team that was behind it,” she says. “I’m just so thankful to VS for opening the door for me to have this opportunity. This campaign is going to be something that I’ll always remember.”
With this new venture, Reese also reminds us that being a do-it-all Barbie also comes with knowing the importance of self-care and self-preservation. “I’m all about staying grounded. Trusting God is what got me here,” she shares. “I have a great family, I have a great team, and great friends,” she adds. With the highs and lows, [having a great support system] always makes me feel loved.”
