Angel reese channels 1920s glamour, manifests victoria’s secret deal
Angel Reese, the WNBA star known for her fierce game and burgeoning fashion influence, delivered a masterclass in personal branding this week, debuting a striking new look timed perfectly with her highly-anticipated Victoria’s Secret campaign reveal. The transformation, a sharp, layered curly pixie, isn’t just a style shift; it’s a bold statement that underscores the athlete’s evolving presence in the luxury fashion sphere.
The hairstyle: a nod to the jazz age
Hairstylist Dionte Gray, operating under the moniker Arrogant Tae, crafted the look, drawing inspiration from the iconic style of the 1920s. Reese herself playfully dubbed the style “Betty Boo” on Instagram, further cementing the vintage aesthetic. The choppy layers and defined curls offer a modern twist on a classic, demonstrating a keen understanding of how to reinterpret historical trends for a contemporary audience.
Beyond the hair, the styling choices amplified the effect. The Reismans, renowned stylists known as The Reismans, layered a houndstooth blazer by LaQuan Smith over Reese’s ensemble, creating a cohesive and undeniably chic presentation. The choice of LaQuan Smith, a designer known for his bold silhouettes and confident aesthetic, signals Reese’s alignment with high-end fashion houses.
Makeup artist Latisha Chancey’s work deserves equal attention. Her application of bold brows and a strategically placed light-pink blush created a striking contrast with the vintage hairstyle, lending a modern edge to the overall look. The pairing of Reese and Chancey is particularly noteworthy, given their previous collaboration on Reese’s debut at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show – a full-circle moment that highlights the burgeoning relationship between the athlete and the brand.
Reese’s declaration that she “really manifested this” adds an intriguing dimension to the narrative. It's not merely about a new hairstyle or a campaign; it’s about intentionality and the power of visualizing success. Reese has long expressed a deep love for fashion, recalling childhood memories of raiding her mother’s closet and meticulously curating her own looks. “I was always in my mom’s closet, putting on her stuff,” she told Vogue, “I liked to carry a purse. Hair done. I wanted to look put together. I still do.” That dedication to presentation, nurtured from a young age, now translates seamlessly into her public persona.
The timing of this stylistic evolution is particularly astute. Just days ago, news broke of Reese’s trade from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream, marking a new chapter in her WNBA career. The fresh look, therefore, serves as a visual metaphor for this transition – a confident and stylish entrance into a new era. Reese isn't just changing teams; she’s redefining her image, solidifying her position as a force to be reckoned with both on and off the court. The calculated move underscores Reese’s understanding of the symbiotic relationship between athletic prowess and personal branding, a strategy increasingly vital in the modern sports landscape.