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Virginia State | Culture

New Angels Gain Their Wings: Recap and Spotlights From the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Runway Show

Eden Ramirez Student Contributor, Virginia State University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Virginia State chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

October 15, 2025, Victoria’s Secret hosted their 2025 fashion show, and boy was it something to see. Alongside the many familiar faces in the modeling industry, many new angels gained their wings. Among the newcomers were Angel Reese, Emily Ratajkowski, Iris Law, Quenlin Blackwell, and Precious Lee. Their presence signaled a turning point: this was more than a fashion show. It was a cultural statement.

Spotlight on Five New Angels

Angel Reese

Angel Reese, a WNBA star with the Chicago Sky, made history as the first professional athlete to ever walk in a Victoria’s Secret show. One thing we can learn from Angel Reese is if you’re going to do something, do it with excellence. Reese prepared for the show by hiring a runway coach and studying iconic models like Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, and Adriana Lima. She described the moment as ‘surreal,’ saying:

“I posted it on my Story last year that I was going to be a Victoria’s Secret model and it literally happened less than a year later.”

Her inclusion in the show is powerful not just for her as star on the court. WNBA received a much-deserved spotlight from her appearance, but her appearance proves that models can come from anywhere. Not to mention excellence in one field does not preclude mastery in another.

Emily Ratajkowski

Though Emily had been affiliated with Victoria’s Secret previously, the 2025 show was her first time walking the runway. She brought a refined energy to the stage. In a past interview, she reflected on her inspirations:

“Those women were larger than life to me—they still are 
 They represent so much.”

For Emily, being on the runway now wasn’t just about stepping into lingerie. It was about stepping into a full-circle moment in her modeling journey, one that bridges her interests in fashion, film, and activism.

Iris Law

Iris Law, daughter of actor Jude Law, made her debut as a VS Angel that night. Already a high-fashion model, she walked with a sexy-sporty feel. Mixing her edgy streetwear elements like knee-high socks and sneakers with classic lingerie. Her emergence reminded viewers that angels can evolve. She’s already worked major runway shows and campaigns, but now this nepo-baby is bringing that pedigree into a space that historically leaned more toward commercial beauty.

Quenlin Blackwell

Quenlin Blackwell’s journey is rooted in digital culture. She first became known through viral content on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, but has evolved into so much more. As she told Teen Vogue:

“I feel like so many of the dreams that I’ve been working towards are finally coming into reality 
 this doesn’t feel real — it’s a childhood dream come true.”

Her inclusion underscores a shift: Victoria’s Secret is tapping into creators and voices who command cultural influence beyond traditional fashion circles. This helps the brand stay current and relatable in the digital age.

Precious Lee

Precious Lee is a celebrated plus-size model, known for her vocal advocacy around body representation in fashion. Her debut as a VS Angel was widely covered as part of the brand’s renewed commitment to diversity. While she hasn’t shared a public quote specific to her VS debut, her broader presence in fashion emphasizes how weight-inclusive casting is no longer optional. It’s pivotal.

Why Their Presence Changed the Game

Broadening Beauty & Representation

In past decades, the Victoria’s Secret runway was critiqued for narrow standards of beauty and exclusivity. The 2025 show’s cast was diverse racially, stylistically, physically, and professionally. Because when you’re building an aspirational brand, showing more types of women makes that aspiration more attainable.

Cultural Relevance & Voice

These women bring built-in platforms. Angel Reese, Quenlin Blackwell, and Emily Ratajkowski already have audiences and influence. Their voices carry weight beyond just their walk. When they show up, fans pay attention and that translates to media coverage, social engagement, and new energy around the brand. Critics might scoff at ‘influencer inclusion,’ but the fashion world is shifting to embrace relatability as an asset.

A Signal to the Industry

By choosing them, VS sent a message to the fashion world: the rules are changing. Runways, campaigns, magazine covers. Every space must account for multiplicity. If VS leads with that, it pushes others to follow.

Eden Ramirez

Virginia State '27

Eden is a junior at Virginia State University majoring in Mass Communications with a minor in Marketing. She has a passion for all things creative, whether that’s writing, social media, or producing content that connects with people. On campus she is building her experience in communications and exploring opportunities in media, marketing, and advertising. Outside of school Eden loves working on creative projects like costume design and her track career at VSU. She hopes to pursue a career in media and marketing, working with major brands or creative agencies, while continuing to share her voice and inspire others.