Angel Reese arrived at Victoria's Secret's Fifth Avenue flagship this week, her post-trade appearance for the brand a masterclass in modern power dressing. The basketball star, recently traded to the Atlanta Dream, chose an office-sharp houndstooth suit and a pair of sleek, patent leather slingbacks from FSJ Shoes. This choice, while contemporary, taps into a long history where specific footwear signaled a woman's entry into professional spaces. The classic slingback, popularized in the mid-20th century, was a staple for women navigating corporate environments, a subtle symbol of polished authority.
Her heels, pointed and buckled, provided a deliberate contrast to the campaign she was celebrating: the 'Invisible by Victoria's Secret Strapless Collection.' This juxtaposition is telling. Victoria's Secret, a brand founded in 1977 by Roy Raymond to create a comfortable space for men to buy lingerie, has spent decades navigating its relationship with both spectacle and support. Reese's runway walk for them last October—a first for a professional athlete—and this latest campaign signal a continued, complex evolution.
By selecting FSJ, a made-to-order, size-inclusive brand offering widths and sizes up to 15, Reese aligns her powerful aesthetic with a contemporary imperative for fit and accessibility. It’s a sartorial statement that connects the dots from the foundational garments unseen beneath her suit to the very visible, confident stride she cuts in shoes designed for every foot. Her ensemble doesn't just dress for the boardroom; it references the ongoing redefinition of whose body is granted authority, on the court, on the runway, and in the street.
Originally reported by WWD