Angel Reese’s transition from collegiate basketball superstar to a global fashion icon has been nothing short of spectacular, culminating in her second, and most impactful, appearance at the Met Gala. As of December 2025, the Chicago Sky forward has firmly established her "Bayou Barbie" brand far beyond the court, making her a must-watch on the world's most exclusive red carpet.
The WNBA All-Star's latest attendance at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala in May 2025 was a defining moment, where she not only graced the event but was also named to the prestigious host committee. Her choice of a striking, tailored look from a high-fashion powerhouse was a powerful statement that perfectly aligned with the year's complex and culturally rich theme, solidifying her status as a true fashion elite.
Angel Reese: Biography and Career Profile
Angel Reese, known by her popular nickname "Bayou Barbie," has quickly become one of the most recognizable and influential athletes in modern sports, celebrated for her on-court tenacity and off-court style.
- Full Name: Angel Reese
- Born: May 6, 2002, in Randallstown, Maryland, US
- Nickname: Bayou Barbie
- College Career: Transferred from Maryland to Louisiana State University (LSU), where she led the team to a national championship.
- WNBA Team: Chicago Sky (Drafted in 2024)
- Major Collegiate Honors: SEC Player of the Year (2024), First-team All-American (2023, 2024)
- Major WNBA Honors: 2x WNBA All-Star (2024, 2025), 2024 WNBA Rebounding Champion, 2024 All-Rookie Team
- Recent Fashion Milestones: Met Gala Host Committee (2025), Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Angel (2025), CFDA Fashion Awards Attendee.
The 2025 Met Gala: Tailoring Black Style and The Thom Browne Statement
Angel Reese's appearance at the 2025 Met Gala was a masterclass in thematic dressing, moving beyond a simple beautiful dress to a true sartorial conversation. The event's theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," was an exhibition celebrating Black dandyism and the history of Black fashion.
Her choice of designer, Thom Browne, was a deliberate and powerful one. Browne is renowned for his theatrical, avant-garde tailoring and deconstructed American prep style, making him an ideal partner for the "Tailoring Black Style" theme.
1. The Striking Two-Piece Thom Browne Ensemble
For the 2025 event, Reese opted for a bold, architectural black look from Thom Browne. The ensemble was a two-piece design, featuring a striking white collar that sharply contrasted with the deep black of the fabric. This choice was a brilliant interpretation of the theme, which focused on the precision, artistry, and cultural significance of tailoring and dandyism, a style historically defined by sharp suits and attention to detail.
The structured nature of the outfit, a departure from the flowing gowns often seen on the carpet, highlighted Reese’s athletic build while showcasing her evolution into a high-fashion muse. The look was a powerful nod to the sartorial traditions being celebrated by the exhibition, proving that the WNBA star is committed to fashion as an art form.
2. Over 107 Carats of Diamond Authority
No Met Gala look is complete without show-stopping jewelry, and Angel Reese’s 2025 ensemble was no exception. She accessorized her Thom Browne look with an astonishing amount of diamonds—over 107 carats in total. This massive display of sparkle provided a luxurious counterpoint to the severity and precision of her tailored black outfit.
The choice of high-carat, statement diamonds added another layer to her interpretation of the theme, echoing the opulence and self-assuredness inherent in the concept of dandyism. It was a clear statement of her arrival as a major cultural force, where her fashion choices command as much attention as her performance on the basketball court.
3. The Prestigious Host Committee Role
Perhaps the most significant detail of Angel Reese’s 2025 attendance was her inclusion on the Met Gala host committee. This role is reserved for individuals who are not only influential but are considered integral to the fashion and cultural landscape of the moment. Being named to the committee alongside established industry titans signaled a massive leap in her fashion world credibility.
For a WNBA player, still early in her professional career, to be given such a prominent role underscored the power of her brand, her massive social media following, and the undeniable influence of her "Bayou Barbie" style. It transitioned her from a celebrated guest to a co-curator of fashion's biggest night.
Angel Reese’s Met Gala Debut: The 2024 16Arlington Moment
While the 2025 appearance was a bold statement, Reese’s 2024 Met Gala debut set the stage for her fashion trajectory. The theme for the 2024 event was "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," with the dress code being "The Garden of Time."
For her first-ever Met Gala, which also happened to fall on her 22nd birthday (May 6, 2024), the Chicago Sky rookie chose a pale blue sheer gown from the British brand 16Arlington. The ethereal, sequined, and sheer nature of the dress connected to the "Sleeping Beauties" theme, giving her a soft, romantic, and distinctly feminine look for her debut.
Her attendance in 2024, which occurred during the WNBA training camp and preseason, generated some online commentary and criticism. However, Reese quickly addressed the critics, asserting her right to pursue both her athletic and fashion interests, a move that only amplified her reputation as a young woman confidently navigating multiple high-pressure fields.
From Court to Couture: The "Bayou Barbie" Fashion Entity
Angel Reese’s Met Gala appearances are not isolated incidents but rather key milestones in a broader, strategic pivot into the fashion world. Her "Bayou Barbie" persona is built on a foundation of unapologetic confidence, which translates directly into her style choices.
- Luxury Partnerships: Her consistent presence at major events like the CFDA Fashion Awards and her role as a Victoria's Secret Angel, where she walked the runway in 2025, demonstrate her appeal to high-end brands.
- WNBA Tunnel Style: Reese is a leader in the WNBA’s growing "tunnel fashion" movement, using her pre-game arrivals as a personal runway to showcase custom and designer outfits.
- Influence on Athletes: Her success in navigating the worlds of professional sports and high fashion has opened doors for other female athletes, proving that elite performance and a strong, fashion-forward personal brand are not mutually exclusive. Her ability to command attention in a Thom Browne piece with over 107 carats of diamonds is a testament to the rising cultural power of women's sports stars.
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