LSU star forward Angel Reese continues to make headlines even after her team’s loss to Iowa in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament. The 21-year-old athlete announced in Vogue that she will be forgoing her last year of college to enter the WNBA draft later this month.
In a glamorous photoshoot featuring designer clothes from Valentino, Diesel, Wales Bonner, and Christian Louboutin, Reese made a bold statement about the intersection of fashion and sports. Inspired by tennis legend Serena Williams, who also used Vogue to announce her retirement, Reese is following in her footsteps both on and off the court.
Known as the “Bayou Barbie” for her stylish off-court looks, Reese has become one of the highest-paid Name, Image, and Likeness (N.I.L.) stars in college sports, with deals valued at $1.8 million. With a massive following of 2.7 million on Instagram, Reese understands the power of image and branding in today’s sports landscape.
The alignment with Vogue and other fashion brands is not just about style, but also a strategic move to enhance her marketability as she looks to be an early draft pick in the WNBA. By leveraging her celebrity status and fashion sense, Reese is positioning herself for success both on and off the court.
As the worlds of sports and fashion continue to intertwine, athletes like Reese are redefining what it means to be a successful and marketable athlete. With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, the connection between sports and fashion is only expected to grow, and Reese is at the forefront of this trend.
