Angel Reese shuts down critics with defiant four-word statement over other passion as star makes WNBA history

Angel Reese says it is not a choice between basketball and fashion.

The WNBA star is the latest cover of Vogue and has faced criticism over her passion for fashion but explains nothing is going to change.

Angel Reese on the cover of VogueCredit: Credit: @voguemagazine via X
Reese is gearing up to play in the Unrivaled League this month but has taken time out to star on the cover of Vogue.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a fine debut season in the WNBA, making the All-Star team and breaking multiple records like setting a WNBA high of the most consecutive doubles-doubles with 15.

Such stardom in basketball has not stopped Reese from embracing her other passion admitting she is also a ‘fashion girle’.

“It’s always been both: basketball and fashion,” Reese tells Vogue magazine.

“I was a fashion girlie from young too. I was always in my mom’s closet, putting on her stuff. I liked to carry a purse. Hair done. I wanted to look put together. I still do.”

Reese is the first WNBA player to make the cover of Vogue and such an achievement joins the long list of fashion milestones she has completed in recent years.

From meeting Rihanna at the Footwear News Achievement Awards, to attending the Victoria Secret Fashion and using her social media to regularly share her bold outfits, the 22-year-old is living out another childhood dream.

Reese shared the cover on her X account and Instagram stories writing “I covered up and fave y’all COVERGIRL”.

The WNBA star is referring to criticism she received last week after posting videos of an ultra-low animal print dress for New Year’s Eve.

One critic included Stephen A. Smith who offered his opinion on the Reese’s New Year’s Eve outfit.

Angel Reese made the NBA All-Star team in 2024

“What’s not debatable is how Caitlin Clark has handled her brand. With Angel Reese, you sometimes find yourself scratching your head wondering what the hell she’s doing, like that photo right there,” Smith said on his podcast.

Although Reese seemed to be defiant despite the criticism later writing on social media: “Show up as yourself even if it makes other(s) uncomfortable.”

This is not the first time Reese has had to call out critics and believes that her fashion choices have led to her being sexualised.

‘I just try to stay strong,’ she told reporters following LSU’s 94-87 loss to Iowa in the NCAA tournament in 2023 ‘I’ve been through so much. I’ve seen so much. I’ve been attacked so many times.

“Death threats, I’ve been sexualized, I’ve been threatened. I’ve been so many things, and I’ve stood strong every single time.

It will be back to basketball for Reese when she plays on the opening day for the Unirvaled League on January 17th, where she will hope to draw praise for her on-court ability.