The thing about Angel Reese is that she never just "shows up." When the "Bayou Barbie" walked onto the blue carpet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2025, she wasn’t just another athlete grabbing a photo op.
Honestly, she was kinda the boss.
While most of the world was focused on whether she’d make it back to Chicago for preseason practice, Reese was busy serving on the official Met Gala Host Committee. That's a massive jump from her debut just a year prior. It’s the difference between being invited to the party and being the one who helps throw it.
The Thom Browne Look: Tailoring for the "Bayou Barbie"
This year's theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, was a perfect match for Reese’s "big guard" energy. She chose a custom look by Thom Browne, a designer who basically owns the concept of modern tailoring.
If you saw the photos, you know it wasn't a standard gown.
The outfit was a two-piece black ensemble that played with structure and skin. It featured a cropped, long-sleeve jacket with a sharp white collar—very "Wednesday Addams meets high-fashion dandy." The bottom was a high-waisted floor-length skirt that started with a corset-style torso and flowed into a dramatic train.
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People on social media were split. Some loved the "preppy goth" vibe, while others on Reddit were a bit confused by the bustier fit. But you’ve got to admit, it fit the "Tailored for You" dress code to a T.
She wasn't just wearing clothes; she was referencing three centuries of Black dandyism.
Why was Angel Reese at the Met Gala 2025 during preseason?
A lot of people—mostly the "shut up and dribble" crowd—were annoyed. They saw the Chicago Sky star in New York and wondered why she wasn't at practice.
Here's the reality: her coach, Tyler Marsh, was totally on board.
He basically said the organization supports her "on and off the court." And why wouldn't they? Having your star player standing next to Lewis Hamilton and Colman Domingo as a host committee member is the kind of marketing you can't buy.
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Reese even joked about the hustle on social media, reminding fans that she's "not one-dimensional." She literally turned 23 the day after the gala. Talk about a birthday weekend.
The Jewelry: Over 107 Carats of "Bling"
If the dress was the structure, the jewelry was the main event. Reese didn't go small.
She wore over 107 carats of diamonds from Graff. We're talking:
- Pear-shaped earrings with yellow diamond studs.
- A massive yellow emerald-cut diamond ring.
- A matching yellow and white diamond bracelet.
There was even some gossip about a large ring on that finger, but she hasn't confirmed any engagement news. It's likely just "host committee energy"—bringing the maximum amount of sparkle to the biggest night in fashion.
The WNBA Crossover Moment
Reese wasn't the only one representing the W. The New York Liberty trio—Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones—were also there in custom Sergio Hudson.
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But Reese feels different.
She has this specific way of bridging the gap between "tunnel fits" and legitimate high fashion. Last year it was 16Arlington and feathers; this year it was Thom Browne and structural corsetry. She’s proving that women's basketball players are the new fashion icons.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her Attendance
There was some noise about the $75,000 ticket price, especially since Reese has been vocal about her WNBA salary not covering her rent.
But let’s be real: as a member of the Host Committee, she isn't paying for a ticket like a random donor. She’s there as a face of the event. She’s a millionaire through endorsements (Reebok, Beats, etc.), and this appearance is part of the "Angel Reese brand" that pays the bills.
Actionable Insights for Fashion Fans and Athletes
If you're looking at Angel Reese’s 2025 Met Gala moment as a blueprint for personal branding, here are the takeaways:
- Lean into a Theme: Reese didn't just wear a "pretty dress." She wore a look that specifically addressed the history of Black dandyism. If you're heading to a themed event, go for the intellectual angle, not just the aesthetic one.
- Networking is the Real Work: She spent her night with Megan Thee Stallion and the Vogue elite. For athletes, the Met Gala is less about the party and more about the "Host Committee" level of networking that leads to major luxury brand deals.
- Manage the Narrative: By having her coach’s public support before she even landed in NYC, she neutralized the "distraction" narrative before it could start.
The 2025 Met Gala proved that Angel Reese is no longer just a "rookie sensation." She’s a cultural fixture who can pivot from a rebounding record to a Thom Browne corset without breaking a sweat.
Follow the Chicago Sky's upcoming season schedule to see if Reese’s "off-court" success translates to a sophomore-year jump in the standings.