“Last year, I had to get ready on the plane, coming in from my practice, so it’s good to be able to just get glammed here,” said Angel Reese to Harper’s Bazaar after making her return to the Met Gala this year—a day before her 23rd birthday. The WNBA standout walked the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday in a striking black ensemble by Thom Browne. The design offered a feminine, preppy twist on the classic suit–serving as a creative nod to the 2025 gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” But while fans were in awe of her outfit, some critics felt it wasn’t as flawless as it seemed online.

Last year, Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese made her Met Gala debut in a custom look by 16Arlington, turning heads in a mint green, floor-length gown adorned with sequins and ostrich feathers. In February, The Met announced Reese as a member of the 2025 Costume Institute Benefit Host Committee, joining an impressive roster of Black entertainers, athletes, artists, and cultural icons, including Jeremy O. Harris, Sha’Carri Richardson, Kara Walker, and Edward Enninful.

It’s safe to say Angel Reese lived up to her role on the committee with her collaboration with $130 million-worth American fashion designer Thom Browne. While his creativity, business acumen, and influential presence in the fashion world are undeniable and his collaboration with Reese certainly turned heads, not everyone was convinced.

Lucy Rohden of the Good Follow podcast had her say: “I love it with one caveat. I thought she looked beautiful, I thought she stuck to the theme. The only caveat is she made me want to cut my hair short. I have seen so many people be like, ‘This look makes me want a bob.’ I don’t need a bob. I don’t want a bob. But she makes me want–I thought this outfit was great. I thought she looked fabulous. I thought it was on theme. I just… like, I don’t need that haircut.”

From gracing the pages of Teen Vogue to declaring for the 2024 WNBA Draft in the magazine’s flagship issue and scoring a winter cover, Angel Reese’s relationship with fashion has been nothing short of iconic. As the worlds of sports and style continue to blend, she’s helped shine a brighter spotlight on the WNBA—especially with several New York Liberty players joining her at the Met Gala this year.

“I’m excited to see more WNBA players being able to get invited to these things,” she shared. And while not everyone may be on board with her hairstyle, it’s clear that won’t stop her from showing up, standing out, and doing what she loves. However, the celebration didn’t stop at the Met Gala for the Bayou Barbie. Angel Reese made sure her birthday was just as stylish. Let’s take a peek at how she rang in another year!

Angel Reese celebrates her birthday in style

You don’t turn 23 every day, and Angel Reese made sure to do it in style. The Chicago Sky star kicked things off by rocking a standout birthday fit during her pregame entrance. Fresh off her Met Gala appearance, she kept the celebration going by hopping on a decked-out “pink” private jet – complete with birthday decorations. And of course, she did it all in a Barbie-pink outfit that matched the vibe perfectly.

Reese opened up about the tough turnaround – landing late from the gala at 2am, hitting shootaround at 10 am, and suiting up for a preseason game against the Minnesota Lynx. But she made it happen, and did it in serious style. Rocking an elite leather coat and killer shades, she proved once again that she can handle the grind and still turn heads. Now that’s how you show up.

There’s a reason Angel Reese is considered an All-Star both on and off the court–she brings the energy every single night. Her teammates made sure she felt the love too, decorating the locker room ahead of the game against the Lynx. Reese continues to prove just how powerful her influence is, whether she’s on the hardwood or off it!