From the court to the catwalk: NBA players as the new trendsetters

NBA players have gone from being simple elite athletes to true style icons. And beyond sports traditionally present in the fashion world such as F1 and tennis, luxury brands are increasingly recognizing the mass appeal of NBA stars. And it is true that during this new decade, the union between the NBA and the fashion world has become increasingly evident. The increasing appearance of the players in Fashion Weeks has also favored the phenomenon.

Although throughout NBA history there have always been players who have become true fashion icons, revolutionizing style on and off the court. From the flamboyant outfits of Walt Frazier in the 1970s to the urban, no-rules fashion of Allen Iverson in the 2000s, every era has seen the emergence of stars who break the mold and defy canons. Dennis Rodman, with his bold, androgynous aesthetic, marked an era where the NBA did not yet see fashion as an extension of the game.Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

A cultural shift

The NBA has set a precedent for other sports leagues in terms of style and presence in the fashion industry, and the phenomenon continues to grow. New generations of players in both the men’s and women’s leagues are leading the way for this symbiosis between fashion and sports to continue. And with new opportunities opening up for players to monetize their image, the fashion world is sure to expand into these future talents, further cementing the role of athletes as fashion role models.

This transition by the NBA goes beyond simply changing the outfits of its players. In 2018, Thom Browne dressed LeBron James’ team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, in their signature gray suits, a move that sparked widespread reach and interaction online. And the data shows that the impact of these outfits is powerful: in the SS24 season, the athletes (with NBA players at the forefront) climbed in popularity, placing among the most prominent fashion attendees. In addition, Lefty’s tracking last year showed that 37% of the athletes tracked were NBA stars, highlighting their influence on current fashion.Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

The rise of the phenomenon has also had its reach on networks, with the creation of accounts created specifically to provide coverage of the style of the NBA’s top players. In 2018, Ian Pierno and Joe Williams of Slam Magazine launched Instagram account @LeagueFits to document players’ styles off the court. Today, it has a million followers, and others like @NBAFashionFits & @ProTrending follow suit, generating a sort of weekly competition among players to be considered the best dressed. Figures like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, voted last year by GQ readers as the most stylish man, show that NBA players are now competing for titles that used to belong to fashion and entertainment celebrities. The likes of LeBron James and Russell Westbrook have transformed the Tunnel Walk into a runway.

The “Tunnel Walk” as a catwalk

What was once a simple walk from the entrance to the pitch to the changing rooms has been transformed into a real catwalk. Once a tracksuit was enough, now players show up in designer pieces like Thom Browne, Rick Owens, Louis Vuitton, Kid Super… Just 15 glorious seconds of walking closely watched by basketball fans and luxury brands eager to place the latest of their collections in the eyes of millions. It’s a win-win, a dynamic that feeds in both directions: the interest of fashion brands in aligning themselves with the sport’s top figures to reach new audiences, and at the same time the latter becoming style icons by making headlines in major fashion headlines for their outfits.

So, who are the best dressed?

Now, just as Earving “Magic” Johnson, Michael Jordan and Dennis Rodman did in their time, the NBA has a new generation of players who continue to carry on the mantle of these legends, inspiring millions of people not only for their skills in the game, but also for their ability to set trends.

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander  

Since making his NBA debut in 2018, the Thunder point guard has been leading the streetstyle conversations. Like Russell Westbrook and Allen Iverson back in the day, Shai has won the hearts of those who are passionate about fashion. His style captures current streetwear trends, from exclusive Gruppo Vava jackets to Diallo sweaters. Shai mixes more well-known brands like Chrome Hearts and Rick Owens, more opium, with items like Timberland boots, with a more 90s streetwear look, or others from brands like Louis Vuitton or Supreme.

2. Jordan Clarkson  

Clarkson’s style stands out for combining streetwear elements with luxury pieces and a vintage touch. She is often seen in garments such as leather jackets and oversized pants, unafraid to experiment with prints and textures. She mixes timeless luxury brands with more emerging streetwear. Clarkson prioritizes comfort without losing sophistication, sporting everything from graphic tees and cargo pants to baggy suits that she complements with eye-catching accessories like chunky chains or hats. Her taste for earthy colors and neutral tones is combined with more vibrant pieces, creating an eclectic style that is easily recognizable both on and off the court.

3. Kyle Kuzma  

Kyle Kuzma has earned his place as one of the pioneers of avant-garde style within streetwear. With brands like Rick Owens, Louis Vuitton, and Raf Simons in his repertoire, Kuzma has mastered the art of combining luxury pieces with more urban pieces. While she remains a trendsetter, in a recent interview with Vogue, she revealed her desire to reduce the pressure to “wow” with every outfit. Kuzma commented that in his early days in the league he avoided repeating outfits to stay in the style competition, but now he is looking for a more genuine and comfortable approach, without worrying about making the cut in the “Tunnel Walks.” The player won’t leave fashion aside, but will simply step away from the hype dynamic that surrounds every game.

4. LeBron James  

LeBron often wears exclusive Louis Vuitton pieces by Pharrell (remember he starred in one of his campaigns), such as monogrammed biker jackets and colorful Speedy bags. When not wearing LV attire, LeBron opts for classic sportswear such as nylon jackets and letterman jackets. His sneaker collection also stands out, such as the Off-White x Futura Dunk Lows or Tiffany AF1s. While brand affiliations are part of his style, LeBron also experiments with unexpected garments, such as an RRL shirt. Last year he started the season with impressive outfits, and fans are waiting to see how his style evolves in his 22nd year in the NBA.

5. Victor Wembanyama

   Named a Louis Vuitton ambassador earlier this year, Wemby has burst onto the fashion scene with a bang. His slim build gives him a unique look that allows him to wear everything from formal suits with a modern twist to casual streetwear-inspired ensembles. The sophistication and minimalism of his style work in his favor, making him an ideal canvas for luxury brands, who bet on him to wear their pieces. Wembanyama has become one of the players with the greatest potential in fashion; he is a current ambassador for LV and also participated in this year’s Vogue World.