Fashion & Basketball: How WNBA Newcomers are Changing the Fashion Game
design: Finley Banks
These rooks are scoring in every category.
by RHYLEE HUDSON ★ June 16, 2024
From the 2024 draft, to the Met Gala, and now starting their WNBA careers by going to games in style, these rookies bring more to the table than just three-pointers and lay-ups. Style is a hard thing to break into, and going off of college careers where it was not as important, it seems like the public is concerned with what and who is being worn. Taking advantage of being seen in a fashion sense, WNBA rookies are attending more events, trying new campaigns, and showing off their styles in new ways.
Skims
Kim K launched a partnership with the WNBA recently, making Skims’ the official underwear partner of the league. This is not a new idea (like who doesn’t remember the college Men’s Skims All-Stars campaign), but it is the first with the WNBA. Including vets like Candace Parker, and rookie Cameron Brink, it is no surprise that this was a large step for the fashion-sense of the league. Women empowerment is something that was very important to Kim’s Brand and she shows this by showcasing strong, athletic women and we are all here for it. Brink, a rising star in the WNBA, stands at 6 '4, and constantly makes people (me) question why she is not also a model, and really showed off her possible talent in this campaign.
Met Gala
In May the fashion event of the season happened. In true Met Gala fashion, there were some people who missed the mark and others who did everything right. But there is someone who would win the Met Gala even if she missed the theme. No. 7 in the WNBA draft, Angel Reese, got ready on a private jet coming directly from Chicago Sky’s media day. I can barely get ready in a stationary room so I applaud her for this quick change. Walking the Met Gala carpet as a part of the selected invitees for the 2024 “Garden of Time” theme, Reese was wearing a dress by 16Arlington. Not only is Angel the first rookie to attend the Met, but she is the second WNBA player to go, which is amazing, but also outrageous that they do not get invited more. Like we need to see more. Anna Wintour probably saw how Angel Reese has an essence to her that cannot be beat therefore extending the invite, so hopefully next year we see more of the WNBA girlies at the Met. (Anna I’m begging please invite Rickea Jackson, like considering her draft outfit change, imagine it at the Met.)
Caitlin Clark’s Drafted in Prada
Anyone that knows anything about basketball is talking about Caitlin Clark. Rookie of the month (May 2024), No. 1 draft pick, and the highest points scored in a college career ever (Kelsey Plum I will never forget you), Clark is just getting started. Getting drafted by the Indiana Fever first round, first pick, Caitlin was dressed head-to-toe in Prada (17,000 dollars worth to be exact). This was the first time that the Italian brand had dressed an athlete for either the NBA or WNBA draft, and her stylist knew that she had to wear them for this special night. Her stylist, Adri Zgirdea, wanted to take Clarks bold personality and her award-winning persona and translate that into an outfit. She knew it had to be some kind of first for a brand, so she knew Prada was the way to go. And this was not the end of luxury looks. When Clark pulled up to Indiana Fevers home at the Gainbridge Field House, she was dressed in Louis Vuitton which went viral just like her draft outfit. According to her stylist Caitlin loves Louis, and it was more of a ‘when’ and where she would wear it, not an ‘if’. Safe to say we are obsessed with her and her new found love of luxury.
Tunnel Outfits
Every gameday the rookies and veterans of the WNBA arrive in careful curated outfits by team or personal stylists to set the tone for games. Ranging from wearing simple brands like H&M to wearing custom pieces, these athletes take fashion very seriously. Yes, I know what you are thinking, they dress up every single game? And yes they do, besides if they have “comfy day” do not let that fool you though, their comfy is still my dressed up. Some of my favorite looks have been A’ja Wilson from the 2x-National Champion team the Las Vegas Aces (winners dress best in my opinion), her teammate Sydney Colson, who is dating THE WNBA stylist Amadi Brooks, Seattle Storms Skylar Diggins-Smith, and finally rookie Nika Mühl’s funny but stylish outfit when her Visa finally got approved so she could play. To keep up with what the W is wearing, because I know you want to check-out @leaguefits on Instagram, they are always keeping me updated.
