The 72nd annual NBA All-Star game occurred on February 19th and was hosted by the Utah Jazz in Vivint Arena. Here, the best players from the east and west come together to showcase their stunning talent. NBC Sports says that this is the “biggest stage for the best in basketball to show off their skills, it’s also the biggest stage for the best fashion looks”. This event draws the attention of basketball fans who enjoy watching a highly intense game that comes with the eye-catching outfits. As the popularity of basketball and its all-star players has grown, the influence the game has put on the fashion industry has added a new dynamic. The connections began with the athletes showing up to the game dressed in their best. When brands such as Nike noticed the efforts, the players were making and the responses they were getting, that is when brand partnerships began. Basketball has created a culture that is present in the trends we have seen become so popular.
A trend that is seen everywhere as a popular accessory are headphones. You may see people sporting large headphones compared to small earbuds as a fashion trend when going to the gym, class, or running errands. What seems to be a new and spontaneous trend began with one of the biggest names in basketball. Lebron James was seen wearing a pair of Dr. Dre Beats Headphones while walking off a plane to play in Shanghai back in 2008. This continued when fans noticed other players wearing headphones outside of the gym setting and soon, the viewers adopted this trend.
The Air Jordan was another beloved item that (literally) walked off the court and onto the street in fashion all because of Michael Jordan, the player that inspired the shoe everyone knows.
The NBA has not only influenced fashion accessories, but new ways to style clothing, allowing players to experiment with fashion. Philadelphia’s own Allen Iverson showed up to the 76ers draft in oversized clothing with chains and tattoos. This contrasted the idea to dress “business casual”. This represented what is identified as “street style” in fashion, reflecting more casual and artistic looks that can be seen on city sidewalks opposed to a couture runway. Street style blends the idea of comfort with high fashion, appealing to a wider audience. This also introduced the idea to show off the brands you were wearing. It is common that large brands would show off their name by having a popular NBA figure wear their clothing to an event or even during a game. However, small brands benefited greatly if they were seen on an NBA player because it gave them attention and brought new customers. Showing off brands also created the trend of sitting court side and highlighting different celebrities attending games. “Basketball is more than a game. It’s a culture that attracts creative minds not only from fashion but also from the worlds of music, the arts, entertainment, architecture… all different kinds of people,” says Dušan Bulut. Giving players the ability to experiment with fashion allows them to be seen as more than just basketball players. It highlights their sense of creativity and resembles a different aspect of their identity. “They’re letting the players brand themselves as more than just athletes.” Says Onyia from UpscaleHype. The 2023 NBA All-Star game gave the players an opportunity to showcase their own styles.
Here are some of the best dressed at this year’s NBA All-Star game:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the Oklahoma City Thunder wearing a floor length fur jacket with a simple white button down, black leather pants, and a Louis Vuitton briefcase which he revealed was completely empty.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Co513mVLY6N
DeMar DeRozan from the Chicago Bulls wearing a Louis Vuitton matching set that features pants and puffer jacket.
https://twitter.com/UpscaleHype/status/1627507149617102848/photo/1
Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks was spotted wearing a hunter green suit and Nikola Jokic from the Denver Nuggets wearing a houndstooth patterned suit.
https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1627464038958665728
Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies carried on the trend of furs as he showed up in an icy blue monochrome outfit with a matching fur jacket.
https://twitter.com/NBA/status/
Anthony Edwards from the Minnesota Timberwolves showed up in patched jeans, a graphic shirt depicting Kevin Garnett, and an unreleased Timberwolves jacket.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Co3RHEkrA5R/
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