First NBA fashion show will be part of All-Star weekend
NBA All-Star Weekend is in New York City this season, and it will overlap with the city's hosting of Fashion Week, so the league has decided to put on a fashion show of its own.
The first ever "NBA All-Star All-Style" fashion show/competition will feature NBA players like James Harden, DeMarcus Cousins, and Klay Thompson all showing off their finest threads, while being judged by Inside the NBA's Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith, Elena Delle Donne of the WNBA's Chicago Sky, GQ editor Will Welch, and designer John Elliot.
• Tony Allen is very excited to force a back court violation
Best Dressed Athletes
LeBron James
Don’t try this at home, folks. You have to be as cool as LeBron to pull off a burgundy suit and sunglasses inside.
Maria Sharapova
We’re heading into fall, but Maria Sharapova looks ready for spring in a lilac J. Mendel dress.
Victor Cruz
You might wonder whether Victor Cruz gets hot under all those layers, but remember this: he’s hot even without them.
Henrik Lunqvist
It’s always so nice to see hockey players wear something that isn’t covered in their own blood. The fact that this suit is so perfectly-tailored to Henrik Lundqvist is just an added bonus.
Lindsey Vonn
Cold-weather athletes don’t get the chance to show off a lot of skin. Fortunately for Linsey Vonn, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week gave her the opportunity to step out of snowpants and into a fringey miniskirt.
Roger Federer
In this outfit, Roger Federer will certainly be the most dapper tennis player at Wimbledon, although it would be a real shame to get grass stains on those crisp white pants.
Cristiano Ronaldo
SI Swimsuit model Irina Shayk is one of the most beautiful and well-dressed people on Earth, but her boyfriend Cristiano Ronaldo is certainly giving her a run for her money.
Venus Williams
It’s hard to call a two-tone purple and pink dress subtle, but Venus Williams’ understated accessories ensure that the outfit doesn’t shine brighter than the woman wearing it.
Matt Kemp
Matt Kemp recently teamed up with SI Swimsuit model Chanel Iman for a Gap ad campaign, and it’s easy to see why. In that suit, we’re buying whatever he’s selling.
Tom Brady
You know that a man is well dressed when the woman on his arm is Giselle and you’re still looking at his incredible blue blazer.
Skylar Diggins
WNBA star Skylar Diggins might be wearing neutral tones, but there’s nothing neutral about the statement she’s making in a high-necked dress with bold jewelry.
Russell Westbrook
After launching his own line of designer glasses earlier this summer, we can only hope that NBA fashion icon Russell Westrbook will create a whole line. Of course, when you look like Russell Westbrook, you look good in pretty much anything.
Nick Young
Nick Young is making a strong case for the return of pocket-squares into everyday life in this effortlessly-cool ensemble.
Danica Patrick
Temperatures inside a NASCAR cockpit can reach over 120 degrees, but in this white asymmetrical dress, Danica Patrick looks just as hot off the track.
Shaun White
Shaun White’s boys clothing line for Target doesn’t include anything as gorgeous as this subtly-patterned suit. Then again, when you’re designing for kids who spend recess rolling in the dirt, maybe that’s for the best.
Dwyane Wade
As if Dwyane Wade isn’t wearing your grandpa’s loafers – he paired his cool kicks with a statement green suit for an unforgettable look.
Alex Morgan
Alex Morgan is proof that even the biggest names in sports can rely on the Little Black Dress to make a big statement.
Amar'e Stoudemire
So many men try and fail to pull of fedoras every year. Thank goodness we’ve got Amar'e Stoudemire to show us how it’s done.
Lolo Jones
This has been a big year for the crop top. Lolo Jones balances out her exposed midriff with a long skirt for a fun, elegant look.
Arian Foster
Men of the world: please take a page from Arian Foster’s book and embrace accessories. Arian Foster is using accessories here to spice up his sweater and khakis.
The full lineup not been announced, but eight players will compete, according to The Associated Press, showing off a different outfit for each of the three rounds. with Shaq serving as the emcee for the night, and Kevin Hart conducting backstage interviews.
In addition to the NBA stars strutting their stuff, several IMG models will be appearing on the show including Erin Heatherton and Chanel Iman, both who can be see in the 2015 Swimsuit Issue as well.
If Russell Westbrook is not included, it would be an even greater snub than Damian Lillard not making the actual All-Star roster.
The special will be filmed on Friday night in New York and air on Saturday at 6:30 P.M. on TNT.
- Brendan Maloy