Importance Score:
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WNBA Draft Night: Fashion Takes Center Court as Future Stars Shine
The WNBA draft commenced with more than just predictions; it was a spectacle where bets were placed on each player’s destination, save for Paige Bueckers, the projected top pick for Dallas. Adding to the buzz, luxury fashion house Coach, renowned for its handbags and outerwear, declared its long-term sponsorship of the league. This move situates Coach alongside high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Ralph Lauren, further solidifying the burgeoning partnership between high fashion and sports on a sustained and prominent scale.
This announcement established the atmosphere for the evening, and not solely due to four of the fifteen invitees sporting Coach designs. The draft has evolved beyond mere player selections; it’s now a stage for personal style and fashionable presentation, a fact keenly understood by the participating athletes.
For these women, it’s a pivotal opportunity to introduce themselves to fans, global audiences, new teammates, and, crucially, potential sponsors who can supplement their entry-level salaries. (Notably, Bueckers, often hailed as the anticipated face of the WNBA, is reportedly earning approximately $78,831 in her debut year.) Projecting a distinct image through their fashion choices emerges as a direct strategy to enhance their visibility and marketability.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, herself attired in a striking raspberry Sergio Hudson pantsuit, remarked just before the draft, “These women are at the intersection of sport, culture, and fashion.” Her stated objective is “cultivating their personal brands, extending their influence beyond team markets to national and global recognition.”
Perhaps this aspiration explains why the sartorial bar, previously set high by Caitlin Clark in Prada and Cameron Brink in Balmain at the previous year’s draft, was further elevated this time. The dominant fashion trend of draft night was individuality. As Stuart Vevers, Coach’s creative director, aptly noted, both fashion and sports are “rooted in self-expression.” But the players themselves articulate it best.
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Paige Bueckers
No. 1 Pick, Dallas Wings
Wearing a custom three-piece plaid suit by Coach adorned with 200,000 hand-applied transparent glass crystals in New York (later transitioned to a black tuxedo).
“I’ve become deeply interested in fashion over the last few years. Coach and I collaborated this past week on this incredible concept. I envisioned something sparkly, bedazzled, with a subtle hint of extravagance, yet understated. The oversized suit trend resonated with me. Upon trying it on, the fit was impeccable.”
Dominique Malonga
No. 2 Pick, Seattle Storm
Wearing a Louis Vuitton suit, shirt, and jewelry.
“It was paramount for me, as a French athlete, to showcase a French brand. It feels as though France accompanies me everywhere, and I am here to embody that representation.”
Sonia Citron
No. 3 Pick, Washington Mystics
Wearing a black blazer and skirt by Coach.
“I opted for a blazer and skirt ensemble because it’s an atypical choice for me. I then incorporated socks, heels, and necklaces to infuse uniqueness. One necklace bears the name Coach, and the other, my own name. My aim was to exude confidence through my appearance; I believe feeling good stems from looking good, and I feel that I achieved that.”
Kiki Iriafen
No. 4 Pick, Washington Mystics
Wearing a long, custom-made beaded gown by Nneka Alexander, a Nigerian American designer, in homage to her Nigerian American heritage, complemented by beads from her mother’s collection.
“I am immensely proud of my Nigerian heritage, and the opportunity to showcase my culture with a dress by a Nigerian designer, along with Nigerian beads and earrings, on this significant platform, during one of the most momentous days of my life, is profoundly special.”
Georgia Amoore
No. 6 Pick, Washington Mystics
Wearing Honor the Gift by Russell Westbrook and Coach shoes.
“Last November, I had a Zoom call with Russell, and he proposed this concept. I think his fashion label perfectly encapsulates his persona as a player: dynamic, bold, and distinctive. I felt genuinely privileged to collaborate with him, as it mirrors my own identity.”
“He curated my entire look, even contributing to the accessory styling. I appreciate the silver and black color palette. It’s undeniably – excuse my language – badass. He has been truly inspiring.”
Aneesah Morrow
No. 7 Pick, Connecticut Sun
Wearing a long custom leather Coach dress and jacket crafted from repurposed vintage biker jackets.
“I wanted my outfit to be daring. I initially considered a trench coat, but the cropped jacket, I felt, better accentuated my physique, which I preferred. Finding dresses suitable for tall women is challenging, so having a customized piece was exceptional. The original dress had spaghetti straps, which aren’t typically my style, so I opted for a strapless design altogether.”
Saniya Rivers
No. 8 Pick, Connecticut Sun
Wearing a custom suit by her stylist, Golden, and carrying a bag with the phrase “The WNBA Been Poppin.”
“I usually gravitate towards black, but I aimed to venture beyond my comfort zone. Tonight signifies a new chapter in my life, and I wanted to present a different image. Hence, my hair is red, and I chose beige attire. I wanted to reveal a hint of skin, so it’s cropped on one side, longer on the other, and open in the back. The bag wasn’t initially part of the ensemble, but Golden was carrying it today, and the message effectively conveys the sentiment.”
Sarah Ashlee Barker
No. 9 Pick, Los Angeles Sparks
Wearing Revolve.
“This was only the second outfit I tried on, and immediately, we knew it was perfect. I tend to decide quickly when I find something I truly like. I don’t hesitate. I commit to it. It’s incredibly comfortable, and I love the grey hue and the sparkle details.”
Ajsa Sivka
No. 10 Pick, Chicago Sky
Wearing a dress purchased at a mall.
“My friends assisted me in assembling this look. I really aimed for something understated yet elegant.”
Hailey Van Lith
No. 11 Pick, Chicago Sky
Wearing a silk tulle and chiffon minidress by Coach, custom-made from repurposed vintage evening dresses, paired with a black satin corset.
“I love to emulate classic Hollywood glamour, channeling Marilyn Monroe vibes on the red carpet. The barrette is actually my favorite element of the entire outfit because it evokes that vintage charm.”
“I wanted a shorter dress because I feel that as athletes, our legs are a notable feature to showcase, particularly highlighting the strength in my thighs and even the bruises from gameplay. It demonstrates that I can be both glamorous and athletic. One can embody both aspects.”
Aziaha James
No. 12 Pick, Dallas Wings
Wearing an R13 jacket, Comme des Garçons culottes, Doc Martens, and Gentle Monster sunglasses.
“It’s unconventional, and that deeply resonates with me. I’m transitioning to a new location, a new league, and I wanted to experiment with a different style.”
Madison Scott
No. 14 Pick, Dallas Wings
Wearing a black Amiri pantsuit and a custom diamond “24” pendant, styled by her former teammate Liatu King.
“I wanted an ensemble built around my pendant. It’s the first occasion I’m wearing my 24 pendant. It was a Christmas gift from my mom two years ago, and I had been waiting for this moment. I acknowledge there’s a possibility 24 won’t be my jersey number, but it’s been significant to me throughout my life.”
Shyanne Sellers
No. 17 Pick, Golden State Valkyries
Wearing a three-piece suit, white T-shirt, and Van Cleef jewelry.
“Blue is my preferred color; it evokes peace and serenity. And the jewelry is stylish. I enjoy interacting with it.”
Sania Feagin
No. 21 Pick, Los Angeles Sparks
Wearing a dress selected by her mother.
“I couldn’t find a dress that truly appealed to me, so I entrusted my mom to choose one for me. I’m uncertain where she found it, but I feel confident in it. I appreciate the opportunity to dress up and look glamorous.”
Serena Sundell
No. 26 Pick, Seattle Storm
Wearing a Norma Kamali dress, Kate Spade bag, and her own jewelry.
“Initially, I acquired a dress from a mall that I liked, but then they contacted me. I was unfamiliar with the brand, but I desired something timeless and refined, like a simple black dress, but also one that flattered my figure and provided comfort. The small bracelet is from my mom, and she also gave me a watch that I always wear. The bag is a gift from my brother. Having these pieces with me feels meaningful.”
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