Luxury fashion and professional sports are two distinct worlds that can collide and have collided. But in the 1950s, if anyone had asked what were the odds NBA or NFL stars would partner with luxury brands, many would have argued that the odds were minimal. And who can blame them?
But today and over the years, prominent players from both the NBA and NFL have collaborated with luxury brands. This dynamic team-up has completely revolutionized fashion boundaries. And it acts as proof that athletes can move beyond being just players on the field to become fashion icons.
With that said, here is a list of popular athletes from both fields that have Partnered with luxury brands.
Michael Jordan And Nike
The collaboration Nike has with NBA star Michael Jordan dates back decades ago. And some would say it is one of the best collabs in history where sports and fashion mix in a perfect blend. One may even say that he pioneered the perception that athletes can also act as fashion influencers.
When Nike approached Michael Jordan to sign him up for a partnership, it seemed like a novel and foreign idea at the time. But since Michael Jordan signed an agreement with Nike, the then-struggling sportswear brand received a revolution in their sales.
The Nike Air Jordan sneaker line rightly mixes the street style of basketball with high-quality footwear, complete with a luxurious touch. And with every sale made on the Air Jordan sneakers, Michael Jordan gets a certain percentage cut of the profit.
LeBron James With Nike
LeBron James is another NBA legend who has made an impression both on and off the court. On the court, he is known for his sleek moves and baskets that have launched his team into several championships. And off the court, he is also known for his partnership with Nike.
The LeBron sneaker line captures, in perfection, his personal style and dynamic play on the court. And besides his Nike deal, he has also ventured into the clothing industry while partnering with fashion designer Thom Browne.
Tom Brady x Aston Martin
In the NFL, the name Tom Brady never seems far from the lips of the audience and this is rightly so. The quarterback, after showcasing his expertise in the game many times over, holds so much influence within the league. And the luxury car brand Aston Martin decided to use this influence to its advantage.
Now, by adding the Tom Brady name to their Signature Edition Aston Martin Vanquish A, they combined precision and prestige into one. This collaboration highlights how top NFL players can be integrated into the world of luxury car making.
Odell Beckham Jr. X Louis Vuitton
The NFL team New York Giants boasts an exceptional wide receiver in the name of Odell Beckham Jr. In addition to his prestige on the field, he has ventured into the world of high fashion. His partnership with luxury brand Louis Vuitton is enough evidence of this.
This team-up led to the production of a limited-edition collection that showcases how sportswear can also be luxurious. So the clothing line intersects sports and art and features not only clothing apparel but also footwear and accessories.
Russell Westbrook x Jordan Brand
Taking a player’s brand and attaching another star’s name to is a feat only the Jordan Brand could pull off. Now, Russell Brooks, besides his play on the court, is known for his dynamic approach to fashion.
His signature shoe line does a bold job of combining bright colors, unusual design elements, and distinct patterns. And while this may seem unusual, the creativity behind it got its reward with the widespread acceptance the sneaker has in the market.
Cam Newton x Vinta
This may seem like an unusual collaboration, especially since it’s unlike others on this list. Here, Cam Newton, an NFL quarterback, partners with Vinta, the luxury luggage brand.
And this collaboration has led to the production of several travel bags that combine beauty with functionality. It also showcases that embracing one’s distinct identity even when traveling could also be aesthetically pleasing.
Kevin Love x Banana Republic
Banana Republic partners with NBA star Kevin Love to integrate comfort with refinement into their casual wear. The collection produced from this collaboration acts as a time capsule that answers the requests of those who enjoy versatility.
All in all, the wardrobe choices boast elegance and reflect individual needs and character. Also, it rightly displays Kevin Love’s commitment to raising awareness of mental health, albeit through lifestyle apparel.
Final Comments
With the massive audience that the NBA and NFL receive, it is only understandable that luxury brands have shifted focus to these sports. And the success of the resulting collections is a reflection of the synergy between sports and fashion.
