Stephen Curry is on the most distinguished award lists in the NBA, but he is more than just a force on the court. Through his current NBA Finals presence, Curry—an investor and defender of human rights—is endorsing many Black fashion brands.
For NBA players, the tunnel walk has taken on the role of a runway. Designers believe that these fleeting opportunities are great for visibility and brand awareness because athletes are more conscious of their clothing.
Basketball players play between 80 and 100 games per season, he noted, whereas celebrities like actors and musicians attend only a few red carpet events. If you spread them out, they essentially have a red carpet every third day of the year, according to fashion stylist Ian Pierno, who spoke to the New York Times.
Take a look at the clothing companies owned by Black people that Curry has worn throughout the series thus far.
Richfresh
The Warriors suffered a discouraging setback in game one of the championship series. Curry, though, outperformed Richfresh by dominating both on and off the floor.
Designer Patrick “Fresh” Henry launched the Black-owned company Richfresh. At age 21, the Memphis native began his career in fashion as a tailor. But his tale would take several ᴜnexpected turns and eventually leave him without a home.
Fresh, though, took use of his low points to advance his ideas. He developed the concept for a Black premium apparel line while residing in a homeless shelter.He is now earning millions of dollars by creating and styling some of the biggest names in pop culture. Along with Steph Curry, Lena Waithe, Dwyane Wade, and John Legend are other figures on whom Henry has worked.
Ade Dehye
Imagine going through social media when a celebrity from your hometown who is a brand ambassador for your clothes company emerges on your page. Akintunde Ahmad had to face that as Steph Curry entered the tunnel before game two. Ahmad, the business’s owner, resides in Oakland. The company’s website states that the apparel line finds inspiration from all throughout the African Diaspora. Each piece is ethically and sustainably created in Ghana using materials acquired from the African continent, including fabrics.
In 2020, Ade Dehye launched by blending urban streetwear, premium design, and fabrics from West Africa.
Trophy Hunting
Use the terms “athleisure” or “fit for game days” to describe it. Regardless of her preference, Steph arrived at the Boston Celtics arena dressed in a Trophy Hunting vacation outfit and ready to face Jayson Tatum and the group. The owners claim that the brand’s growth is the perfect example of the “Winners Lifestyle.” The NBA and the clothing brand have a long relationship. In 2019, Trophy Hunting created the Friends & Family Collection with input from Karl-Anthony Towns, Devin Booker, and D’Angelo Russell. The t-shirt and hoodie were released in time for the hunting season.
Other notable celebrities seen donning Trophy Hunting includes New York singer Jay-Z and Phoenix Suns player Chris Paul.
Michel Men
Although Michel guys’s clothes is intended for guys, a Black woman founded the company.
Whitney Michel, the company’s founder and CEO, is a first-generation Haitian American designer. The “New Americana,” as Michel refers to her art, attempts to “redefine American menswear by creating modern, minimalist, and elevated approaches to classic men’s staples.”
By making appearances in major magazines like Vogue, GQ, and Esquire, Michel is making a reputation for herself in the fashion industry. That record climbed marginally as Curry entered the arena wearing a baby blue cashmere cardigan from Michel Men. Regarding the explanation for his outfit choices for this finals visit, Curry has stayed silent. But it seems like he is consciously trying to support and give Black-owned companies the credit they deserve.
As he picks which additional Black-owned designers to exhibit next, we’ll be keeping an eye out.