Highsnobiety Sports is our week-long exploration of the intersection between sport and style. Head here for the full series and check out exclusive drops via our online store.
We idolize athletes for their push of the human limits, jaw-dropping work ethic (and resultantly god-like human form), and, obviously, their sense of style. Equally impressive and inspiring as their athleticism, fashion moments in sports history are some of the most iconic in fashion history, ones that have shaped cultural legacies and informed style trends the world over. As a kick-off to Highsnobiety Sports, we take a moment to look back on some of our favorite elite athletes' attire through the years, from our beloved Michael Jordan to gender-bending Dennis Rodman, and, well, some others who are downright fabulous.
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Jake Silbert, News Editor
Michael Jordan’s Canadian Tuxedo
Michael Jordan's relationship with his own closet is so tumultuous that tracking his sartorial blunders is an earnest pastime for some fans. But I am a staunch Jordan Fashion Defender — when it comes to his '90s style, that is.
Jordan peaked when tossing out the first pitch at the 1993 ALCS game, where he wore a spectacular Closed denim set with snuff suede chukka boots and a black belt to break up the effortless shirt tuck. This is the stuff that Instagram inspo pages are made of.
Lauren Black, Email Marketing
Joc Pederson’s “Bad Bitch” Pearls
I watched the entire World Series last year just to get a glimpse of Joc Pederson’s pearls. A rare moment of style for the sport, the nuanced accessory choice felt both timely and timeless, and did, in fact, go down in history.
Jeffrey Lockhart, Instagram Manager
Deion Sanders’ Draft Day Drift
While others picked out their best suits to attend the 1989 NFL Draft, Deion Sanders' drip was like no other. Primetime spent his draft day at his agent's home, decked out in a Starter sweatsuit and more than enough jewels.
Elaine YJ Lee, Features Editor
Serena Williams’ Peak Y2K Fashion
Queen Serena is known for many iconic on-court ‘fits, but her pleated mini denim Nike skirt worn at the 2004 US Open will forever be remembered as one of the most worthy of a Fashion Grand Slam. Who says sports can’t don Y2K fashion?
Sam Knoll, Assistant Fashion Editor
Kyle Kuzma’s Street Style
It's clear that Kyle Kuzma isn't afraid to try new things with his personal style and play around with conventions of how athletes are meant to present themselves, or what they are meant to wear. From Raf Simons to Walter Van Beirendonck, it's nice to see him pay homage to some of fashion's most prolific designers.
Jake Indiana, Features Manager
Dennis Rodman, the Blushing Bride
There’s no question in my mind that the most stylish athlete of all time is Dennis Rodman. Transgressive, bold, and eye-poppingly fabulous, his aesthetic capably elevated his persona from star athlete to bona fide star, full stop. Any NBA player who has the guts to go in full wedding dress drag (driven down Fifth Avenue, no less), is my definition of a hero, style-wise and otherwise.
