Miami Heat players: nerd fashion icons?
Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh: dapper gentlemen off the court.
By GISELA NOVOA
There’s no denying we live in a celebrity-obsessed society. Royalty, Hollywood stars and singers have historically been fashion trendsetters. But now, we can add a new group to the list: athletes.
And we’re not just talking about sportsmen showing off their latest jewelry, sneakers or sports cars. This new wave of athlete fashionistas is touting a nerd, well-groomed look previously off-limits outside the catwalk or prep school. Leading this movement is the fantastic trio from the Miami Heat: Dwayne Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh. While the title for the NBA championship is played on the court, the battle for best style is being fought on the streets.
It’s not any fashion: Wade, LeBron and Bosh are bringing the same level of assiduousness from their sport to this new arena. Geek glasses, hot pink pants, and colorful scarves worn with a nicely fitted sports jacket; these are just a few of the fashion statements they are making.
On the game 6 Eastern Conference semifinals against the Pacers, Wade scored 41 points and 10 rebounds but off the court he made another impact, by showing up at a post-game press conference wearing hot pink pants.
The shooting guard for the Heat flaunts his sharp style on his Instagram feed.
Wade, aware of the criticism, opened up the press conference in a playful mood. He started off the interview by saying, “I know they’re killing me in the studio over my pants. They’re just mad because they can’t pull it off.”
According to Sandra Palacios, fashion writer for El Nuevo Herald, “Dwayne Wade is influencing people with his hot pink pants. It is the must-have pants for men this summer.”
LeBron and Bosh, who count on the help of fashion stylist Rachel Johnson, made their own fashion statement by wearing Merrick glasses (by Brazilian designer Edward Beiner) at another press conference. These glasses have become one of the most-wanted items at Edward Beiner stores.
There’s no doubt these athletes are fashion lovers: in December Lebron James opened his own clothing boutique UNKNWN, at Aventura Mall north of Miami. They sell unique sneakers, shirts, along with his famous headbands, which many teenagers are now using as accessories.
By imposing their own daring and personalized style, these new fashion icons have caused the fashion world to stop and listen. So I guess the question on everyone’s mind is, “What will they wear next?”
Glasses are sexy and I know it, says Wade.
(Photos: Dwayne Wade’s Instagram)
