The wait is over.
The 2014 NBA Draft will hit the bright lights of the Big Apple at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York tonight. Players who have dreamed all of their lives to play in the NBA will walk across the big stage and shake NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s hand after being selected by their respective teams.
The handshake and photo op with Adam Silver is a lasting image. What better way to remember that moment than by dressing for the occasion? Michael Duru knows a thing or two about dressing the part. His company, Michael Duru Clothiers in Shrewsbury, NJ is a third generation family business that specializes in made to measure clothing. Over the years, Duru has worked with Al Roker, Kevin Garnett, Shaquille O’Neal, Alonzo Mourning and Larry Johnson.
He’s even helped the late Notorious B.I.G. in designing some of his suits that you’ve seen him wear on classic covers of The Source Magazine.
In between fitting his clients, talking hoops and watching the World Cup, Duru caught up with The Source and gave his take on the NBA and fashion on Draft Day.
The Source: When a player is picking the perfect suit for the NBA Draft, what should they keep in mind?
Michael Duru: Most importantly it should be size and style appropriate to his body type. They should be keeping all things in mind like his height, length of his arms, seat dimensions etc. Most importantly, it should be well tailored and coordinated. It should look effortless—not uncomfortable to wear.
The Source: What was the best NBA Draft outfit that you’ve put together?
Michael Duru: This is a big pet peeve of mine. I feel way too many stylist put themselves ahead of their clients. It’s about the player. Our job is to shine the spotlight on them, not on ourselves so I will take sort of the fifth on this because they were all unique. But I will just say this: Kevin Garnett and Shawn Bradley were back in the day and were a pleasure to work with. True gents in every way, they understood their body types and it was about substance not just flash to them.
Check Out Michael Duru’s Work
The Source: In your professional opinion, how can big guys that are built like Shaq, Charles Barkley or Nene balance sleek and form fitting?
Michael Duru: Extremely difficult, but it can be done. Less shoulder pads on the jackets and choosing fabrics that have stretch to them is the key. Look at Shannon Sharpe in the NFL. He is cut and wears fitted very well.
The Source: Who are the current best dressed players in the NBA and why?
Michael Duru: In no particular order: Dwyane Wade has great use of accessories. He really gets the use of shoes and pocket squares. Chris Paul is flashy but cool. He knows how to show it to the cameras well. Amar’e Stoudemire is a future clothing designer in the making. He is passionate about it and it shows. He is always coordinated. Carmelo Anthony has great use of bow ties and accessories. He wears the right colors on his suits. It’s all about the grays for him LeBron James! The king of the NBA is no slouch in his wardrobe. He chooses bold plaids or window panes and he manages to pull it off very well. His style is tough to market to masses.
For more info on Michael Duru and his boutique, visit www.michaelduru.com
