What are some of your favorite uniform designs that inspire you? How do you feel about the Oregon Ducks with their infinite colorways?
Currently I find inspiration from the PSG soccer kit from Nike. Nike’s kit for France and always Brazil in international soccer. I like what Under Armor has done for Maryland’s football uniform.
I’m always interested in seeing what Nike will present for Oregon. Obviously Nike has the resources to create such variety but I think its important that they do so. I feel this way because it generates more interest for the team. It furthers the perception for the school and their athletic programs. Most importantly it’s a way to evolve the way that team identities are created, the uniforms that they wear and the equipment that they use are reimagined.
With more and more high end brands creating pieces that crossover into athletic wear (Givenchy designed Nets jersey/HBA early designs/snapbacks using leather and animal skin), do you think we’ll soon see high end brands outright designing the jerseys for athletic teams to be worn in games? Like will Tisci design the Dodgers uniform?
You never know. Many of the elite soccer teams of Europe have suiting sponsers like Lanvin, D&G, and even Armani that are worn to formal events or for team travel. Eventually an opportunity to create specialty product for teams can happen. Team merchandise is already a big business and high end brands are
always looking to expand their revenue streams. The more collaborations that happen and the increased visibility of athletes wearing high end fashion will get us closer to such a possibility.
There’s a strong relationship between fashion and sports that many may miss. We pay attention to what athletes wear off the field or court a lot, especially in post game interviews. Some sportscasters really take their outfits to the next level like Walt Frazier and Craig Sager. Is there anything about the current or past relationship between fashion and sports that you’d like to see change or stay the same?
I’d like to see it evolve. Your style is yours. Its your identity, it’s a part of who you are. Looking like everyone else is boring. When personalities on television take their wardrobe choices to the next level it gives you a reason to check back. Love it or hate it, you pay closer attention. Craig Sager and Walt Frazier are prime examples of this. Imagine if Stephan A. Smith, Jimmy Fallon, or even Jon Stewart started stuntin’ on people. People would always talk about what they are wearing and say, “Oh he thinks he’s fly.”
If you could design a jersey for one sports team in history, who would you choose and how would you do it?
I don’t think I could touch history. Only improve from it. You can look back and say, “Why were they wearing that?” Or the design was underwhelming, but that’s the fuel to inspire new things. So I’m gonna have to refrain from answering that one.
