NEW YORK — James Harden sure does clean up well.
Until recently, the Houston Rockets star has been known more for his facial hair than his sartorial splendor. But now he seems determined to become a fashion icon. (Look out, Kanye!)
The Houston Rockets star seems determined to become a fashion icon. (Look out, Kanye!)
Teaming with Bloomingdale’s and GQ magazine, Harden is appearing in a series of videos inspired by “The Walk,” described as "the style moment between the locker room and team bus for players to showcase their off-the-court sartorial swagger. " To tout the partnership, Harden stopped by Bloomingdale's men's department Thursday afternoon to meet with fans for a fashion-filled warm-up to Sunday's NBA All-Star Game.
Arriving 30 minutes later than the scheduled start time, Harden appeared in a navy custom-made suit by Freemans Sporting Club, a New York clothier that has a shop-within-a-shop at the massive Bloomingdale's Lexington Avenue store. He accessorized the suit with a white shirt, blue tie, silver watch and black loafers. A representative for the brand says the made-to-measure suits start at $1,600.
When asked about his suit, though, Harden didn't have much to say (rumor has it that a previous suit made for him got lost), and he also was tight-lipped over his appearance in the NBA's first fashion show, dubbed “NBA All-Star All-Style,” which will be taped Friday night at the Hammerstein Theater and air Saturday at 5:30 p.m. on TNT.
The competition features eight players who will showcase looks for the boardroom, a night out and attire worn to the game, with four advancing to the second round. The final will feature the remaining two competitors.
"It's a surprise," Harden said, when asked what he planned to wear in the competition.
His former teammate, Chandler Parsons, now with the Dallas Mavericks, will also be a contestant. Judges include TNT analysts Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith, with Shaquille O'Neal as emcee. Comedian Kevin Hart will interview players backstage.
James Harden does a quick interview with an NBA Style reporter at Bloomingdale's in New York.
