Basketball and fashion have always been undeniably intertwined. ESPN even hosts a one-hour NBA Draft Red Carpet Special on draft day. Similar to the red carpet moments of the Oscars or the Met Gala, the fashion choices of NBA players and draftees are fawned over by reporters and sprawled across social media for days.
Hoops fans and fashion enthusiasts can now get an up-close look into the world where basketball and fashion collide with the upcoming coffee table book, Fly: The Big Book of Basketball Fashion. Critically acclaimed writer, Esquire columnist, and 2021 Pulitzer Prize winner Mitchell S. Jackson delves into the world where sports, culture, and fashion intertwine.
Available September 5, "Fly" is equal parts stunning, photo-rich look book, and cultural commentary, each chapter explores the style of an era and the cultural influences that shaped it. Photo courtesy of "Fly: The Big Book of Basketball Fashion"
Jackson is promoting his book, set for release on September 5, and heads to Houston as part of his Fly book tour. Fans can catch IRL Author Talk: The Big Book of Basketball Fashion with Mitchell S. Jackson & Tay Butler on Wednesday, September 13at The Reading Room HTX.
Jackson will share insights firsthand as he talks about basketball's history and its influence on fashion, culture, and societal norms. Guests can reserve a free ticket to the event or pre-purchase a copy of the book with their complimentary ticket here.
Fly doesn't shy away from delving into weighty topics such as race, masculinity, and fame — all of which have intricately shaped the trajectory of basketball fashion over decades. However, it also chronicles iconic fashion moments, including the top 10 hairdos of all time, the rise of the "tunnel walk," and players' fashion trends both on and off the court.
The styles of icons such as Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Russell Westbrook, and are showcased in glossy — and totally baller — fashion.
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The IRL Author Talk: The Big Book of Basketball Fashion with Mitchell S. Jackson & Tay Butler takes place at 7 pm Wednesday, September 13 at The Reading Room HTX (401 Franklin St.). Reserve a free ticket or pre-purchase a copy of the book here.
Photo courtesy of "Fly: The Big Book of Basketball Fashion"
No telling how much yarn was needed for this scarf on 6'10" Serge Ibaka.
