Jordan Clarkson is widely recognized as one of the most fashion-forward athletes in the industry. His impeccable sense of style was on full display at the recent New York Fashion Week, where he effortlessly stole the show. One of his standout looks included a Tommy Hilfiger rugby jumper adorned with bold stripes, showcasing his ability to effortlessly blend high-end fashion with sportswear. As he stood alongside the esteemed designer himself, Clarkson exuded confidence and elegance.
Not one to shy away from making a statement, Clarkson also donned a Canadian tuxedo by Balenciaga, skillfully curated by Demna. The combination of denim on denim showcased his daring personality and willingness to push fashion boundaries. To complement this bold look, he adorned himself with a striking crucifix pendant, crafted by the talented jeweler Alex Moss.
Attending the Harper’s Bazaar Global Icons Portfolio and Bloomingdale’s 150th Anniversary party, Clarkson continued to impress with his sartorial choices. Opting for a sleeveless gray tweed suit jacket and skirt ensemble by Thom Browne, he effortlessly showcased his ability to embrace both traditional and contemporary styles. This look perfectly captured his unique aesthetic and further solidified his status as a true fashion icon.
In summary, Jordan Clarkson’s attendance at New York Fashion Week was a display of his unparalleled fashion sense. From his eye-catching striped jumper to his daring denim-on-denim look and impeccable tweed ensemble, Clarkson proves time and time again that he is a force to be reckoned with in the world of fashion.
Could you share more about your partnership with Lululemon? Why did you choose to collaborate with them for your current project?
Our connection with Lululemon developed organically. I saw great potential in their innovative and fresh approach to the fashion industry. They are truly taking the brand to new heights in various aspects, whether it’s following trends or catering to workout needs. I have complete confidence in their growth and improvement.
We can currently see you in their advertising campaign, prominently featured in store displays and window ads. Will there be a possibility of releasing a collaborative clothing line in the future? Are you open to participating in that?
As of now, there are no concrete plans for a joint clothing line. However, I am open to exploring possibilities and collaborating further with Lululemon. I believe in their vision and if the opportunity arises for a collaborative clothing line, I would definitely consider being a part of it.
Perhaps nobody knows, but I always like to put my own unique twist on things, especially when it comes to fashion and style. It’s okay to be uncertain about certain things, especially when it comes to being able to express yourself freely.
While physical fitness is often highlighted for professional athletes, the importance of mental health is often overlooked. Personally, focusing on my mental well-being has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. Going to the gym has always been a part of my routine, but incorporating meditation and taking time to focus on my breathing and mental processes has made a significant difference. It has changed me for the better and given me a more positive outlook on life.
During the busy holiday season, with all the games and traveling, it can be challenging to stay sane. To maintain my sanity, I usually take my time leaving and find solace in isolating myself in a hotel room. I appreciate the tranquility and silence of the space. I close my eyes, take deep breaths, and immerse myself in the present moment. Tuning out the world and just listening to my surroundings can be incredibly calming.
On a different note, let’s talk about fashion. I’m sure you’ve seen some incredible performances and events during New York Fashion Week. Is there one particular experience that stands out to you?
Overall, the experience has been fantastic. The Givenchy collection was absolutely amazing. Matthew Williams has a keen eye for style and always looks impeccably dressed. Tommy’s show was also outstanding. I believe Jaylen Brown was involved in the events in that direction. Even though the show got rained out, it was still a great experience watching Travis Barker rock the drums. The rain added a cool touch, enhancing the aesthetics. The combination of Travis’s drumming and the splashes of water created a captivating spectacle.
It’s exciting to see the NBA’s style evolve, not just for me but for other players in the league as well. The world of high fashion provides another avenue for us to pursue our dreams and express our passion. All it takes is a little thought and effort. It’s a new path that has been paved for the NBA’s rising young talents, opening up more opportunities.
Your Thom Browne outfit with the vest and skirt definitely caught attention online. Where did you find those pieces?
I’m a huge fan of Thom Browne’s designs. His creative approach is fantastic. I believe Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may have been a model at the Paris show. So, I visited the store and checked out their seasonal releases to see what I could expect. I don’t think the ensemble I wore to New York Fashion Week will be available until summer. For me, it was a natural choice.
I’ve had a great relationship with the Thom Browne team since my time in Cleveland. During a meeting, I mentioned that I wanted to customize my clothes, so I did. I had a suit but decided to shorten the legs. Bron, as we all call him, also ended up cutting his pants into shorts. These are not cheap suits, mind you. Everyone in the room had a collective “Why is he doing that?” moment, but it was just my creative process at work.
I’ll never forget my time in Cleveland during the Finals. It was such an exhausting experience, and I remember realizing we were actually in San Francisco. I can’t handle the heat, man. And to make matters worse, I had to wear this outfit to the game. I definitely need to get these jeans hemmed, bro. [Laughs] We all wanted to coordinate our looks, so we would send each other outfit pictures and comments through a group text.
I’ve noticed that your recent Thom Browne suit has been compared to Russelle Westbrook’s Met Gala dress. Has Russ had any influence on your personal style?
Definitely, in my opinion. But different designers have their own individual tastes. Thom Browne specializes in this kind of style. We’re just really good at making skirts look nice.
I couldn’t help but notice the huge crucifix necklace you’ve been wearing. Who made that?
That was custom-made by Alex Moss. He’s the same designer who makes a lot of Tyler, the Creator’s jewelry. I think he even made a ring for Drake recently. It’s cool how well they all get along.
I also saw that you were part of the Yeezy SHDZ marketing push. How are you connected to Ye?
Our friendship is great. It’s really amazing, actually. Everyone involved had an impact, and I was happy to be a part of it. We’re talking about Kanye here, so you know it was bound to be something hilarious.
I have a quick question about your tattoos. You used to have none, but now you’re fully covered. What made you want to explore that interest and get all these tattoos?
It’s always been something I was interested in. I just had to find the right people to work with. When I was younger, I didn’t want to get a bunch of random tattoos that I would regret later on. I believe that everything worked out for the best. Eventually, I found a tattoo artist who understood my vision. I started off small and was unsure about the direction I wanted to take. It was initially patchwork, but then I decided to go for a more realistic style. I want my tattoos to tell my story. Through this journey, I also formed a natural friendship with my tattoo artist, Steve Wiebe. He’s like a brother or cousin to me. We actually met at the gym, and from there, I went from having a few small tattoos to getting inked every day for a week. [Laughs]
You’ve always had a reputation as one of the best-dressed players in the league, but it seems like since you arrived in Utah, the conversation about your style has really taken off. How would you describe your unique sense of style?
In my personal opinion, the flow of clothing is quite appealing. The fit is what matters most. While clothes themselves are innovative, I believe that the wearers also play a crucial role in the final presentation. For instance, if you see Kim Kardashian wearing a timeless Marilyn Monroe outfit, you wouldn’t credit the “blah, blah, blah” designer for creating the “Marilyn Monroe piece.” Therefore, I see it as a collaborative act of creativity. I simply wear what I enjoy, what feels comfortable, and what I believe looks good. It requires no conscious thought. As soon as I wake up, I instinctively grab random items from the floor. My room is currently a battlefield, filled with clothes scattered everywhere in preparation for fashion week. This is my process of getting dressed.
While you may primarily focus on the games and the action on the court, the attention your tunnel photographs have received cannot be ignored. Do you pay any attention to that aspect during the season?
Not at all, and to be honest, I don’t really pay attention to anything in particular. That’s just the way I am. The best part is that everything I do is fueled by love. If people are paying attention, it’s all about love. I don’t overthink anything that could potentially affect my mind or body. It would alter the dynamics of the game. It can make me feel trapped, but I push myself to get out of bed every day and face the world. This allows me to focus on the tasks at hand.
Out of all the acquisitions made during the offseason, which one are you most excited about?
Currently, my most prized possession is the Lululemon trench coat. Despite its appearance of bulkiness, it is surprisingly lightweight. It’s truly amazing. I even wore it in a video. It serves a purpose and is something I can use on a daily basis.
Do you believe that you have the best wardrobe among all the players in the league?
Absolutely. The thing is, everyone has their own unique style and wardrobe. For example, Frank Jackson has his own distinct flair, and he seems to be riding his own wave. Even Kuz has managed to catch a wave. However, I personally believe that I am the best dressed. [Laughs.]
It’s funny that you mentioned those guys. Kuz and I were just having a conversation, and he brought up both you and Frank Jackson.
What a ridiculous concept. I’m a huge admirer of Frank Jackson. In my view, he stays true to himself, and that is incredibly attractive.
A lot of clubs are embracing the past this season by bringing back historical uniforms and strategies on the basketball court. The Jazz, for example, are reviving their purple mountain era jerseys. Are you excited about seeing them in action?
Why not? Those jerseys are legendary indeed. It’s fascinating how trends come back around. We’re currently experiencing a resurgence of ’90s culture, with loose-fitting clothing becoming the norm. In my opinion, it’s just the way things are. People will always remember the Jazz wearing their mountain jerseys and making it to the playoffs to face Jordan. I recall the San Antonio Spurs bringing back the fiesta jerseys a couple of years ago, which was quite peculiar. It’s incredible that you guys are reviving all these classics. As a kid, you would see people wearing those jerseys on the court, and now that you’ve reached the big leagues, you can officially wear them. It’s a completely different experience and it’s absolutely awesome in my opinion.
As a Sixers fan, I still have hope that the team will bring back the Iverson throwback uniforms.
If they ever do make a comeback, it will be absolutely incredible. The combination of black and red is just mind-blowing. Those jerseys are truly phenomenal. They shouldn’t even be made in smaller sizes. They should be massive, my friend. Following the Lakers’ Showtime uniforms, Kobe started wearing shorter shorts, which means they can’t avoid wearing extremely loose-fitting shorts anymore. It’s time to do something unconventional.
Regarding the upcoming basketball season, the Jazz has experienced significant changes this summer in terms of player movements. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert are no longer part of the team. Considering all these changes, what are your thoughts on the upcoming season?
To be honest, I’m not entirely sure. At this point, I’m prepared for anything that comes my way. It’s been almost a decade since I joined the league, and I feel like I’ve gained a lot of experience during that time. Therefore, I’m ready to adapt to any direction that the team’s management, owners, and I decide to take. My primary goal is to win and elevate any team I’m on to the next level, ultimately striving for a championship. So, whether I’m wearing a different jersey next week or receive a phone call tomorrow that requires me to put on a new uniform, it doesn’t matter. That’s how I see it. I’m in Utah with one purpose – to secure first place. I want to make sure we make it to the postseason and field a competitive squad. Coming down from the highs we’ve experienced in the past few years is tough. We had a dominant stretch in the league, and even in a not-so-great year, we managed to secure the fourth position in the West. However, we missed out on the opportunity to win a championship. It’s challenging, but every morning brings new hope and the determination to find a solution.
In the NBA, trades and changes in the roster are quite common. You, Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram, and D’Lo were part of a young core that made a lasting impression on Lakers fans. All of you have now moved on to different teams and have established yourselves there. Have you ever wondered what could have happened if you had stayed together and been given more time to grow as a unit?
In my opinion, it was bound to fail with all of us being together. We were all talented individuals, each shining in our own way. We all needed a change of scenery, so we decided to part ways. The tweets and online chatter about it are now quite amusing to think about. The Lakers did a great job in assessing our skills and giving us a chance by drafting us. However, I don’t believe we could have achieved a championship or anything like that with all of us on the same team. But hey, they got LeBron for us, so it all worked out. We each had our shining moments in our respective paths. To grow and evolve, we needed to venture out of our comfort zones.
I had the pleasure of watching you play for the Philippines national team. Can you tell me what this experience means to you and the importance of basketball in your country?
Representing my country is a tremendous honor. Love and support are abundantly present in every game I play for them. It’s always a highlight of my life to have the opportunity to represent and showcase my skills for the Philippines. If luck is on our side in the World Cup pool draw in August, we might be able to win a few games and even qualify for the Olympics. That’s the ultimate goal I want to achieve for the national team and our country.