WNBA_s Golden State Valkyries to host first fashion show
The Golden State Valkyries_ part of the Women_s National Basketball Association (WNBA)_ will host its first-ever fashion show_ presented by beauty omnichannel retailer Sephora_ which became the team_s sponsor in April.
In a statement_ the WNBA team announced that the fashion show will celebrate the “intersection of basketball_ fashion_ and beauty culture_” featuring two pieces designed by Valkyries guard Tiffany Hayes under the creative direction of Valkyries Collective member_ stylist_ and image consultant Brittany Hampton.
The show will take place on August 28 at _Above the Rim__ a private space above the Chase Center_ overlooking downtown San Francisco and the Bay_ where the Valkyries play. The showcase will have a custom Sephora-branded catwalk and will feature 15 total pieces_ 13 of which have been curated from multiple emerging and established designers_ including Retired from Society_ AuthMade_ Dead Dirt_ Ru by Rupal_ and Kids of Immigrants. The pieces will then be available at Valkyries Shop from October.
Jess Smith_ president of the Valkyries_ said in a statement: "Fashion in sports isn't just about clothing; it's a powerful form of self-expression_ a reflection of individual style and identity. But it's also a collective statement_ a visual representation of the league's culture - bold_ confident_ and unapologetically authentic.
“For many_ it helps tell the story of who these incredible athletes are_ on and off the court_ and has become part of connecting with fans and shaping the league's cultural footprint."
Commenting on being part of the show_ Hayes added: “Fashion has been a huge part of my personal journey. It_s how I tell my story and shape my narrative without saying a word. As a professional athlete_ people often see me in uniform_ but style allows me to step outside of that and show different layers of who I am. It gives me confidence_ it grounds me_ and it reminds me that my identity is bigger than how I perform when I_m on the court.
“Valkyries Fashion Show means a lot to me because it gives women like me the platform to show that strength_ creativity_ and culture go hand in hand_ and that_s powerful for the next generation to see the many forms self-expression can take.”
In April_ Sephora signed a multiyear partnership with the Valkyries to become a founding partner of the WNBA team. The beauty retailer has the naming rights for the team_s 31_800-square-foot_ state-of-the-art Oakland-based performance center_ which was renamed the _Sephora Performance Center__ alongside branded elements in the Chase Center_ including a kiosk in the arena for fans to purchase beauty products and a branded DJ booth.