PAUSE Highlights: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Style Evolution

Rookie Chic to Most Stylish in the League.

Drafted in 2018 from the Kentucky Wildcats, when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander first stepped onto the NBA court as a fresh-faced rookie for the Los Angeles Clippers, the Canadian guard showcased his skills not just in basketball, but also his prowess for curating stellar outfits. Fast forward to 2023 and Shai’s style evolution has been nothing short of remarkable. With his mixture of high and low fashion, he has earned himself a well-deserved spot among the league’s best dressed.

A LeagueFits legend, let’s take a stylish journey through the transformation of the OKC Thunder shooting guard and arguably one of the most stylish players in the Association.

_{Image Credit: @Shai}

Then: Rookie Sensation

As a rookie, Shai had an understated yet charming style. He often sported tailored suits, perfectly fitted to his lean frame, demonstrating an early affinity for sartorial elegance. Shai’s predilection for classic colour palettes like black, navy, and grey was evident. However, he added his twist, often opting for bold ties, patterned pocket squares or even accessorising a formal look with coveted VLONE x Nike Air Force Ones which hinted at the fashion-forward star he would become.

Coming into his own in his sophomore year of 2019 to 2020, Shai started to experiment more with his style. He embraced streetwear, often seen in designer hoodies, sneakers, and accessories. His pre-game outfits became a canvas for self-expression, with bold graphics, logos, and even experimental colour combinations taking the floor, with this ultimately making him a favourite of the famed IG page known as ‘LeagueFits’, being a platform that documents the NBA’s most stylish players.

_{Image Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows}

_{Image Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows}

Now: NBA’s Best Dressed

As Shai’s star continued to rise, so did his fashion profile. He began wearing luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Fear of God, which elevated his style game to new heights. Mastering his craft with a wardrobe that seamlessly blended high-end pieces with streetwear staples, Shai would make big statements in the fashion space with some heavy-hitting outfits. Taking to Instagram to share images of his get-ups off the court, the Canadian point-guard continued to impress as he would become the face of the Louis Vuitton x NBA collection. Mixing high and low pieces, Shai style become a reflection of his style of play; bold, courageous and well-honed, donning looks like a plush tweed shirt-jacket worn over a classy white t-shirt combined with a pair of Chrome Heart jeans and Converse One Star sneakers, before rounding the look off with a Louis Vuitton Christopher PM backpack. A look that exudes an air of sophistication while remaining firmly rooted in contemporary fashion.

In today’s fashion obsessed NBA, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s fits are better than ever and with that he has firmly established himself as an NBA fashion icon. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Allen Iverson, Russell Westbrook and Dwyane Wade, with his style that blends the grailed designs of Parisian ateliers with cut and sew pieces from LA’s self-taught brand owners, Shai’s ever-evolving style is still characterised by disregard for occasion and a startling confidence that has seen him beat out his contemporaries to become the NBA’s most stylish player. A fixture at Fashion Weeks from New York to Paris, Shai turned the NBA tunnel into his very own runway and has parlayed the popularity of his #quarantinefits to making his very own Paris Fashion Week debut by walking the Thom Browne show, winning him the nickname ‘Runway Shai.’ Delivering MVP looks internationally, he has continued to effortlessly push the envelope with VIP fits including Balenciaga jumpsuits, avant-garde sneakers and sleek suiting, solidifying his reputation as a trendsetter.

As Shai continues to dominate both the fashion and basketball worlds, there’s no doubt that his style evolution will continue to intrigue and inspire for years to come. From the rookie who dared to be different to the established fashion icon who effortlessly straddles the line between high-fashion and streetwear, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s journey serves as a testament to the power of self-expression and confidence displayed through clothing, proving that style is as much a part of his game as any crossover dribble or three-point shot.