This week, Zwieglinska sat down with stylist Courtney …
Courtney Mays Details the Business of NBA Fashion Ahead of All-Star Weekend
With NBA All-Star Weekend fast approaching, the intersection of professional basketball and high fashion is once again taking center stage. The pre-game tunnel walk has transformed from a mere logistical necessity into a global runway, a cultural phenomenon dissected this week by veteran stylist Courtney Mays. Sitting down with Zofia Zwieglinska on the Glossy Podcast, Mays offered a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the strategy and business acumen required to dress some of the league's biggest superstars, including Chris Paul, LeBron James, and DeAndre Jordan.
Mays, who jokingly refers to herself as the "auntie" of the styling game, contextualized the current era of player expression against the backdrop of the league's complex history. She pointed to the strict dress codes implemented following the infamous "Malice at the Palace" incident in 2004 as a pivotal, if controversial, moment. What began as a league-mandated push for "business casual"—often laden with racial implications intended to distance the NBA from hip-hop culture—has ironically evolved into the most influential fashion showcase in professional sports. Today, players are not just wearing clothes; they are securing billboards, massive endorsement deals, and front-row seats at Fashion Week.
However, Mays was quick to dispel the "glamorous illusion" that high-end designers simply gift unlimited wardrobes to athletes. The reality is a daily grind of relationship building, logistics, and pitching. Mays detailed how stylists and PR teams must actively champion their clients to luxury houses, framing the athletes as essential parts of a brand's storytelling rather than just passive mannequins. This strategic approach has allowed players to transcend the "athlete" label and become genuine tastemakers.
As the league prepares for its mid-season festivities, the influence of stylists like Mays is undeniable. The "tunnel fit" is no longer just about personal style; it is a calculated business move that bridges the gap between the locker room and the luxury market. For veterans like Chris Paul, the tunnel is an extension of their brand, and for Mays, it is validation of a long journey to ensure athletes are respected voices in the fashion conversation.
With NBA All-Star Weekend fast approaching, the intersection of professional basketball and high fashion is once again taking center stage. The pre-game tunnel walk has transformed from a mere logistical necessity into a global runway, a cultural phenomenon dissected this week by veteran stylist Courtney Mays. Sitting down with Zofia Zwieglinska on the Glossy Podcast, Mays offered a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the strategy and business acumen required to dress some of the league's biggest superstars, including Chris Paul, LeBron James, and DeAndre Jordan.
Mays, who jokingly refers to herself as the "auntie" of the styling game, contextualized the current era of player expression against the backdrop of the league's complex history. She pointed to the strict dress codes implemented following the infamous "Malice at the Palace" incident in 2004 as a pivotal, if controversial, moment. What began as a league-mandated push for "business casual"—often laden with racial implications intended to distance the NBA from hip-hop culture—has ironically evolved into the most influential fashion showcase in professional sports. Today, players are not just wearing clothes; they are securing billboards, massive endorsement deals, and front-row seats at Fashion Week.
However, Mays was quick to dispel the "glamorous illusion" that high-end designers simply gift unlimited wardrobes to athletes. The reality is a daily grind of relationship building, logistics, and pitching. Mays detailed how stylists and PR teams must actively champion their clients to luxury houses, framing the athletes as essential parts of a brand's storytelling rather than just passive mannequins. This strategic approach has allowed players to transcend the "athlete" label and become genuine tastemakers.
As the league prepares for its mid-season festivities, the influence of stylists like Mays is undeniable. The "tunnel fit" is no longer just about personal style; it is a calculated business move that bridges the gap between the locker room and the luxury market. For veterans like Chris Paul, the tunnel is an extension of their brand, and for Mays, it is validation of a long journey to ensure athletes are respected voices in the fashion conversation.
