WNBA fashion brings another spotlight to league, partners

Many WNBA players are “promoting themselves on and off the court” and are “getting tapped for opportunities in a different arena — the fashion and beauty space,” according to Taylor Ardrey of USA TODAY. Sky F Angel Reese modeled in a Good American campaign and has also collaborated with Revolve and Fashion Nova. Just last year, beauty giant Glossier ”sealed a deal” to partner with the WNBA. In May, the league and shapewear brand Skims, co-founded by Kim Kardashian, announced their official underwear partnership. The campaign featured Sparks F Cameron Brink, Sun G Dijonai Carrington, Aces G Kelsey Plum, Storm G Skylar Diggins-Smith and former WNBAer Candace Parker. Black-founded beauty brand Mielle also inked a multiyear deal as the league’s official textured hair care partner in 2023. Free agent G Kysre Gondrezick and her peers’ ensembles have “inspired a popular Instagram page, @wnbatunnel” run by fashion publicist Velissa Vaughn. Vaughn underscored that the “current spotlight on beauty and fashion in the WNBA is right on time.” As a result, teams are “increasing the promotion of players on their online platforms.” Vaugh, who owns JXV Collective, said the “influx of storytelling through social media has become so important.” She added, “Teams are making sure they’re hiring people that focus on the tunnel walk” (USA TODAY, 7/7).