We are beginning to see a lot more NBA players get in tune with their passion for fashion … could be because of the lockout, but for now it works.
Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade is featured in the November 2011 issue of GQ magazine looking rather handsome. He spoke with the magazine about working with his stylist, his decision to start painting his toenails, and how his stylish teammates, LeBron James and Chris Bosh, made him step his game up.
Check out the excerpts from the interview below and more photos from the shoot.
On Fitting In
“Three years ago I was like, ‘Man, I kind of want to paint my toenails black.’ At first I thought, ‘Nah, I can’t do that. They’re going to kill me.’ But eventually I decided to try it. Later I was on vacation in the Bahamas with LeBron, and when he saw my toes he was like, ‘Something is seriously wrong with you.’ But eventually Bron was like, ‘You know what? You’re crazy, but that’s just you.’ When I first got into the league, I tried to fit in. Now I don’t care.”
On Improving His Style
“I’m on a team with LeBron James and Chris Bosh, and they both dress well. It gets competitive. If I don’t bring my A game, they’re going to outshine me.”
On Working With His Stylist, Calyann Barnett
“When we first started working together, she was just trying to get the baggy jeans off me. I used to wear 2X and 3X shirts. At first people were talking about me,” he says. “But now everyone is wearing their clothes more fitted.” Ultimately Wade’s effort to take his style to a higher plane is rooted in his number one priority: winning. “I’ve played for the Miami Heat my whole career under Pat Riley,” Wade says. “Mr. GQ himself. So when I pick out my outfits before a game, I’m already feeling confident. And some of that swagger stays with me when I take the court.”
