CULTURE

Dwyane Wade Is a Man Who Can Do Both

The NBA star and NYFW ambassador on menswear, memes, and needing a good coat for Chicago.


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Getty Images

When 6’4” NBA player Dwyane Wade isn’t on the court or at the gym, he can often be found scrunching his legs in front row at Fashion Week alongside his wife, Gabrielle Union and other fashion loving athletes like Victor Cruz. And not just in New York — Wade recently returned from Paris where he rubbed shoulders with his style idols David Beckham at Louis Vuitton and Olivier Rousteing at Balmain. He also attended spring 2017 shows for Dior Homme, Lanvin, and Givenchy. This season during New York Men’s week, he can officially call himself an “ambassador,” with the help of the CFDA, although he’s been attending shows here since the very beginning. Wade made headlines last week for his move from the Miami Heat to the Chicago Bulls, but he’s still got Balmain on the brain. Plus, he’s got to start thinking about where to get a warm winter coat…

How would you describe your style? How has it evolved over the years? I would describe it as unpredictable. I use my style as a way to express my mood and what I am doing for the day. My outfit reflects the hat I am wearing that day, whether it is a businessman, father, athlete, etc. My style has evolved a lot over the years. I wear clothes that fit and are well tailored. Also, I have expanded the different silhouettes in my closet and I do not feel the need to follow any fashion rules or trends.

Personal style icons: James Bond, André Leon Talley, Michael Jackson, Olivier Rousteing, and David Beckham.

Most recent purchase: Givenchy lace sweatshirt.

Something you’re lusting after: I am looking forward to the whole Spring 2017 Balmain collection.

Most prized possession in your closet: My sneakers.

Something you would never wear: I never say never anymore. There have been so many things I thought I would never wear and they have now become defining moments in my fashion story.

What does it mean for a man to “do both?” Who is an example in your mind? Myself. I think I wear all suits — whether they’re sweats or tailored — extremely well.

Style pet peeve: Ill-fitting clothes.

Chicago weather is very different from Miami. Of course, you travel a lot, but are you adding any cold weather pieces to your wardrobe? I have a large selection of jackets and sweaters, but I am definitely planning on adding some down and fur jackets.

What do you think about the Internet going nuts over Steph Curry’s Under Armor sneakers? Does it make you more cautious about your own style choices? And did you have a strong reaction to them as well? That’s the Internet. Not at all, I do not let anyone besides my stylist Calyann Barnett effect my style choices. No, I did not.

Shows your looking forward to at men’s week? Ovadia & Sons, Rochambeau, John Varvatos, EFM, and Tim Coppens.