Pro Athletes Shine at Met Gala: Fashion Challenges Arise

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    HOUSTON — In a groundbreaking moment for both the WNBA and the fashion world, Brittney Griner made history by attending the 2023 Met Gala, just a few months after her much-publicized release from a Russian penal institution through a notable prisoner exchange. Griner made a bold statement at the exclusive event wearing a custom-designed suit crafted by Calvin Klein, exemplifying effortlessly chic style.

    The vision behind Griner’s standout look belonged to renowned celebrity stylist Courtney Mays, a veteran in styling top-tier athletes for over a decade. Crafting a Met Gala ensemble is no simple feat, especially when accommodating the unique physique of a professional athlete, such as Griner’s statuesque 6’9″ frame.

    Additionally, stylists who work with the Met Gala guests must follow the guidelines set by Vogue editor Anna Wintour, the gala’s chair, who suggests designers for each attendee. It is then up to the stylist to develop a look based on these parameters. Mays commented, “It was a learning experience for me to have a voice in that world, but also having to respect Anna’s choices.”

    The decision to go with Calvin Klein was intentional, channeling the pride of American heritage and celebrating Griner’s triumphant return to the U.S. “It was about emphasizing the reunion between Brittney and her wife and her journey,” Mays elaborated, noting the champagne gown for Griner and the white, corseted dress for her wife Cherelle symbolized a fresh, new beginning.

    The preparation was a demanding process, with weekly trips to Phoenix for intensive fittings involving multiple tailors over a three-week period. Los Angeles shoemaker George Esquivel, familiar with crafting for sports icons like Kevin Love, designed a custom pair of size 18 shoes for Griner.

    Mays, who is herself a tall woman, draws on her personal experiences to navigate the challenges athletes face in fashion. “Being a plus-size woman, I’ve needed to be creative in finding pieces,” she explained. Working with towering female athletes, often relying on men’s shoe sizes, requires innovative approaches.

    In recent years, the Met Gala has increasingly welcomed athletes, with the 2023 event spotlighting sports figures. Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton co-chaired the gala, while NBA icon LeBron James served as an honorary chair and numerous athletes participated on the host committee. Though Hamilton was coy about his attire, he expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Wintour.

    This year’s Met Gala heralds the opening of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s spring exhibit, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” with a dress code theme of “Tailored For You.” Mays, an advocate for amplifying athletes—in particular, Black style—in luxury spheres, hopes for greater recognition of underrepresented groups.

    “It is my hope that the presence of Black designers and individuals not often seen will prompt a conversation around inclusivity,” she said. “I hope this event serves as a platform for diverse voices in fashion.”

    The influence of tunnel fits, popularized by athletes as they make their way to games in stylish outfits, reflects the individuality and diversity Mays champions through her work. She has left a tangible mark on this trend, working with NBA and WNBA stars to express their personalities through fashion.

    Clients like Breanna Stewart and Tina Charles have benefited from Mays’s styling expertise, which emphasizes confidence and individuality. Stewart praised Mays’s ability to make athletes feel their best, understanding that fashion is a form of self-expression.

    Charles has appreciated Mays’s guidance since being drafted first overall in 2010, having found confidence through fashion under Mays’s influence. She opts for suits that showcase her stature and athletic prowess.

    Looking ahead, Mays is poised for another appearance at the Met Gala, planning to deliver a visual representation of diverse styles embraced by female athletes. “My ethos is merging sport and style authentically,” she shared. The addition of athletes as gala chairpeople marks an inspiring step for more athlete inclusion in the future.