UConn basketball star Paige Bueckers made a splash at the 2024 ESPY Awards in a lilac suit from the KidSuper fall 2024 runway, indicating that she would continue to be a fashion force to be reckoned with. Bueckers, who recently graduated with a degree in human development & family sciences, will be returning to the Huskies basketball team for the 2024-2025 season. Before hitting the court, she took New York Fashion Week by storm, attending shows like Tombogo, Who Decides War, and Off-White, as well as various events with Nike. Working alongside stylist Brittany Hampton, Bueckers embraced the opportunity to experience the fashion world in an immersive way.
Having signed a deal with Nike last year under the NCAA’s NIL rules, Bueckers was able to explore creative pursuits while still in college. She describes her style as a mix of masculine and feminine elements, with a love for patterns, pastels, vests, cardigans, and crop tops paired with jackets and pants. While she prioritizes comfort at school, opting for a cozy sweatshirt and sweatpants combo, she enjoys pushing boundaries and stepping outside her comfort zone with Hampton’s guidance. For her New York Fashion Week looks, Bueckers turned to hairstylists Hayley Logan and Mitchell Ramazon, and makeup artists Meghan Nguy and Joanna Simkin to complete her VIP showgoer aesthetic.
Reflecting on her first New York Fashion Week experience, Bueckers describes it as “electric” and highlights moments like attending the Tombogo show (a brand Hampton first dressed her in), meeting Off-White creative director Ib Kamara, and taking a break to attend a New York Liberty game with gymnast Jordan Chiles. She appreciates the freedom Hampton gives her to express herself through fashion, while also valuing their shared understanding and collaborative process. Bueckers’ immersion in the fashion world adds another dimension to her already impressive basketball career, showing her versatility and range both on and off the court.
The combination of Bueckers’ basketball prowess and burgeoning fashion presence positions her as a rising star in both arenas. Her ability to seamlessly transition between the worlds of sports and style showcases her versatility and adaptability. As she gears up for another season with the Huskies and continues to explore opportunities in the fashion industry, Bueckers is cementing her status as a multi-dimensional talent with the potential to make a significant impact in basketball and beyond. With a unique sense of style and a willingness to push boundaries, Bueckers is poised to continue making waves both on and off the court in the years to come.
Through her collaboration with Hampton and her involvement in New York Fashion Week, Bueckers is demonstrating her willingness to embrace new challenges and push herself out of her comfort zone. Her openness to exploration and creativity not only in basketball but also in fashion sets her apart as a forward-thinking and dynamic individual. With a keen eye for style and a determination to succeed, Bueckers is carving out a path that combines her love for basketball with her passion for fashion, creating a unique identity that resonates with fans and industry insiders alike. As she continues to evolve and grow in both fields, Bueckers is proving herself to be a force to be reckoned with, capable of leaving a lasting impact on the worlds of sports and fashion.
