It’s the most exciting time of the year: the NBA Playoffs. To celebrate, StockX connected with fashion stylist and sports journalist SuziGStyles for this installment of “That’s 5.”
The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What influences you?
Growing up in basketball, I’ve always been influenced and intrigued by what the athletes were wearing since I was six or seven years old. I grew up with UNLV Runnin’ Rebels basketball and they were ahead of their time. They were more like an NBA team. So I think somehow at that age I just became enamored of their style.
Also, my godfather is Sonny Vaccaro [former Nike executive] who brought Jordan to Nike, and really I was able to see the start of sneaker culture from the beginning. I didn’t even know it at the time, and it didn’t dawn on me till 10 years later, I got to see the very beginning of an athlete signing to a label, which was insane when it first happened.
Most overrated?
I hate to say that I think Supreme is a little bit overrated, but I just think it’s crazy to me that some of these brands like Off-White and Supreme are charging hundreds of dollars and people are waiting in lines for t-shirts. I almost wonder if Supreme is going to “Von Dutch” itself?
Most underrated?
For me, actually, I think women and their ability to wear whatever they want is underrated. I have women, once I interview an athlete, who will ask where they can buy some of the clothes, and I’m like, “well it’s mens [clothing].” So even in the runway shows, you’ll see more androgyny. So I think it’s still underrated because you still don’t see a lot of women who feel comfortable wearing baggy clothes and that style–you see that a little bit in streetwear, but I think it’s growing outside of that too. I love it because that’s always been my style. I’m excited to see women pairing their Jordans with the female pieces they love. It’s happening, but I think some women are still not that into it yet.
So when I interview an athlete or NBA player, I always highlight something that they’re wearing or that they’ve worn that a woman could wear and I highlight that in my interview. A lot of women on my platforms get really excited about it, because they say, “I never thought I could do that.” I’m just trying to get that out there that women can take styling and fashion elements from these famous athletes, and that it’s ok for women to take on some of the menswear looks.
What are you most excited about, right now?
I’m most excited about my profession. It’s only gaining steam, being a woman, and having access to players and reporting on sneakers, basketball, and fashion. I think the next year is about continuing to break down barriers and working with companies like Bleacher Report and StockX, and newer companies that have a lot going on.
What’s next for you?
I actually do sneaker design, so I have some things in the works. Part of my passion—I was a wardrobe stylist for years—is just continuing to dive in and do more design work and see where it goes.
Bonus Question: was that 5?
It was five. It was actually really fun!
