With a successful basketball career that spans 20 years, it's easy to focus on the on-court stats and accolades of Kobe Bryant. UNpopular Style Magazine wants to remind those who may have forgotten about notable style moments "Bean" blessed the world with.Take a trip down memory lane with us for 5 fashion blocks worth mentioning, during the global icon's lifetime.
5. Suits
Only few can rock a suit and tie like Kobe Bryant could. Considering athletes' long-oftentimes irregular frame, Kobe could wear a double-breasted fit like no other, without his shoulders busting through the seams or distracting from the entire look. Professional and sophistication was his way, no wacky colors or patterns would do.
4. 2002 Finals
Feeling like the winner he knew he was, Kobe showed up to the 2002 NBA Finals dressed in various sport jerseys to pay homage to these legendary greats: Micheal Jordan (Chicago Bulls), Glen Anderson (Edmonton Oilers), Jackie Robinson (Brooklyn Dodgers), Randall Cunningham (Philadelphia Eagles). It was a quiet, but bold statement. Needless to say, the Los Angeles Lakers swept the New Jersey Nets in 4 games to solidify the iconic NBA Championship "3-Peat" which no team has done since.
3. Throwback Jerseys
During the early 2000s, the NBA had their players suit up in team gear from years' past. This innovative marketing move swept the nation. With the influence of entertainment's best in music, you could see fans sporting the look non-stop. Rather deep blue with cursive writing or the baby-blue Minneapolis (M.P.L.S.), Kobe Bryant's jersey was the "Throwback" to have.
2. The Afro
Black athletes have worn Afros in the past with "Dr. J" being one of the most memorable fros in the NBA, but Kobe was the first pivotal modern-day athlete to commit to the free-form look with a "line-up" around the hairline. Kobe's Afro style paved the way for current players today like: Kyrie Irving, Derrick Rose, and Bradley Beal-to name a few. Who knew a small decision made by a teenager to grow his hair out, would influence thousands decades later?
1. Sneakers
Possible shoe contracts are always a big part of athletes' careers. Kobe Bryant was fortunate to make history with both Nike and Adidas-the biggest names in the business. Although his time Adidas was highly scrutinized, it's important to to pay homage to the very first "Kobe" sneaker signature model: KB8 (Later renamed 'Crazy 8'). The then, 19 year old Kobe Bryant made his first All-Star debut in the sneakers. The Crazy 8 continues to be one of Adidas' most re-released sneakers.
It's a no-brainer that Nike has shelled out the more successful Kobe Bryant marketed shoe-line. What makes the Nike distributed sneakers iconic and solidifies this "Fashion King" list is the innovation towards low-top sneakers. Inspired by sport cleats, Kobe's Nike sneakers are the most worn by NBA players according to data collected by shoe databases. This fact is hard evidence of Kobe Bryant's impact on sports and fashion. "Everything I learned came from Kobe. Take Kobe away and I wouldn't be here. It only makes sense that they'd wear his shoes, too." -DeMar DeRozan (San Antonio Spurs).
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