Photo Credit: Zappos
Rudy Gay is known for being one of the best-dressed guys in the NBA, and now he’s channeling his superior taste into designing. The San Antonio Spurs star has launched a line of kids clothing in collaboration with Superism that his town sons, Clint and Dean, can be proud of (and boast about—there are even pieces named in their honor).
The 16-piece “We Can All Ball” collection (which is sold exclusively at Zappos.com) is chock full of on-trend athleisure like joggers, sweatshirts and fleece sets. Each piece tells a bit of Rudy’s story, from the colors (orange and black for his hometown of Baltimore) to the fabrics (mesh for his basketball roots).
With this line, the small forward hopes to inspire kids to become their best selves, helping them grow to find their way to ball. He says, “Not only am I passionate about fashion and footwear, but I’m the father of two young boys – they’re the driving force in a lot of what I do, including this. To have the opportunity to design a line that could end up being worn by my own children, that means everything.”
Here, Rudy discusses his collaboration, his passion for fashion and how his sons inspire him sartorially.
Photo Credit: Zappos
WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO DESIGN THE WE CAN ALL BALL COLLECTION?
Fashion has always meant a great deal to me. It’s something I’ve been passionate about for as long as I can remember. My inspiration was my children – it’s one thing to design a fashion line, it’s another to create something that your children can wear. Also, I used orange and black color schemes to show love to my hometown of Baltimore.
WAS DESIGNING EVER A FOCUS FOR YOU? HOW DID THE COLLABORATION COME TO BE?
Design has always interested me, for sure. I really have to show love to Zappos and Superism for this opportunity – my partnership with them has opened new doors for me, one of them being the opportunity to pursue designing. I’ve learned a lot, and it’s been a dream come true.
WHY KIDS CLOTHING AS OPPOSED TO ADULTS?
I mentioned my two sons as a major inspiration for this collection. They really are the driving force behind so many things in my life, and this is just another example.
HOW DID YOUR SONS INFLUENCE THESE DESIGNS? DID THEY HAVE ANY INPUT?
I really wanted to design something that would be fashionable but allow kids to be kids. My sons remind me every day that boys will be boys. I wanted this line to be fashionable, but when it’s time for them to run around and play outside, it works for that too.
Photo Credit: Zappos
WOULD YOU LIKE TO DESIGN ADULT GEAR IN THE FUTURE OR WILL YOU STICK WITH KIDS CLOTHING?
Absolutely. I’m interested in a lot of elements in style and fashion, and I plan to pursue menswear as well.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
I’m into high fashion that fits my physique. Fit is everything. In casual setting, I’m all about clean but comfortable. If it’s more formal, I want to do it right – nothing too loud but needs to look sharp and stand out.
WHAT BRANDS DO YOU FAVOR?
Puma, Gucci, St. Laurent, Givenchy, Balenciaga, Versace to name a few.
ARE YOU A WATCH GUY?
For sure. I think accessories are key. A lot of times, a look is all about the little things. Watches, shoes, a chain – all those things can bring an entire look together.
WHAT’S A TEXAN FASHION TREND THAT YOU’VE IMPLEMENTED INTO YOUR DAILY WARDROBE SINCE PLAYING FOR THE SPURS?
I’m not rocking cowboy boots and spurs quite yet, but there’s a few looks I can get behind – flannel shirts, for example.
WHAT IS THE GREATEST LESSON YOU’RE TEACHING YOUR KIDS, AND WHAT IS THE GREATEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED SINCE HAVING KIDS?
You know, I want them to learn at an early age to be their own person. Have their own style, make decisions and learn from them whether the results are good or bad. Individuality is a blessing. My kids teach me new things every day. Having them in my life keeps everything in perspective. They remind me what’s important, what to cherish in life.
Photo Credit: Zappos
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