Jordan Clarkson on NBA Fashion, Footwear, & Social Media
In addition to being the best-dressed man in the NBA, Jordan Clarkson is one of the most highly coveted free agents of the summer. The 2021 NBA Sixth Man of the Year is coming off a career year with the Utah Jazz and has the entire league seeking his services.
While Clarkson lets the process play out, he is exploring one of his biggest passions - fashion. Thanks to his pregame outfits, the veteran shooting guard goes viral on social media every night of the season. But with the help of Meta, Clarkson is taking his sartorial style and networking to new heights.
Meta tapped Clarkson as a key partner in its multi-year brand campaign, “It’s Your World.” The new campaign is a mantra and call to action for people to optimize Meta’s universe of products to connect with their interests, make things happen, and pave their path on their own terms.
Clarkson uses Meta products like Instagram to find creative inspiration, build his brand and make epic connections to truly chart his own path in sports and fashion. For his spot in the campaign, Clarkson is shaping his world as a style icon, partnering with Colm Dillane, aka KidSuper, as both a muse and co-creator of a menswear look.
FanNation Kicks spoke with Clarkson about his role in the new ad campaign, fashion process, and preferred footwear. As always, the affable superstar dropped gems that benefit everyone.
What drew you to participate in Meta's "It's Your World" campaign?
"Shoot, it was just the people that have been in my life. From the relationships that I've made with people to the time I give to Meta, it's part of my everyday life. So when the partnership presented itself, it was real organic."
Most fans see you as a fashion visionary. What are your goals in the fashion world?
"For me, it is to one day have a brand for myself - using creative ideas and people that I've been connected with and talked with, and all the inspiration that has been given to me. I think at some point, I want to put out a high fashion brand, a luxury street brand.
So, that is something I've been working on and envisioning for a while now. But I'm starting to get all the right pieces, and they're falling in the right place. But it is a lot of work. Fashion is its own entity unto itself. I'm not only a basketball player; I'm a creator. So, just trying to find time to work those things in while doing what I love and what I have a passion for."
How big of a role does Instagram play in shaping your taste and building your brand?
"It's really big. Personally, it helps with exposure. People see who I am and my character on Instagram and other Meta platforms. Even if I'm not in spaces sometimes, I'm able to see what people have on, what I like, and it keeps everything really connected in the world. So I'm very locked in and tapped into all that. As much as it does that for fashion, it does for everything else in my life too."
If you had to construct a Space Jam roster of NBA players with the best tunnel fits to save the world, who is your starting five?
"I would probably go Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Second, I would put myself in there, for sure. Third, I would put Kyle Kuzma. I'm trying to think of a power forward that can dress... Jaren Jackson can dress as well. I think he's done a good job putting fits together as tall as he is. Center, that's a tough one..."
You can do a small-ball lineup.
"Yeah, off the top of my head. I've got to go with Russell Westbrook, for sure."
What is a current fashion trend that bothers you the most?
"Oh god (laughs), I don't really get into the things that bother me. I don't really hate on anything. I think everyone has their own style. But one thing you wouldn't have seen me wearing is those big red boots. That's one thing you wouldn't have seen me wear."
Last question, what is currently your favorite hoop shoe and lifestyle sneaker?
"The new LeBrons (Nike LeBron 20). During the season, I didn't really wear those much. But I got a pair recently, and those are probably one of the best shoes that I feel like he's made in terms of silhouette and the feel of them.
Then for the best regular shoe for walking around, I would probably go with the Rick Owens sneaker. I don't know the name, but his tennis shoe. I feel like those are very confident with anything."
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