He was surrounded by swag, had ice in his veins, and a new championship to his name. The secret to D’Angelo Russell’s success as a Brooklyn Nets restricted free agent and winner of GQ’s NBA Style Showdown competition is not taking it all too seriously and letting it all come to him. His most prized possessions, such as a pair of A Bathing Ape shorts, could go from everyday wear to ultra-chic nocturnal gym wear. On his Instagram Explore page, he discovered a random photo of a tennis player that inspired his upcoming outfit. His dogs even wear collars with the Supreme logo.
Russell describes his playing style as “unpredictable,” with equal parts flamboyant and conservative. The next thing you know, he’s crossing a defender over and hitting a shot so high-arcing it looks like one of those inflatable tube dancers, and the next thing you know, he’s hitting his man on the break with a crisp bounce pass. His fashion sense is consistent: one day he’s dressed from head to toe in Human Made, the next he’s dressed in the lunch pail equivalent of get-to-work sweatsuits.
Russell has had an outstanding year both on and off the court. He led the Nets to the playoffs, was named to the All-Star team, and after being left out of last year’s GQ NBA Style Showdown, he dominated this year’s competition. Russell deposed LeBron James, the previous year’s winner, after the latter methodically dispatched powerful opponents like Kelly Oubre Jr. and James Harden. So we called him to find out what he thought about the situation. GQ: Congratulations on your victory in the NBA Style Showdown. D’Angelo, Russell: That, man, I’m grateful for. That’s just, I’ve never seen anything like it. I looked up and saw that I was competing against a few guys whose style I admire, so to win that was really cool. Being present and involved was enjoyable. Winning is the cherry on top.
Were you surprised when you won? Are you serious about your clothing choices? It is definitely something that comes naturally, but you guys recognising it caught me off guard. Everyone feels like they have their own taste and flavour to what they do, so everyone feels like what they do is the best.
What would you describe as your personal style? What are your policies and procedures? I totally wing it. I have no sense of style. I believe it is something to do with how you feel, as well as the weather. But I just put pieces together, and if people on the outside looking in don’t like it, I don’t really care; I just go with it. And then there are times when I try to clean up, when I mix up the classier look with a throwback look. You just never know. I just try to keep it interesting. It should be able to reach every lane.
The throwback looks were particularly noticeable. The one with the baggy Yankees jersey was the one we featured in your LeBron matchup. Is that your favourite type of music? Yes, I believe it is all about how you feel. You have guys who take a different approach; they may go straight name-brand—all the louder brands and such. I put together outfits for people who are trying to expand their clothing line. Guys approaching me and asking, “Yo, could you wear my shirt?” “What about my shorts?” With their logo or something. And I added my own flair to it. And I think it just keeps people guessing because they never—it’s not like you can find those pieces—they’re limited. And that’s just me doing people a favour by respecting their creativity.
When we spoke before this season, you mentioned wearing items given to you by fans or travelling to Greece and purchasing clothing, even if it wasn’t from the most well-known and hyped-up brands. Do you think that worked in your favour? When other guys are wearing the newest Nikes or name-brand clothing, their style may appear more manufactured. Yes, because anyone can afford Gucci. The Fear of Gods is available for purchase by anyone. Everyone, I mean professionals, have the money to buy the same clothes that the next guy is wearing. They have the ability to do so. If you have your own sense of style, you know what looks right and what looks good on you, as opposed to someone telling you what looks good on you. And [giving smaller brands a chance] is something I prioritise. I believe it allows those who are creative to get stuff on people of my calibre and whatnot while also receiving a little bit of love.
Even with the recognisable items, you mentioned going to the gym and working out in Bape shorts by chance. That is so true. I’ll go to the gym at random times throughout the day, just like I was wearing them around the house. Put on some basketball shoes, and it just happened. If it’s a suit, I’d take good care of it, but if it’s just regular clothes or a brand, I don’t treat it like it’s worth what it is.
I could sleep in it or wear it around the house all day while playing Call of Duty. It is not something I am attempting to keep up with.
Do you have a favourite outfit or look from the previous season that you put together? Yes, sir. Human Made was Pharrell’s brand. It was the striped tan trousers, tan jacket and white dress shirt. That was a fantastic look. Browne [Andrews, Russell’s stylist] put that outfit together for me. And just being a little different with it. So he calls out to him.