Celebrating Kobe Through Fashion

It’s been over a month and I, like many others around the world, am still trying to process the death of Kobe Bryant. His impact cannot be summed up in words, but can indeed be felt around the world.

Part of what made Kobe so captivating as a person was his wide range of interests and accolades. Bryant was a husband, father, five-time NBA Champion, an Oscar winner, a head coach for his daughter’s basketball team and to some, a fashion icon.

He may not be the first to come to mind when you think of fashion, but Kobe could could without a doubt put a fit together. I wanted to continue honoring him in a way I haven't yet, through his fashion.

It's only right to start with the 1996 NBA Draft Night.

Bryant was originally drafted by the Charlotte Hornets before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. He seemed to know he was going to be drafted by the Hornets based on the Hornets-themed tie that complemented his hat so well. This is a great display of keeping it simple while adding your own personal flare.

The Philadelphia Eagles were the team Bryant probably had the most love for outside of his own Lakers. He and his family moved from Italy to Philadelphia, where he grew up and went to high school.

Now to fully appreciate this outfit, you must understand that it was circa 2005 - the Golden Era of baggy clothes. He was rocking Donovan McNabb's jersey, who was the long-time starting quarterback for the Eagles. Bryant's fit feels very representative of the times with the (meaningful) baggy jersey and the iced out Jesus piece, another popular must-have for rappers and athletes at the time.

Bryant and singer, songwriter and actress, Brandy, were famously close early on in their teenage life. The two were taking photos on a Hollywood Red Carpet and were probably the flyest ones on it. His suit was actually somewhat velour, as you can see the darker coloration on his shoulder and neck area. During the 1990's, suits like these on the looser end were typical for men at formal events like this.

Now, for my personal favorite. It's clear what's going on with this fit - Bryant was channeling his inner MJ. He did so during Game 4 of the 2002 NBA Finals, though this photo was taken after he had secured the victory. The best part about this outfit was the timing.

He showed up to win the final game necessary to win the entire series in a Michael Jordan jersey and proceeded to play like him en route to winning an NBA Championship. Bryant finished with 25 points, eight assists and six rebounds in the victory. He won this night on the court and off it with this fit.

Frankly, I'm not sure where Bryant was heading in this photo but I am sure that he wanted to be the center of attention in whatever room he was heading to. The way he tested his limits physically on the court was similar to the way to tested his fashion limits. This outfit reminds me of the Harlem Renaissance, Jazz Era and feels soulful.

Will Smith and Bryant were very good friends. Bryant came out to the premiere of Smith's 1999 Wild Wild West, coming in the three-piece suit with what looks like a head-piece or wave cap (though he had a mini fro at the time). Again, a bold move that he just made work. One that I don't think many have the ability to look as fly as he did in.

As far as I know, Bryant wasn't a huge hockey fan, but you wouldn't have been able to tell here. He pulled up to the arena in a classic Wayne Gretzky jersey looking war ready. This is again during the early 2000s when baggy clothes were as common as flip phones. Nonetheless, this was another great, relaxed streetwear vibe.

Finally, I'll end with Bryant's GQ photoshoot from March of 2010. I chose to end with this photo for one reason and one reason only. This is Kobe at his purest form. At the time, he was battling injuries in his right index finger. Injuries not serious enough to keep him from playing, of course. Could he have taken off his brace for this photoshoot? Absolutely. But why would he? Kobe has always worn his scars proudly. Proud because he knew he was always evolving and dynamic as a man.