How Kobe Bryant’s First Stylist Revolutionized His Off-Court Fashion
Kobe Bryant, an iconic figure in the world of basketball, was known for his fierce competitiveness on the court. However, his journey to becoming a fashion icon off the court was less known until stylist Paige Geran entered his life. Geran, who met Bryant in 2009 at the opening of Philippe Chow in Beverly Hills, was instrumental in shaping his off-court style, reflecting a pivotal moment in both their careers.
1. The Beginning of a Fashion Transformation
In 2009, Bryant was amidst a personal and professional transformation, marked by his decision to change his jersey number from 8 to 24. This change symbolized a new chapter in his life, both on and off the court. Paige Geran, who had previously worked with Bryant’s team on smaller requests, became a key player in this transformation. Their collaboration began at the restaurant’s opening, where Geran connected with Bryant during a celebration of his L’Uomo Vogue cover.
Initially, the idea of having a stylist was unfamiliar territory for Bryant and his team. The concept was relatively new in the NBA, with few players having personal stylists. However, Bryant recognized the need to elevate his off-court appearance, leading to a collaboration with Geran that spanned from 2009 to 2011.
2. Challenges in Styling a Basketball Legend
Working with Bryant presented unique challenges, especially in finding designers willing to accommodate his athletic build. At the time, it was uncommon for designers to create clothing tailored to the proportions of athletes. Geran recalls the difficulties of sourcing clothing that fit Bryant’s physique, which included a 60-inch chest and 60-inch shoulders. Despite these challenges, Geran mastered the art of customizing pieces that not only fit Bryant but also reflected his personality and status.
Geran’s approach to styling Bryant was meticulous. She focused on upscale luxury items like custom leather jackets and denim, rather than the traditional suits many athletes favored. Bryant was not a fan of suits and preferred a look that was stylish yet comfortable. Geran, who shared Bryant’s attention to detail, often found herself creating custom pieces on the fly, a task she likened to being a “mad scientist” of fashion.
3. An Unconventional Working Relationship
Geran’s working relationship with Bryant was far from ordinary. Unlike typical stylist-athlete collaborations, where outfits are planned for weeks in advance, Geran met with Bryant weekly to hand off outfits. This unconventional approach often involved Geran delivering clothes directly to Bryant at practice facilities, private airports, or even the Staples Center, where he would occasionally request last-minute items like a jacket for a concert.
One memorable instance involved Geran arranging a meeting between Bryant and Tom Ford’s personal tailor for custom suits. Despite the unusual circumstances, such as meeting in a parking lot, Geran ensured that Bryant always had outfits that met his exacting standards.
4. The Evolution of Bryant’s Off-Court Style
Geran played a crucial role in transforming Bryant’s off-court style into something that balanced classic Hollywood suiting with modern, tailored silhouettes. Before their collaboration, Bryant’s wardrobe consisted mainly of oversized Gucci suits and sweats. Geran introduced him to more refined pieces that adhered to the NBA’s strict dress codes while allowing him to express his evolving fashion sense.
At that time, NBA players were required to adhere to a dress code implemented by Commissioner David Stern in 2005, following the infamous Malice at the Palace brawl in 2004. This code required players to wear collared shirts or suits while traveling. Geran’s ability to navigate these restrictions while keeping Bryant’s style fresh and contemporary was a testament to her skill as a stylist.
5. The Lasting Impact of Geran’s Work
Geran’s influence on Bryant’s style left a lasting impact on how NBA players approach fashion. Today, the NBA and fashion have become intertwined, with players using their outfits as a form of self-expression and branding. The rigid dress codes of the past have been replaced with more relaxed guidelines, allowing for greater creativity.
Bryant’s iconic looks, crafted by Geran, continue to be remembered as part of his legacy. Whether it was the custom leather jackets or the Dolce & Gabbana sweaters that had to be stretched to fit his frame, Geran’s work helped Bryant transition from a basketball superstar to a fashion icon.
6. Memorable Looks Styled by Paige Geran
Kimmel and Event Night: Geran designed a custom leather jacket for Bryant, crafted by Eric of Jean Shop. Known for his all-black outfits, Bryant embraced the “Black Mamba” persona through such looks. This jacket, worn on a night when Bryant appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and attended an event, became one of his signature pieces.
2010 NBA Finals Game 2: For this game, Bryant wore a Dolce & Gabbana sweater, custom-stretched to accommodate his frame. Underneath, he sported a shirt from Anto’s of Beverly Hills, a shirt maker known for dressing legends like Frank Sinatra. This outfit highlighted the attention to detail and luxury that defined Bryant’s style.
Post-Championship Appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!: After winning his fifth NBA championship, Bryant appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in a custom Gucci jacket known as the “Madonna jacket.” Geran had sourced this piece from Italy, saving it for a special moment. The jacket, previously worn by Justin Timberlake in a music video, was a fitting choice for a night that celebrated Bryant’s legendary career.
