Basketball, the epicenter of streetwear
Basketball is one of the most watched sports in the world and it is also the origin of many streetwear trends that are still relevant today. So much so that NBA players are now many true fashion influencers. On the occasion of the start of the American league playoffs, Project X Paris has prepared a little surprise for you.
Basketball, a major influence on urban cultures
You cannot talk about fashion and streetwear over the past 30 years without talking about basketball, especially the NBA. One of the most watched and spectacular sports competitions in the world. While in Europe, the sport is also very structured, and our French team is currently achieving great results, basketball is a sport mostly consumed in the American way: more stars, more permissive rules serving offensive spectacle, more resources, more show. In the United States, basketball is a true social phenomenon, and brands understood this very early. In the 80s, they started, with Nike leading the way, to collaborate with NBA stars to offer sports equipment that would become fashion icons for the next 40 years. For this, brands were greatly helped by worldwide advertising spots, but also by the dazzling talent of basketball’s greatest star: Michael Jordan.
“His Airness,” as he is still called today, is actually the first fashion influencer from basketball. We obviously think of the Air Jordan, that legendary pair of sneakers which remains essential to this day. But also the logo of the Nike Air Jordan, a highly effective visual tool that refers to Jordan’s very aerial playing style. From that moment, basketball became internationally popular. This sport also began to inspire hip hop culture, with many rappers referencing basketball (still today), but also including NBA jerseys in their outfits, especially for music videos. We can say that it was in the 80s and 90s that basketball fully entered men’s streetwear and became a true cultural and societal phenomenon. In the USA, for young people from disadvantaged neighborhoods, the NBA and rap are seen as the only alternatives to trafficking to achieve their American dream. NBA stars today no longer hesitate to take a stand on political and social issues, a proof of the influence they have with the public.
Overall, basketball, and especially the NBA, is a major influence on current urban cultures. Through rap, of course, but also through fashion and marketing. The legendary Iverson shook up the dress codes of the league and the world, and we also think of the many basketball players who made the “slides and socks” fashion trend. We also think of video games like NBA 2K which have become very strong licenses in the industry. The fact that many scenes in US-made films or series feature young people playing basketball on the famous “playgrounds,” outdoors in the middle of the city, has strengthened the links between urban cultures and this sport. Basketball games are played in the street, with fences and people teasing around. And since the NBA playoffs are coming soon, the most awaited moment of the entire season, at Project X Paris, we decided to pay tribute to the basketball universe with a few capsules.
PXP winks at the Basketball universe
A true streetwear brand cannot do without an outfit or streetwear style inspired by basketball. We have obviously already told you about the PXP UNIVERSITY capsule, which is directly linked to basketball. Indeed, many young players have to go through college divisions before reaching the NBA. So we find the bomber jacket (men / women), the essential piece of a good athlete’s outfit at university, usually in the colors of their school. For a good men’s streetwear outfit you can also opt for a combo of jogging bottoms and hoodie, with matching colors to create a very effective “men’s tracksuit set” effect. Almost all models are also wearable by women who can also make their own little women’s tracksuit set, with pieces that will be a bit loose and very comfortable.
The die-hards who don’t want to wear a hoodie can turn to the crewneck sweatshirt, perhaps a bit more versatile. For those who are also fans of a more vintage style, the SQUAD capsule is made for you. The style also directly references American university, but the logo typography and color choices give a slightly retro look that is also very trendy right now. The cuts of the jogging bottoms / tracksuits are a bit slimmer, but much less tight at the ankles, a more traditional style in a streetwear outfit. The UNIVERSITY and SQUAD capsules are somewhat the typical American clothing of young student athletes, especially basketball and American football players, a look both casual and rather sporty / dynamic that reflects their mindset well. Both capsules remain in a relatively traditional streetwear style, in terms of typography and cuts.
For those who want something more different, more ambitious, especially in terms of design, we also have exactly what you need. The PIXEL capsule will meet your expectations, with a completely redesigned logo that winks both at the basketball world and video games. The mention “Project X Paris PIXEL CAPSULE” is written in small size just below the logo which represents a pixelated basketball and hoop. You will find this logo on the white t-shirt, the black t-shirt, but also on the hoodie, again available in black and white. Those who want a complete “sportswear” style outfit can also get the pixel basketball design shorts, available in both colors. Finally, the surprise piece, for a maximum sporty effect, the sleeveless t-shirt, always with the same Pixel logo. A men’s garment that will remind you of basketball jerseys, a deliberate nod. We are really very proud of the logo which is inspired by “8-bit art,” a true cultural phenomenon on the internet. And while at Project X we are obviously happy with our tracksuit sets and our shorts across the three capsules, you can also pair the bomber jacket with a wide jean, just like Iverson, or choose any other option. Because with these 3 collections, the combinations of colors and models are numerous! So go gear up to enjoy these NBA playoffs in the most stylish outfit.