Basketball, the epicenter of streetwear

Basketball is one of the most watched sports in the world and is also at the origin of many streetwear trends that are still current. So much so that many NBA players are now 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 We cannot talk about fashion and streetwear over the past 30 years without mentioning basketball, especially the NBA. One of the most watched and spectacular sports competitions worldwide. In Europe, the sport is also very structured, and our French team has very good results at the moment, but basketball is a sport mainly consumed in the American way: more stars, more permissive rules serving offensive spectacle, more resources, more show. In the United States, basketball is a real social phenomenon, and brands understood this very early. In the 1980s, they started, Nike leading the way, collaborating with NBA stars to offer sports equipment that would become fashion icons for the next 40 years. For this, brands were helped by globally broadcast commercials but also by the dazzling talent of basketball’s greatest star: Michael Jordan.

“His Airness,” as he is still called today, is truly the first fashion influencer from basketball. We obviously think of the Air Jordan, this legendary pair of sneakers that remains essential to this day. Also, the Nike Air Jordan logo, a highly effective visual tool that refers to the very aerial playing style of the legend Jordan. From this moment, basketball became internationally popular. This sport also began to inspire hip hop culture, with many rappers referencing this sport (still today), but also including NBA jerseys in their outfits, especially for music videos. We can say that it was in the 80s/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, proof of the influence they can have with the public.

Overall, we can say that basketball, especially the NBA, is a major influence on current urban cultures. Through rap, obviously, but also through fashion and marketing. The legendary Iverson shook up the dress codes of the league and the world; we also think of the many basketball players who made the “slides-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 show 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, the most awaited moment of the season, are coming soon, at Project X Paris, we decided to pay tribute to the basketball universe with some capsules.

PXP gives a nod to the Basketball universe A true streetwear brand cannot do without an outfit or streetwear style inspired by basketball. We have obviously already talked about the PXP UNIVERSITY capsule, which is directly linked to basketball. Indeed, many young people must go through university divisions before reaching the NBA. We therefore find the bomber jacket (men/women), the essential piece of a good sports outfit at university, usually in school colors. For a good men’s streetwear outfit, you can also opt for a combo of sweatpants and hoodie, with matching colors to create a very effective “men’s jogging set” effect. Almost all models are also wearable by women who can also create their own jogging 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 crew neck sweatshirt, perhaps a bit more versatile. For those who also like a slightly more vintage style, the SQUAD capsule is made for you. The style also directly refers to American university, but the logo typography and color choices give a slightly retro look that is also very fashionable right now. The cuts of 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 typical American clothing for young student athletes, especially basketball and American football players, a look both relaxed and rather sporty/dynamic that reflects their state of mind. Both capsules remain in a relatively traditional streetwear style regarding 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 nods both to basketball and video games. The mention “Project X Paris PIXEL CAPSULE” is written in small size just below the logo representing 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 basketball pixel design shorts, available in both colors. Finally, the surprise piece, for a maximum sporty effect, the sleeveless t-shirt, still with the same Pixel logo. A men’s garment that will recall basketball jerseys, a clear nod. We are really very proud of the logo inspired by “8-bit art,” a true cultural phenomenon on the net. And if at Project X we are obviously happy with our jogging sets and shorts on the three capsules, you can also pair the bomber jacket with wide jeans, like Iverson, or choose any other possibility. Because with these 3 collections, the color and model combinations are numerous! So gear up to enjoy these NBA playoffs in the most stylish outfit.