By Mauricio Segura August 25, 2025
Photo: GBT Graphics
When you think of basketball, your mind probably zips right to high-flying dunks, buzzer-beaters, or that clingy WNBA jersey. But come August 28, the Golden State Valkyries are dribbling into a whole new arena, the world of fashion. That’s right: they’re hosting their inaugural Valkyries Fashion Show, presented by Sephora, and it’s more than just a side hustle, it’s a bold statement.
Slated for Above the Rim, an exclusive space within the Chase Center that offers sweeping views of San Francisco and the bay, the event outfits its runway in a custom Sephora-branded flair and brings together a mash-up of athleticism, identity, and artistry. Imagine emerging designers, established labels, and a couple of special Tiffany Hayes originals all strutting past you, 15 pieces in total, 13 from a curated lineup of designers such as Retired from Society, AuthMade, Dead Dirt, Ru by Rupal, and Kids of Immigrants, plus two bold looks designed by Hayes herself, who’s no stranger to fashion statements.
Tiffany Hayes isn’t just walking the walk, she’s making the runway her personal playground. In her own words, fashion has been “how I tell my story… my identity is bigger than how I perform when I’m on the court.” And by designing a couple of her own looks, she’s giving fans a two-for-one dose of style and substance.
It’s not just about glittering outfits, though. Valkyries President Jess Smith hits the nail on the head: “Fashion in sports isn't just about clothing; it's a powerful form of self-expression… a visual representation of the league's culture, bold, confident, and unapologetically authentic.” And let’s be real, having a player like Hayes, who blends grit with glam, crafting the vibe, only boosts that authenticity.
This all unfolds during what the team is billing as Valkyries Fashion Week, a spate of exclusive content ranging from fashion tips to retrospective “look-back” features aimed at showcasing the players’ creativity off the court. Basically, they’re turning what usually happens in the tunnel into something you’d stroll down in stilettos, except this time, it's sneakers, jerseys, and a serious swagger.
The strategic timing matters, too. The Valkyries are in their first season, logo unveiled in 2024 and games launched in 2025, carving out their identity in the fierce Western Conference. So why not blur the lines between sport and style and stake a claim in both arenas? They’re not just building a team, they’re cultivating a culture. And they’re doing it with intentional flair.
What this says to fans, especially young women of color hungry for representation, is that strength doesn’t have to be rough-hewn or muted. It can be expressive, vibrant, and unapologetically beautiful. Hayes’ choice to design her own pieces only amplifies that message. She’s not confined by the stereotypical athlete mold, she’s rewriting it, stitch by stitch.
And here's what I find most intriguing: this isn’t some fleeting marketing gimmick. The 13 curated designer pieces will be available in the Valkyries Shop starting in October, meaning fans can actually wear the story they watched unfold on runway. That’s commitment to brand storytelling and capitalism wrapped into one.
At its heart, the Valkyries Fashion Show signals something bigger: this franchise isn’t just minting athletic stars, it’s cultivating cultural icons. They’re leaning into fashion to extend their reach, deepen their impact, and highlight how empowerment can be both seen and felt. Whether it’s through a three-pointer or a pair of couture sneakers, they’re sending a clear message: we’re here, we’re multifaceted, and we’re unapologetically ourselves.
So, come August 28, Above the Rim isn’t hosting your average runway, it’s staging a cultural slam dunk.
