When it comes to style icons, we are usually inspired by what celebrities, musicians or designers wear. Recently, an emerging group of style icons has surfaced: celebrity athletes. These highly influential athletes are both slaying in their respective sports arena as well as in the fashion world. Without further ado, here are our pick of the top 5 most stylish sportsmen.
Mr. David Beckham the English Gentleman
This retired English footballer is the epitome of classic British style. Favouring a neutral palette of greys, beiges and browns, and a focus on tailored pieces to boast his athletic frame. He broke the menswear internet (and ladies' hearts) with his immaculate tailored morning coat that he wore for Prince Harry and Megan Markle's royal wedding earlier this year. Mr. Beckham's oldest son Brooklyn is following in his father's fashion footsteps (and surpassing it) with a fresh sense of tailored fashion.
Mr. Lewis Hamilton the Grand Prix of Fashion
What's slicker and shinier than an F1 race car? Mr. Hamilton's wardrobe choices for sure. Understandably the most fashion famous of all the F1 drivers, Mr. Hamilton dresses up ready for galas and fashion week in sequined embroidered tuxedos and bold striking patterned suits. And not forgetting to accessorise with a supermodel in hand.
Mr. Le Bron James the Suited Giant
Standing at 2.03m / 6'8", this professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers is a huge fan of Thom Browne. In 2017, when Mr. James was playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, he and his teammates were fitted with bespoke suits from Browne. The result was a parade of sartorial camaraderie that led the Cavaliers on a winning streak to the finals. Until Mr. James switched his suit trousers to suit shorts on the day of the finals, his team lost to the Golden State Warriors. Dressing for success? I guess not...
Mr. Hendrik Lundqvist the King of Suave
The NHL is not really at the top of the fashion game until Swedish Mr. Lundqvist came along with his European sense of style. The New York Rangers goalie cuts a sharp tailored look in his signature velvet jacket, grey suits and impeccable grooming. His favourite piece of accessory? A tie clip with the diamond from his wife’s engagement ring. A true gentleman indeed.
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Mr. Adam Rippon the Rising (Style) Star
Mr. Rippon is an American figure skater. This courageous and inspirational young man is winning metals and people's hearts by being an openly gay Olympic athlete and advocate for LGBTQ+ causes. He took formal menswear to another level at this year's Oscars wearing a Moschino tux with a leather harness, a fashion move that propelled him to higher sartorial heights. Mr. Rippon, who is on this year's TIME 100 list, looks strong and regal in a black embroidered suit he wore at the TIME 100 Gala. We look forward to more of his inspirational and groundbreaking style.
Bonus pick: Connor McGregor the Rakish Badass
Fresh from the epic battle of Nurmagomedov vs McGregor, we have to feature the aggressive and flamboyant suit style of Mr. McGregor. Who can forget the 'fxxx you' pinstripe navy suit he wore last year? And no one besides Mr. McGregor can pull off a magenta pink windowpane suit accessorised with a UFC championship belt with panache. Let's not forget his personal tailor and business partner David August for stitching his showstopping suits and proving that with the right attitude and tailor, you can conquer the world.
On a lighter note, here's McGregor's infant son wearing a bespoke suit stitched by his tailor.
