When it comes to style, not many athletes can match Jordan Clarkson. He recently attended New York Fashion Week, where he flaunted his excellent style. He was standing by the great designer’s side, sporting an oversized striped rugby jumper by Tommy Hilfiger. He came out of the hotel lobby sporting a large crucifix pendant by upcoming jeweler Alex Moss and a Canadian tuxedo by Balenciaga from Demna. He attended Bloomingdale’s 150th anniversary celebration and Harper’s Bazaar Global Icons Portfolio wearing a skirt and sleeveless gray tweed suit jacket by Thom Browne.
It should come as no surprise to see someone as well-known as Clarkson dressed in these designers’ creations. However, one of the Jazz musician’s most recent partnerships in the fashion sector might surprise you. The most recent campaign of Lululemon features Clarkson.
In the “Your Move” advertising campaign, Clarkson showcases an extensive range of the brand’s products, ranging from training-appropriate neon yellow Pace Breaker shorts to more casual looks like tan trench coats. Given his previous involvement with Ye’s Yeezy SHDZ campaign, it may come as a surprise that Clarkson sees potential for Lululemon’s upcoming chapter.
To be completely honest, they’re taking the brand to new heights. Exercise regimens, trends, or anything else. “I think they are growing in all aspects of that,” Clarkson tells Complex. He especially adores the Parkway Insulated Coat that he is sporting in the picture. “It’s like my favorite piece ever,” he says, paraphrasing.
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Clarkson is the kind of well-known face that may significantly raise Lululemon’s profile. His standing as one of the trendiest players in the NBA is just getting stronger. But is he really the best? He thinks this to be true, even though he’ll most likely also give flowers to guys like Frank Jackson and Kyle Kuzma.
According to Clarkson, “everyone got their own style.” “But I think I’m the best dressed for sure,” she responded.
This year, Clarkson, who is entering his eighth NBA season, will have his own obstacles to overcome on the court. As Donovan Mitchell and the other members of the Utah Jazz have left the team, former Sixth Man of the Year Rudy Gobert has watched. Although Clarkson’s name has recently been linked to trade rumors, he is dedicated to succeeding with the squad he starts the season with.
Clarkson declares, “I’m ready for whatever happens.” One player told me, “I’m just trying to win and take whatever team it is to the next level to hopefully win a championship one day. If I’m in a different jersey in a week or tomorrow I get a phone call and I have to put on whatever jersey it is.”
Continue reading to find out more about Clarkson’s opinions on the Utah Jazz’s summer adjustments, his connection to Lululemon, NBA fashion, and other topics.
This interview has been condensed and edited for readability.
Could you elaborate on your association with Lululemon? What exactly about them makes them the perfect business partner for your current project?
Their relationship blossomed organically. I believed in this novel, ground-breaking idea. They are truly improving the brand’s standing. Exercise regimens, trends, or anything else. They are getting better, in my opinion, in all essential areas.
I know we saw you out there campaigning today. Large window displays and other forms of store advertising prominently promote you. Is it your intention to release joint apparel at some point throughout this relationship? Are you going to be a part of that?
Who can say? Maybe because I always add my own special touch to things like clothes and style. It’s acceptable to feel unsure about that right now. That is, if they let me to be myself.
The advertisement emphasizes emotional health. Professional athletes frequently emphasize the importance of physical fitness, but what about mental health?
It has really aided in my professional and personal growth. I’ve always been the one to work hard at the gym, going there first thing in the morning and finishing it all up. But since I started meditating and paying attention to my breathing and mental processes, I’ve grown a lot as a person. To be honest, it has improved me and given me a more optimistic outlook on life.
It goes without saying that the season can be very demanding with all the games and travel. How do you keep your cool throughout the crazy Christmas season?
For my part, I generally just go slowly. I often find myself by myself in a hotel room. I value a place’s tranquility and calm. I close my eyes, inhale deeply, and concentrate on my surroundings. I’m just attempting to take in as much of this experience as I can right now. That is present already. That is on the buses. There are sometimes times when I don’t even wear headphones. I’m attempting to close my eyes and listen to the outside world in an attempt to tune it out.
Furthermore, I would want to discuss fashion briefly. I have no doubt that you were out and about during New York Fashion Week. Do you remember any particular performance or event that you were a part of?
Overall, the experience has been excellent. The Givenchy assortment was ill. Matthew [Williams] always looks put together and has a good sense of style. Tommy’s show was amazing in my opinion. I believe Jaylen Brown had a hand in the actions that led to that outcome. Watching Travis Barker pound the drums was amazing, even though the event was postponed due to rain. In a way, even the rain was cool. It appears that the aesthetics have been attained. Travis’s drumming and the ensuing water splashes made for an intense exercise routine.
Apart from you, there are other NBA players in the vicinity. Is it fascinating to watch the NBA’s style evolve further? Many of you have adjusted to the world of high fashion completely.
To put it simply, it’s disgusting as hell. For hoopers—and basically anyone—it’s just another avenue to pursue their passions and become involved in something they genuinely care about. If you only give it some thought, it is feasible. Thus, this is really an additional route that has been prepared for us to take. All it does is give the up-and-coming young players in the NBA more opportunities.
One of the most striking things I saw online was your Thom Browne ensemble—vest and skirt. Where did you locate those parts?
I think every single design created by Thom Browne is amazing. He follows a really unique route. It’s possible that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a model for the Paris exhibition. I entered and perused the seasonal releases to determine what to expect. [The outfit I wore to New York Fashion Week] probably won’t be available until the summer. It seemed like a natural selection to me.
Since my time in Cleveland, I have enjoyed a tremendous relationship with the Thom Browne crew. I trimmed my garments after I announced in our meeting that I was going to do so. I cut the legs shorter on the suit. The job is finished by Bron. We all eventually resorted to cutting our pants to make them into shorts. This isn’t an assortment of cheap suits. Everyone in the room let out a collective “Man, why is he doing that?”However, that was just my creative process coming to life.
I will always remember my time spent in Cleveland. During the Finals, exactly?
Yes. It would be a wall of tiredness. Finally, I realized we were in San Francisco. Guy, I can’t handle the heat. I take suppose this is what I have to wear to the game? I have to hem these pants, dude. [Giggles] Everyone wanted to appear to be in perfect harmony. We all texted each other as a group, exchanging clothing pictures and remarks.
Russelle Westbrook’s Met Gala gown has been likened to your latest Thom Browne suit. I want to know if Russ has influenced your style in any way.
Yes, in my perspective. However, personal preferences differ amongst designers. Thom Browne specializes in this. Most likely, we’re just good at making the skirts look attractive.
Who made the huge cross necklace you’ve been wearing?
Alex Moss made that specifically for you. Tyler, the Creator is the designer of several of his jewels. Not too long ago, I believe he also made Drake a ring. How nicely they get along is neat.
It caught my attention that you participated in the Yeezy SHDZ marketing campaign. What is your relationship to Ye?
Our camaraderie is wonderful. That strikes me as being really cool. Everyone in the area had an effect. I took part in that. We are discussing Kanye. That struck me as amusing.
I have a quick inquiry regarding the tattoos you possess. You had none at first, but it appears like you have all of them now. Why did you wish to delve deeper into that interest and give getting a tattoo a try?
I’ve always found this to be interesting. All I needed to do was find the right people. I didn’t want to get a lot of weird tattoos when I was younger that I would eventually have to cover up. I believe that in the end, my ideas were beneficial. I eventually found a tattoo artist that could accommodate my desires. I took a tiny step forward. I couldn’t decide between the two possible routes. Initially, there was patchwork. It was then that I decided I wanted to be extremely realistic. This is where everything about my story will be gathered. That friendship grew organically as well, and it’s currently on level with my closest friends. The name Steve Wiebe is his. He is similar to a sibling to me. He seems like a sibling or cousin to me. It was at the gym that we first spoke. I had a couple small tattoos in the past. I had daily tattoos for a week after that. [Giggles]
Although you’ve always been among the best-dressed players in the NBA, it feels like the discussion has gained a lot of traction since you moved to Utah. What would you say about your own distinct sense of style?
It flows well, in my perspective. what fits the body the best. Although clothes are tremendously innovative in and of themselves, I believe that wearers have equal responsibility for the finished result as do designers. To offer an example, you wouldn’t claim that “the Marilyn Monroe piece” was made by “blah, blah, blah” if you saw Kim Kardashian sporting a vintage item by Marilyn Monroe. I therefore view everything as creative. I wear whatever I feel comfortable in, whatever I like, and whatever I believe looks good. I don’t need to think about it. Upon awakening, my initial action is to gather little items from the floor. Right now, my room is disorganized like a war zone, with clothes all over the place in anticipation of fashion week. This is how I dress myself.
Though it’s obvious that you’re preoccupied with the matches and activity on the court, the pictures you uploaded from the tunnel are also getting a lot of attention. During the season, do you give that any thought?
Not at all, but then again, I’m not really looking at anything. Things are the way they are. The best thing is that love permeates everything. If they’re paying attention, everything is love. I don’t believe I’ve given anything much thought that could affect my body or mind. That will alter how the contest plays out. I feel so incredibly stuck. Every day, my friends and coworkers see me at work. I make myself get out of bed and out into the world each day so that I can focus on the things at hand.
Which offseason purchase has you the most enthusiastic?
The trench coat from Lululemon is my most valuable item right now. It looks heavy, but it’s actually quite light. Holy shit. That is, in a word, the greatest thing ever. Sincerely. I wore it in the video. It serves a function and is something I might use every day.
Do you believe that among all the players in the league, your wardrobe is the best?
Yes. The problem is that everyone took home their own spoils. Each of us has a distinct appearance. Me like Frank Jackson appears frequently. It appears that he is surfing his own wave. Kuz managed to grab a wave as well. Nonetheless, I think my outfit is the best. [Giggles]
It’s funny that you brought up those guys. I was just having a conversation with Kuz when he mentioned you and Frank Jackson.
What an absurd notion. I adore Frank Jackson so much. He is, in my view, the most authentic. That is so hot, I mean.
This season, many clubs are bringing back their vintage tactics and uniforms. The Jazz are wearing purple uniforms from the mountain era, bringing back a bygone era. Are you excited to play a game with those?
Indeed, why not? The garment is, in fact, legendary. All things complete a circle. The 90s are having a renaissance. Clothes that fits loosely is customary. It’s just the way things are, in my opinion. Everyone will never forget the year the Jazz won their mountain clothes and advanced to the postseason to play Jordan. I think the Spurs in San Antonio got a weird artifact. They brought back the fiesta jerseys about two or three years ago. It’s awesome that you guys are resurrecting these old favorites, buddy. When you’re a child, you witness people wearing those jerseys on the field. You can officially wear them now that you’ve achieved success. It is entirely distinct. I think that’s completely sick.
I’m still hoping that the Sixers will wear throwback Iverson outfits because I’m a fan.
That would be the sickest thing ever if them were to resurface. matching red and black together. Oh my god. What amazing jerseys those are. Additionally, they are unable to cut them to size. They should be enormous, man. Kobe wore a shorter short length due to the Lakers’ Showtime jerseys. They can therefore no longer refrain from wearing incredibly baggy shorts. Try the unimaginable.
The Jazz have seen a lot of activity this summer in terms of the basketball season. Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell are no longer members of the team. With all the changes, what are your expectations for the next season?
To be honest, I’m not sure. Right now, I’m ready for anything. I joined the league for the first time nine years ago. I feel like a young pro in this industry. I am therefore ready to proceed in whatsoever direction the owners, management, and I decide to take the team. It doesn’t matter if I wear a new jersey next week or if I have to wear whatever jersey I’m wearing because my goal is to win and push whatever team I’m on to the next level so that we can eventually win a championship. things is how I perceive things. My sole purpose for being in Utah is to win. My goal is to field a competitive team and make it to the postseason. Man, it’s hard to come down from [that] high. We have won for what feels like three years running. We were the league’s dominant team a few years ago. Even though it wasn’t our best year, we finished fourth in the West. We missed yet another chance to win a championship. Though it’s difficult, the dawn always brings with it better skies and the need to figure anything out.
Trades and roster changes are frequent occurrences in the NBA. A youthful core that includes D’Lo, Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram, and you has left a lasting impression on Lakers supporters. You’ve all since gone on to other franchises and established yourself there. Have you ever pondered what would have transpired if you two had been together and had more time to develop your relationship?
I think it was always going to end badly to have all of us there. I guess we were all stars in our own right [Laughs]. We all needed a change of scenery, so we split up and went our separate ways. I’m aware of the tweets and other online chatter. When you think about it now, it’s hilarious. The Lakers, in my opinion, did a fantastic job of evaluating us, finding our skill, and providing us with an opportunity by selecting us in the draft. But I don’t see how it could have worked out with us all on the same side. We wouldn’t have returned with a championship or anything, if you get my meaning. In any case, they secured LeBron for us. All of it is a day’s labor. We were all lights in our own respective parts. We had to leave our comfortable surroundings in order to grow in new ways.
I watched you play for the Philippines national team. Please elaborate on what this means to you and the significance of basketball in that country.
It’s an honor to simply represent the nation. Love is always present for me. The encouragement is constantly present. Every opportunity I get to represent and perform for that country is a highlight of my life. If we are lucky in August’s World Cup pool draw, maybe we can win a few games and make it to the Olympics. That is the most important thing I want to achieve for the national team and the country.