DeAndre Hopkins is in a league of his own
We sat down with the NFL superstar to discuss walking the Vetements show, not having a stylist and his interests outside of football
With a decade-plus career of highlight reel moments, DeAndre Hopkins is unquestioningly a generational NFL player, yet it’s his unique sense of style that separates him from other superstars. Known for not having a stylist, yet still throwing together some of the best looks out there, it’s clear that Hopkins is a well-studied student of fashion. We sat down with Hopkins to discuss walking the Vetements show, early inspirations, his interests outside of football and much more.
“You should dress how you feel and wear what you like. It allows for individuality."
You’re known as one of the most stylish athletes in sports yet you’re also known for not using a stylist. How important is authenticity for you in fashion?
Authenticity is everything when it comes to fashion. I think fashion is a great creative outlet for you to express yourself and show the world who you are. You should dress how you feel and wear what you like. It allows for individuality.
What has the experience of walking for, and working closely with, huge brands like Fear of God and Vetements been like? Was there anything in those experiences that was surprising to you? Any lessons learned?
The experience has been eye-opening. As a consumer, you usually just see the final product, but being able to work closely with some amazing brands has shown me a little of the behind-the-scenes. The team it takes to put together shows and collections, the attention to detail, the storytelling, it’s been great to witness and learn from.
It’s been said that you want to one day start your own fashion line. Do you have a vision for what that might look like? Or an idea of when it might happen?
I want my fashion line to be an extension of me. It’s clothes I would wear every day, but I also want it to be for everyone. Keep an eye out for something in the near future.
Growing up who were your fashion inspirations? Who do you look to now for inspiration?
Growing up, I got my fashion from my dad. He’s always been a well dressed guy, a 3-piece suit, mink coats. Now, I like Pharrell and Kanye, but I also take inspo from different eras in time.
The conversation around men’s fashion has become so much more open and progressive over the last few decades. How do you see menswear evolving into the future?
I think you’re starting to see it now, but fashion as a whole is becoming more unisex. It’s more about shape and texture than graphics printed on blanks.
So much of your life has revolved around football and the amazing career you’ve had, but clearly there is so much more to you. Outside of fashion, what are other things you hope to explore and learn about in the future?
I really like art and interior design. I’ve collected a number of art pieces in the past and am always looking at up-and-coming artists. I also really love furniture. I’ve designed a number of custom pieces that are in my house right now.
