The W in Designer '24: Style Advancements on the Orange Carpet
Before arriving at the WNBA All-Star Weekend 2024, players and stylists had to secure carpet-ready looks during a rigorous week of games. While many players work with a stylist for the entire season, the Orange Carpet’s formal nature results in new players hiring stylists to elevate their style for this press-heavy weekend.
Some players turn to stylists to widen their wardrobe, like Kimberly Steward, Napheesa Collier’s stylist, who enjoys “pushing the envelope” and “embracing different styles.” Other players want their stylists to level up their natural style before introducing new elements or colors, like Marisa Ripepi, who works as Alyssa Thomas’ stylist. As more players hire stylists in different capacities, these relationships are highly personal and shaped by a wide range of style goals.
This selection of player outfits from the Orange Carpet features the top looks from players who don’t normally work with stylists and newer player-stylist duos.
Napheesa Collier
Napheesa Collier has teamed up with stylist Kimberly Steward to create looks “to match her beauty and prowess on and off court.” Collier’s black, dramatic dress was an upcycled original creation by Steward, teasing the upcoming Kimberly’s Bag project. Steward shares that the duo is making a statement by intentionally styling Collier in Black-owned and women-owned brands. Her Orange Carpet accessories include a necklace by Debbie Fallon Collection, a bracelet by Mya Lambrecht Jewelry, and a purse by House of Everre.
Aliyah Boston
For her second year at All-Star Weekend, Aliyah Boston goes for a full red leather look and signature gold hoop earrings from ÖFUURË. Working with stylists Marc Desir and Vna Gudino, the team wanted to elevate Boston’s natural style, “showcasing her boldness and confidence.” Creating visual drama through a leather crop top and trench coat, the stylists felt that the brand captured her vibrant energy.
Charisma Osborne
Charisma Osborne is recovering from an injury but teamed up with stylist Tosha Hartzog to ensure that she’d still look fly for the Orange Carpet. Wearing a washed leather set from Finessa Williamz, Hartzog’s vision for the look was “elevated street style.” Despite Phoenix’s scorching temperatures, Osborne commits to the look with a pair of dark, contrasting tights and leather boots. Her stylist clarifies that the tights were multifunctional, subtlety concealing a Band-Aid on her leg.
Alyssa Thomas
The most consistent elements of Alyssa Thomas’ tunnel style appear in her Orange Carpet outfit– coordination with DeWanna Bonner’s look, neutral colors, and sunglasses. Both Thomas and Bonner are working with stylist Marisa Ripepi this season, who selected a Manière De Voir suit with AMBUSH sunglasses for Thomas. Ripepi notes that Devin Booker is a style inspiration for Thomas and that it’s super important that Alyssa “feels like herself no matter where we end up taking [her style.]”
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