Golden State Team’s First-Ever Fashion Show Showcases Talents Beyond Basketball

The Golden State Valkyries took to the runway on Thursday night, but it wasn’t the kind of court they’re used to. The team’s first-ever fashion show, held at Above the Rim at Chase Center, featured 13 models showcasing the Valkyries’ new merchandise collection on a black-and-white Sephora-themed stage. The event marked a new chapter for the team, allowing players to express themselves in a different way.

Tiffany Hayes, the team’s lead designer and founder of her own brand Seyah, contributed two looks to the show. One of the looks was modeled by center Temi Fagbenle, who was thrilled to support her teammate. “It means everything,” Fagbenle said. “When I was told I was wearing it, I was so happy, and it fits amazingly. So I told her, I’m stealing it. Apparently, it’s a sample. So I don’t know how that’s gonna work, but if she doesn’t find it, then she knows where it is.”

Hayes, who launched Seyah last September, has been gaining popularity among WNBA players. Her designs have been worn by several players this season, including Fagbenle and Laeticia Amihere. “It means a lot just to know that this organization has my back with that,” Hayes said. “Letting me put my brand and their fashion show, like, it’s really big for me. This is, like, my third fashion show, and I’m just starting out as a brand. It’s not even been two years yet. So for me to be in that many shows, I think I’m doing pretty good.”

The event marked a new intersectionality for the team, allowing players to express themselves beyond their athletic abilities. “Fashion is just a form of expression,” Amihere said. “On the court, we express ourselves as athletes, and off the court, we’re way bigger than that. We’re moms or sisters or fashionistas. So to this opportunity to express yourself, you see how people’s personalities come out. So I think it’s just a great intersectionality where we’re just able to be ourselves.”

For Charles, who originally signed a seven-day hardship contract at the end of July and is now on a rest-of-season deal, the fashion show was a welcome change of pace. “I don’t have any clothes here,” she said with a laugh. “But I try to make it work; Temi always helps us out.”

The team’s dance members modeled the rest of the collection, which will be available in the team store in October. The event was a huge success, with the team’s players and staff showcasing their talents beyond basketball.

As for Hayes, she’s already planning her next collection. “Fashion is a form of self-expression, and I’m excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,” she said.

The Golden State Valkyries’ fashion show marked a new chapter in the team’s history, and it’s clear that they’re ready to take on the world, both on and off the court.