NBA Star Dwyane Wade Continues Stylish Versace Campaign
Retired NBA star Dwyane Wade continues to prove his time in the limelight is nowhere near over. Following an eventful 2023, which included Wade getting inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the former Miami Heat player has impressively opened 2024. Only a few months into the new year, and Wade has already received a lot of buzz from his painted nails causing controversy at a January basketball game to his rumored senate bid in Florida. One of the most exciting for Wade’s admirers, though, is his newest Versace fashion campaign.
Wade’s Versace profile
In his second year as a Versace endorser, Wade’s latest campaign sees the athlete modeling both sunglass and optical eyewear. Each piece features a structured frame with contrasting colors in varying patterns. What sets this campaign apart, according to the brand and Wade, is that it also introduces a new initiative called “Versace Profiles.” In this project, the brand will introduce the models they work within a more intimate fashion. For Wade, this included asking him to share a few items that were dear to him. This included his very first NBA ring and a photograph of his daughter Kaavia. Shot by acclaimed photographer Mario Sorrenti, this project is expected to continue with other campaigns Versace will roll out throughout the year.
A continued partnership
Wade’s latest Versace collab is the luxury brand’s latest effort at celebrity endorsements. Last year, the illustrious Italian brand onboarded some of the biggest names in entertainment, from athletes like Wade to K-pop idols like Stray Kids’ Hwang Hyunjin. Just recently, the Versace sunglasses campaign for Fall-Winter 2023 featured supermodels Gigi Hadid and Irina Shayk. This latest collection featured statement styles that the brand is known for, such as oversized frames, wraparound silhouettes, and embellished gold hardware. All of which evoke the same boldness that Versace stands for.
Over a year ago, Wade was first announced as the newest face of Versace men’s eyewear. In that campaign, Wade expressed his long-time admiration for the fashion house and fashion in general. Long considered one of the NBA’s most stylish, Wade was known for his pregame outfits, which haute couture designers often made. A staple in fashion events, Wade and his wife, actress Gabrielle Union, were even counted among the 2023 Met Gala’s most fashionable couples. For those outside of the fashion bubble, the Met Gala is widely considered one of the most exclusive industry events where only the cream of the stylish crop can go.
The talented Mr. Wade
So, what’s next for Dwyane Wade? An honorary bronze statue, apparently. The Miami Heat has announced that in the Fall of 2024, they’ll unveil Wade’s statue in front of the Kesaya Center. Oscar Leon and Omri Amrany will sculpt the statue. The latter is the artist responsible for other famous NBA sculptures like that of Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Dirk Nowitzki. Meanwhile, Leon has also created pieces for athletic legends like baseball Hall of Famer Nellie Fox.
In terms of fashion, Wade continues to be an active presence. Earlier this year, he and his wife attended a two-day Versace event. With the famed Met Gala coming up soon, we can also expect the icon will make another stylish appearance there.
