With the 2024 WNBA season underway, this year’s rookie class is garnering tons of attention not only for their serious play, but also for their off-court endeavors and personal style. Minnesota Lynx rookie Alyssa Pilley is one of the highly anticipated young talents many will be watching this season, and yet the 6-2 forward’s impact has always come outside of the box score; The Alaskans are currently tied with Ruthie Hebard as the highest Alaskan draft pick at No. 8 (Hebard was drafted by the Sky in 2020).
As a new professional, the former Utah star has continued to put his community and legacy first. From his first arrival to W—draft night in April—Piley wore an elegant, custom outfit from AUTHMADE STADIUM, a brand founded by Jason Wu in 2017. The brand has continued to redefine the intersection. fashion apparel and sports, and has created custom pieces for high-end clients for hoops and entertainment, including Bad Bunny, Jayson Tatum, and collaborations with NBA teams such as the Sacramento Kings and Brooklyn Nets.
AUTHMADE STADIUM primarily focuses on streetwear, making the dress creation a first for Vu. And yet, she’s not one to shy away from a challenge, especially one that incorporates elements of storytelling, purpose, and celebration of AAPI communities into her work. Wu began the process by getting to know Pili personally through texts, Zoom sessions, and inspirational drawings and sketches, all while hearing more about his story and connection to his roots.
“Being an AAPI Vietnamese immigrant and just being in an industry that needs more representation as a designer, I think the story compels me,” Vu told WSLAM.
For the draft, Pili specifically wanted to wear a piece that represented who he was and where he came from, and Wu’s attention to detail was instrumental in creating a look that complimented Pili’s personal style.
“Incorporating that tribal print into the look was a huge thing for Alyssa. She also wanted to show off her tribal tattoos, which are on both her right leg and left shoulder, so the built-in shoulder cutout in the look helped to compliment her body and highlight her tattoos,” she says.
For Pili, the end result was perfect. “My dress for the WNBA draft was a representation of my Polynesian culture,” says Peele. “I wanted to proudly incorporate where I came from, and designer Jason Wu did a great job taking my vision and creating a beautiful masterpiece.”
His draft night appearance was also the perfect introduction for W fans to get to know the rookie on a deeper level, all while paying homage to his community, family and upbringing. When asked what was most satisfying, Wu echoes that sentiment. “(It was perfect) to be able to make a dress that not only she was proud of, but her family, her community in Alaska, and the whole Polynesian community behind her,” she says.
This is just the beginning for AUTHMADE STADIUM. Brand simply has started a new collection in collaboration with the WNBA and the NBA, “So I Can Dream.”
Photo: On Time Agency & Minnesota Lynx, Jake Soriano.
