Golden State Valkyries: WNBA Team Set for Exciting Fashion Show Debut

## Golden State Valkyries to Host Inaugural Fashion Show

The Golden State Valkyries, a team in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), are set to hold their first-ever fashion show. This exciting event is presented by Sephora, a beauty omnichannel retailer that became the team’s sponsor in April.

### A Celebration of Style and Culture

The forthcoming fashion show aims to honor the intersection of basketball, fashion, and beauty culture. It will feature two unique pieces designed by Valkyries guard Tiffany Hayes, under the creative guidance of stylist and Valkyries Collective member Brittany Hampton.

The show is scheduled for August 28 at ‘Above the Rim,’ a private venue located above the Chase Center. This impressive location overlooks downtown San Francisco and the Bay Area, where the Valkyries compete. Attendees can look forward to a custom Sephora-branded catwalk showcasing a total of 15 pieces – 13 of which have been thoughtfully curated from various emerging and established designers, which include Retired from Society, AuthMade, Dead Dirt, Ru by Rupal, and Kids of Immigrants. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase these pieces at Valkyries Shop starting in October.

### Voices of Empowerment

Jess Smith, the president of the Valkyries, shared her insights: “Fashion in sports is more than just clothing; it’s a vital means of self-expression, reflecting one’s unique identity. It serves as a collective statement, illustrating the bold, confident, and unapologetically authentic culture of the league.”

She added, “For numerous athletes, it narrates their stories on and off the court, connecting them with fans while shaping the cultural landscape of the league.”

Hayes elaborated on her connection to fashion, stating, “Fashion is instrumental in my personal journey. It’s my way of telling my story without uttering a word. While people often see me in my sports uniform, my personal style allows me to reveal different facets of myself. It instills confidence in me and reminds me that my identity transcends my performance on the court.”

### A Meaningful Partnership with Sephora

The collaboration with Sephora, which signed a multiyear partnership in April, marks a significant milestone for the Valkyries. The beauty retailer now holds the naming rights to the team’s 31,800-square-foot, cutting-edge performance center, newly named the ‘Sephora Performance Center.’ This partnership also includes branded elements at the Chase Center, such as a kiosk for fans to purchase beauty products and a dedicated DJ booth.

As fans await this groundbreaking fashion show, how do you think such events can reshape the perception of athletes in the realm of fashion and culture?