Paige Bueckers Wore a Legendary Tunnel Fit for Her First WNBA Game in Minnesota

For a renowned athlete like Paige Bueckers, firmly at a point where every move she makes generates headlines, an occasion as momentous as her first WNBA game in her home state called for a truly special outfit. On Wednesday night, when Bueckers pulled up to the Target Center for her Dallas Wings’ meeting with the Minnesota Lynx, she was draped in lilac. The pleasing shade of purple wasn’t the only notable aspect of the rookie’s fit, however. The entire look was cooked up by Dapper Dan (known to most as “Dap”), the peerless Harlem designer who first melded the worlds of hip-hop and fine tailoring.

“Dapper Dan is a pioneer and absolute legend in the fashion world,” Bueckers told GQ via email. “He’s one of the best tailors and has such a strong, unique point of view. Working with him was a cool experience because I got to meet him, see how much he loves what he does, and watch that passion come through in his designs.”

Bueckers, who grew up in nearby St. Louis Park, Minnesota, wanted to make a statement with her inaugural Minneapolis tunnel fit. By placing the responsibility in Dapper Dan’s ever-capable hands, she ensured her look would not only be a one-of-one, but also come laced with Dap’s signature drip. The end result was a handcrafted tracksuit—a slightly elevated take on classic streetwear—which prominently featured Bueckers’ preferred hue, a muted shade of light purple. Dap’s logo adorned the jacket, too, leaving no question about who was responsible for this head turner.

“It’s nice that she’s entering this world with her favorite color, the lilac,” Dap said, calling in from Harlem. “It is nice that she gets a chance to reflect herself, and it’s nice that I get a chance to bring that out. Every artist that I’ve ever [worked with], I sit down with them and find out what they want to say. For me, the garment, it must say something to you. It must tell a story. Whatever you want people to think of you, you have to dress that way. You have to tell that story.”

The story of Bueckers’ WNBA homecoming was a bittersweet one, as the Wings lost by four and she put up a 12-point, 10-assist double-double. Her entrance was a memorable part of the evening, too. In addition to using a color near and dear to Bueckers’ heart, Dap incorporated some subtle Western motifs in the drawstrings and pants, an homage to the point guard’s new home in Texas. The rust orange used for the striping down the pant legs and jacket sleeves—and also in the cuffs at the bottom of the pleated pants—really sings when paired with the lilac.

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