Kobe Bryant‘s legacy extends beyond the basketball court and onto the fashion runway.
On Wednesday, Nike honored the late Los Angeles Lakers legend during theirNew York Fashion Weekshow at The Shed in New York City.
The 2020 Nike Forum experience showcased models donned in the brand’s vibrant line of athleisure and included pieces designed for the upcoming2020 Olympicsin Tokyo. During one poignant moment in the midst of the energetic show, six children walked out onto the runway wearing classic Lakers jerseys with Bryant’s famed numbers, 8 and 24.
The young athletes stood quietly and looked out into the audience, honoring the athlete, whodied in a helicopter crashalongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna on Jan. 26.
Celebrities in attendance at the show includedDrake,Kendrick Lamar,RosalíaandTravis Scott,who all took in the unique runway experience from the front row.
Bennett Raglin/Getty Images
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Bryant had signed a $40 million deal with Nike in 2003. After his death, the brand released a statement in his honor, writing, “Kobe was one of the greatest athletes of his generation and has had an immeasurable impact on the world of sport and the community of basketball. He was a beloved member of the Nike family. We will miss him greatly. Mamba forever.”
In the days after his death, Nike saidthey had sold out of all Bryant-related products, despite reports that they were pulled from the website in order to limit the resell of the NBA star’s merchandise so that items wouldn’t later be resold at a higher price.
Site searches for “Kobe” or “Kobe Bryant” now redirect to the statement.
Bryant and Gianna, who was also a rising basketball star, died in a helicopter crash alongside seven others:John Altobelli,Keri Altobelli,Alyssa Altobelli,Sarah Chester, Payton Chester,Christina Mauserand pilotAra Zobayan.
The athlete’s widow, Vanessa Bryant,spoke out for the first timelast week, telling fans in an emotional Instagram post that she is “devastated” over the loss of her “adoring” husband, 41, and their “beautiful, sweet” daughter Gianna.
Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna.Paul Bereswill/Getty
“My girls and I want to thank the millions of people who’ve shown support and love during this horrific time. Thank you for all the prayers,” Vanessawrote.
If you would like to help the families of the victims of the crash, consider donating to theMamba on Three Fund. Contributions to theMamba Sports Foundationwill help support youth sports.
source: people.com
