You may know that NBA star, Yao Ming, has a fashion line, and you may have even heard of his clothing collection being worn by popular celebrities like Katy Perry and Kim Kardashian. He is often seen wearing designer apparel and expensive-looking hauls of jewelry. Now, with his latest project, the 24Sata 24 collection, he is showing the fashion world a side of Yao we have never seen before. The designer took inspiration from the classic Chinese painting style – featuring bright, colourful characters – and created a collection that emulates the excitement and vitality of Chinese culture.
Why Is Yao Ming Involved In Fashion?
For those unfamiliar, Yao is one of the most influential figures in Chinese culture. He is the all-time leader in points scored per game (29.7 points per game), the first player to score 20,000 points in a career, and the only person to have their own theme song. If you are unfamiliar, the tune “Chinese New Year” is dedicated to none other than our favorite pint-sized basketball player. During Chinese New Year celebrations, spectators would yell “yao” – or shout “yayo” in Cantonese – at the top of their lungs when the Los Angeles Lakers played the Houston Rockets.
But beyond his celebrity, Yao has a long history in the fashion world. He has modelled for prestigious designers like Armani, Burberry, and Ralph Lauren, and has graced the covers of Vogue China, Elle China, and W Magazine.
What Is This 24Sata 24 Collection?
The 24Sata 24 collection is an expression of Yao’s passion for Chinese culture and artistry. The designer wanted to pay homage to the classic Chinese painting style known as ‘sata’ (数字 səta – “to count”), which is characterized by its use of colors, movement, and abundant details. Hence, the 24sata in the collection’s name.
The designer combined vintage and contemporary elements in his designs, incorporating leather straps and gold-rimmed studs into his outfits. Each look features exquisite workmanship, with the handmade jewelry adding extra touches of luxury. This is a unique look at Yao’s fashion side – one that we suspect will become a regular feature.
Why Is This Collection So Succinct?
The designer wanted to give the collection a raw, urban feel, drawing inspiration from his time living in Los Angeles. While there are a lot of outfits to choose from, the designer decided to include only 24 looks to ensure a quick, easy and elegant fitting for his celebrity and A-list clients. The outfits in the collection are designed in a way that makes them look effortless and luxurious. There’s nothing frumpy about any of these looks – they are all elegant and polished.
Even the jewelry in the collection features high-quality materials and unique designs, making it look like a perfect match for the outfits.
Why Is This Collection Perfect For The Big Game?
While the main objective of the 24Sata 24 collection is to pay homage to classic Chinese painting, the designer also wants to make a statement about the influence that Chinese art and culture have on his designs. The outfits in the collection are bold and vibrant, incorporating a variety of colors, patterns, and textures – all of which are representative of Chinese culture. The attention to detail in the outfits, from the studs on the jacket sleeves to the hand-stitched leather straps, gives an extra touch of luxury.
For those who want to represent China at the Big Game, this is the perfect opportunity to do so in style. Not only will you be able to check out the unique and luxurious designs but you’ll also have the chance to work on your fitness level as well. With no frumpy or overwhelming styles to choose from, you will have a good chance of having fun while also staying fit.