Go Sports! Athlete Stylists Brittany Hampton and Manny Jay on Dressing WNBA It Girls, and Why It's More Than Picking Out Clothes

In this captivating episode of The Who What Wear Podcast, host Hilary Kerr introduces listeners to Brittany Hampton and Manny Jay, two of the top stylists shaping the fashion landscape within the WNBA. Under the guidance of senior fashion editor Eliza Huber, the conversation delves deep into the intersection of sports and fashion, exploring how stylists go beyond merely selecting outfits to curate powerful personal brands for female athletes.

1. Introducing the Stylists

Eliza Huber begins by presenting the esteemed backgrounds of her guests:

• Brittany Hampton: A creative director, designer, and stylist with a client roster that includes WNBA stars like Sabrina Ionescu, Cameron Brink, Evan Mobley, Paige Beckers, and Nika Mule. Brittany collaborates frequently with Nike and has recently taken on the role of fashion strategist for the Golden State Valkyries.

• Manny Jay: While newer to athlete styling, Manny boasts experience styling musicians such as Trippie Redd and Tink. His recent partnership with Skylar Diggins Smith has marked his entry into the WNBA styling scene. Additionally, Manny launched his own podcast, Stage Styling My Way Through.

2. Paths to Styling

Manny Jay shares his journey into styling, which began in childhood. At [02:38], he recounts, "My parents gave me the free will to shop when I was like 8 or 9... my sister was like, well, I like what you're wearing. How about you pick out my fits?" This early involvement led him to assist friends with their wardrobes, eventually transforming his passion into a career after overcoming cancer at 19.

Brittany Hampton echoes a similar sentiment, emphasizing the influence of family and friends in her path. At [04:20], she notes, "Styling ended up being within family first and then friends... defining who they are as characters in this world." Brittany's background in design, inspired by her grandmother, seamlessly transitioned into styling through hands-on experience and viral success with her brand, Dolls Couture.

3. Transitioning to WNBA Styling

The discussion shifts to Manny Jay’s transition from musician styling to the WNBA. At [06:55], Manny explains, "There’s so much opportunity within the sports styling world... brands love athletes as well." His proactive approach and belief in manifesting opportunities led him to collaborate with Skylar Diggins Smith, expanding his influence in sports fashion.

Brittany Hampton adds at [07:42], "There's tennis, and I have Sloane Stevens, and there's Jess Sims... there’s so many different athletes that you’re kind of just like, oh, wow, this is insane." This diversification underscores the vast potential within various sports arenas.

4. The Impact of Fashion on Athletes

A central theme of the episode is the profound impact of fashion on athletes’ confidence and personal branding:

• Brittany Hampton emphasizes, "I need to look good and feel good. This is a me moment." ([28:33]) highlighting how pivotal fashion is for self-expression and empowerment.

• Manny Jay shares Skylar Diggins Smith’s perspective: "If I feel good, I play good. Like, that’s just how it is." ([28:20]) reinforcing the idea that appearance directly influences performance.

5. Collaborations with Brands

Both stylists discuss their dynamic relationships with fashion brands:

• Brittany Hampton highlights partnerships with established brands like Coach and Stuart Weitzman, noting the importance of brand support despite challenges with sizing and fitting. At [12:14], she remarks, "There are brands willing to support, there’s a range of them, there’re emerging designers who want that opportunity to showcase what they have."

• Manny Jay observes an increase in brand interest, stating, "Brands are reaching out to your clients." ([11:56]) signaling a growing recognition of athletes as influential fashion icons.

6. Case Study: Paige Beckers’ Draft Fashion

A standout moment in the conversation revolves around styling Paige Beckers for her draft:

• Brittany Hampton narrates the meticulous process of securing a tailored Louis Vuitton ensemble for Paige. Initially facing brand hesitance, Brittany persistently advocated, resulting in a stunning all-white suit that perfectly encapsulated Paige’s persona. At [19:57], she shares, "When she puts it on and it fits like a glove, I'm like, oh, she's my model."

• This collaboration not only elevated Paige’s visibility but also highlighted the stylists' role in bridging high fashion with athletic identity.

7. Stylists as Mentors and Support Systems

The episode underscores the mentorship aspect of styling:

• Brittany Hampton speaks to the deeper relationships formed, stating, "Some of my clients call me their auntie... it's about defining who they are and who you are to them as their mentor." ([09:23]) This nurturing approach fosters trust and personal growth among athletes.

• Manny Jay adds, "These girls work their butts off. They need to get paid more. Just seeing how passionate they still are... it's really inspiring." ([25:32]) emphasizing the mutual respect and inspiration shared between stylists and clients.

8. Manny Jay's Podcast: Stage Styling My Way Through

Manny introduces his podcast, sharing its inspirational origins:

• Having battled cancer twice, Manny found solace and purpose in fashion. At [26:44], he explains, "Styling My Way Through is like Styling My Way Through Cancer. Styling My Way Through Life." The podcast features conversations with clients and industry peers, exploring how fashion intersects with life’s challenges and triumphs.

9. Current Trends in Tunnel Fashion

The stylists discuss emerging trends within the WNBA tunnel:

• Manny Jay notes a surge in suiting and business looks, expressing, "I feel like that’s never gonna get old." ([32:12])

• Brittany Hampton highlights the blend of masculine and feminine styles, adding, "Glasses are just a thing... some players can pull it off." ([32:19])

• Both advocate for more androgynous and high-fashion looks, inspired by runway trends, to elevate the aesthetic of tunnel walks.

10. The Future of WNBA and Fashion Partnerships

Looking ahead, both stylists are optimistic about the continued growth of fashion partnerships within the WNBA:

• Brittany Hampton confidently states, "In due time. Caitlin being, you know, Prada right now is the start of it." ([34:28]) suggesting that more WNBA players will become official faces for luxury brands like Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Versace.

• This anticipated surge will further integrate high fashion into the athletic realm, enhancing both the league's visibility and the athletes’ personal brands.

11. Concluding Thoughts

The episode wraps up with heartfelt acknowledgments of the stylists' pivotal roles:

• Brittany Hampton and Manny Jay express their dedication to supporting and elevating their clients, emphasizing that their work is a blend of passion, mentorship, and strategic brand collaborations.

• Eliza Huber commends their efforts, highlighting the transformative power of fashion in sports and personal empowerment.

This episode of The Who What Wear Podcast masterfully illustrates how fashion and sports intertwine to create empowering narratives for female athletes. Through the expertise and passion of Brittany Hampton and Manny Jay, listeners gain a profound understanding of the multifaceted role stylists play in shaping not just appearances, but entire personal and professional identities within the WNBA.