Dwyane Wade has never played it safe when it comes to fashion—and honestly, why would he? Flash back to the 2012 NBA Playoffs. Wade showed up in a pink pantsuit, no socks, and loafers—people joked it was Miami Vice meets Pepto-Bismol chic. And remember the murse? Yeah, Wade had that strapped cross-body way before it hit the mainstream. His looks have always sparked conversation, blending confidence with just the right edge. But at the Met Gala, Wade shifted the focus from Prada to perfume.

The 2025 Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” was all about honoring the elegance, creativity, and history of Black fashion. From 18th-century style to today’s bold tailoring. It was a love letter to Black excellence and the evolution of menswear. Tailored silhouettes, bold statements, and deep-rooted cultural pride took over the carpet. And who better to embody that energy than Wade and Gabrielle Union? This Met Gala moment wasn’t just about couture, Wade was here to celebrate a new fragrance chapter.

Wade has always had a deep connection with fragrances, and now he’s taking that passion to the next level as the new face of Aramis—the iconic scent under the $21.7 billion umbrella of Estée Lauder Companies. “It’s always been a dream of mine to be in a fragrance campaign,” Wade shared, and it’s easy to see why this is such a special moment for him. In Chicago, young Wade and his brothers smelled of Cool Water as their father applied it each morning. A memory he revisited in Vogue’s recent interview.

That childhood scent left a mark—and now Wade wants to forge similar memories for others. “I want other people to have a memory of me through scent,” he said. But make no mistake—this is also Wade being Wade. The man has always chased attention in the most unapologetic ways. “I’ve been taking off my shirt for years, trying to get people to notice me!” he once joked, and honestly, this fragrance move fits right into that playbook. It’s not just about smelling good—it’s about being remembered, being talked about, and standing out.

He’s long followed a simple ritual—wash, brush, spritz—believing a signature scent can etch lasting memories. “I’m an everyday fragrance wearer,” Wade said to Vogue. “It’s wash my face, brush my teeth, put fragrance on. I want other people to have a memory of me through scent.” This deep-rooted passion for fragrance is evident in how much attention he gives to every scent he wears.

In fact, he once joked about his love for Tom Ford’s Private Blend White Suede Eau de Parfum, saying, “I love this cologne because it smells like my sweat. Just kidding! It is how I imagine my sweat would smell if I were to sweat cologne. It has a sweet yet manly musk smell that stays with me all day.” It’s this attention to detail and his desire to make an impact that make his role with Aramis so fitting.

Beyond bottles, Wade’s style ventures span Prada suiting to nail art. Each choice highlights his penchant for precision.

Dwyane Wade and Union speak on the power of self-identity

Wade’s flair for fashion traces back to his roots in Chicago. It’s where his first style inspiration came from none other than his father. “My dad was just a fly dude,” Wade recalls, highlighting how his father’s effortless cool shaped his own sense of style. “And it didn’t matter if it was a sweatsuit or a suit.” That commitment to detail, that understanding of the importance of presentation, has stuck with Wade throughout his life.

At this year’s Met Gala, Wade’s presence was nothing short of mesmerizing. He’s been open about how much the Met means to him, calling it “a huge deal” and “one of my favourite events of the year.” To make a statement, he stepped out in a white Prada suit that exuded sophistication. But it wasn’t just the suit that turned heads—it was the thoughtful details that set his look apart. A vest with bold, vibrant accents peeked out from under his blazer, and his nails, painted green, black, and silver by celebrity artist Thuy Nguyen, were a work of art in their own right.

Every detail spoke volumes: celebrity nail artist Thuy Nguyen applied a “sage-y mint” mani punctuated with black and silver dots, directly inspired by the vest’s palette. But thoughtful self-expression wasn’t a first for Wade, though. “I’ve been getting my nails painted since 2007,” he shared with Highsnobiety.

For Wade, fashion isn’t just about the clothes. It’sa reflection of discipline, authenticity, and a clear expression of who he is. “It shows you a lot about how people care about themselves,” he said, pointing out how even the smallest elements, like socks, reveal much about someone’s approach to life.

This commitment to self-expression and identity was mirrored by his wife, who also embraced the theme of this year’s Met. Speaking to Extra TV, she framed this year’s theme as a declaration: “Expression! It is we as Black people living our full selves…not the gaze of others…we’re living for ourselves without explanation, impeccably designed and tailored for us, by us,” a statement that tied personal style to cultural liberation EssentiallySports. Wade echoed her view, adding, “We also parent in dandyism. We parent in a sense of freedom and expressiveness,” connecting their roles as fathers to a broader ethos of authenticity.

As Wade continues to redefine his legacy, it’s clear that his journey extends beyond building his sports career and his role as a media mogul. His partnership with Aramis, for instance, goes beyond just fragrance. It represents a deeper personal connection, blending timeless scents with his own identity.