From his game to business, the Mamba Mentality was a crucial part of Kobe Bryant‘s life. So it’s no surprise then that it was channeled to his off-court fashion game as well. He was the perfect combination of casual yet classic. His fashion outlook and ways of implementing it were unique. His stylist Paige Geran, in her recent interview, recalled how she had to refuse Bryant’s one demand for a fashion house.

Geran shared that the Lakers legend was supposed to meet famed fashion designer Tom Ford’s tailor for measurements for his custom suit. Bryant, however, wanted to meet the tailor right after his doctor’s appointment in a very unconventional spot – a parking lot.

“I’m like, no, he’s going to think we’re crazy. Can you please come back to the practice facility?” Geran recounted the conversation in the interview with Andscape. The fashion powerhouse was acquired by Estee Lauder for $2.8 billion. 

From baggier sweatsuits and Armani suits to more suave and classic fashion, the credit for Kobe’s transformation also goes to his stylist. He had an ideal man’s wardrobe. No wonder, he was featured on GQ’s cover four times. Most people can sense the difference between No. 8 Kobe and No. 24 Kobe.

His dressing style speaks to the transformation he underwent. In an urge to create a new image and a more mature one, his stylist crafted a look for him that reflected Hollywood’s old charm with a bit of drawing inspiration from soccer star David Beckham’s wardrobe.

Even if he didn’t like to do the fitting, Bryant began to enjoy his fashion game over time, dressing differently for the various roles he had to play. His style evolved from his playing days to his post-retirement days as a businessman and Lakers icon.

Paige Geran recounts what it was like working for Kobe Bryant 

Maintaining the perfect fashion statement was as challenging for an athlete as it was necessary. With Bryant being new to the fashion game and Geran as his first stylist, the stylist remembered how both were “detail-oriented.”

Rather than suits, the Lakers legend had a greater fondness for a casual and elevated style. He preferred simple denim jackets, cardigans, and neutral colors which looked effortless yet undeniably lavish.

For Geran, working with the legend was, of course, different. In the interview, Geran recalled how she sometimes had to visit the practice facility or airport just to meet with the Los Angeles Lakers legend. 

“My working relationship with him was somewhere between a slapstick comedy and a drama,” the stylist said. “You would have to catch up with him during the week. I would actually have to go to the practice facility. I would go to the plane and hand off his stuff to him if he had trips. I would drive right to the private airport, which is totally unconventional and again, he didn’t do fittings.”

Working with Geran, Kobe was influenced enough to start his own jacket line. But that stays there. His eldest daughter though, Natalia, is taking the fashion game ahead in the family, stealing spotlights on the fashion runways this year. May we see some hints?

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.