Olivia Nelson-Ododa, a standout in the WNBA, is more than just a basketball phenom. Her global experiences and passion for fashion have shaped a multifaceted identity that transcends the court. Olivia seamlessly blends athletic prowess with a unique sense of style, making her a trailblazer in redefining sports and fashion.
Olivia, your multifaceted journey as a basketball player with international exposure and a passion for fashion speaks volumes about your diverse personality. How do you believe your experiences on the court, cultural immersion, and fashion interests have collectively influenced your current approach to both personal and professional pursuits?
My journey, blending basketball, cultural immersion, and fashion, has molded my approach to life. On the court, it has taught me resilience and discipline, while immersing myself in different cultures on a global level has allowed me to become a mix of experiences that can’t be taught or read about. The influence it’s left on me goes further than fashion but into which makeup styles I decide to recreate on myself and different hairstyles I choose to do. I have become a blend of multiple cultures that have become a huge part of my self-expression.
Could you share a pivotal moment or experience that inspired your passion for intertwining sports, fashion, and beauty?
A pivotal moment for me that inspired my passion for intertwining sports, fashion, and beauty was living in LA my rookie year after being drafted to the WNBA. I’ll never forget my first time shopping on Rodeo at 21. That was one place where I truly got to witness the fusion of LA’s fashion and beauty scene all at once, and it inspired me to look at our WNBA tunnel walks differently. For the first time, I started picturing my own style that I wanted to create based on that fashion market.
Collaborating with stylist Kristine Anigwe seems significant in your journey. How did this collaboration influence or shape your approach to breaking stereotypes in fashion?
Collaborating with Kristine was transformative. Her influence extended beyond styling; it helped form my very own fashion narrative. Starting off, we really wanted to showcase as many diverse looks as possible, and we became really intentional about playing off pieces that accentuated the best features of myself, whether that be physical or personality-wise.
Living in various countries like Australia and China, how has this global exposure influenced your personal style and the way you express yourself through fashion?
Living globally has expanded my perspective on style. In Australia, I was shown a laid-back atmosphere of style; a more relaxed and summertime casual aesthetic which was highlighted a few times during my tunnel walks this season. On the other hand, China has shown me a fast-evolving side of fashion with dynamic fashion trends. There were bits and pieces from this season’s tunnel outfits, for example, my traditional schoolgirl looks, that paralleled with the Chinese fashion culture that I’ve seen on the street.
You’ve been recognized in publications like GQ Sports and 1st Team All League Fits. How does it feel to be acknowledged for your fashion sense off the court?
Recognition in GQ Sports and All League Fits was definitely an exciting moment for me. Seeing the fashion visions come to light and really resonate beyond the court in such a short amount of time was a very empowering feeling. I realized that I didn’t want to limit myself to just tunnel walks but I want to take this to another level and step into a whole new world of expression.
In what ways do you believe the intersection of sports, fashion, and beauty allows you to convey a unique message or narrative about your multifaceted identity?
The intersection of sports, fashion, and beauty allows me to convey a multifaceted identity. I love showcasing my fashionable side along with my athletic ability. But alongside fashion, skincare, and beauty have been a huge staple for me. Before my games, I always do my makeup, done in a specific way to last an entire basketball game. I do my own looks for photo shoots and events, making it a priority to invest just as much into my makeup look as I do for the outfit.
How do you balance the demands of your basketball career with your passion for exploring and expressing yourself through fashion and beauty?
When it comes to balancing basketball and fashion, there are two words that my life revolves around: Time management. For me, it’s about finding a rhythm that works for providing each of my passions with my full undivided attention when the time calls for it. On the court, I give 100% to the game I love while off the court, fashion and beauty serve as outlets for creative expression. Both feed off of each other in the best way, creating such a fun dynamic to play with.
Could you discuss a specific instance where you felt your fashion choices made a statement, either challenging stereotypes or emphasizing your versatility?
With my outfits, I aim to show range. I take little things from my experiences and where I’ve been to pull together versatile looks that aren’t easy to duplicate because they tie directly to how I want myself to be seen.
What advice would you give to young athletes who are interested in exploring their interests in fashion or beauty beyond their sports career?
To young athletes, embrace your passions. Fashion and beauty can coexist with sports. Don’t fear being multifaceted and don’t box yourself in. Your unique blend of interests is a strength, not a limitation. It’s all about self-discovery and creating the best version of yourself in the time we’re given here.
Looking ahead, what aspirations do you have in the realms of fashion and beauty that align with your evolving identity both on and off the court?
Looking forward,I want to continue expanding myself globally. My African roots are a very special part of me that deserves to be highlighted through my style. I like to play into those visuals as well as my love for makeup. I enjoy doing my own looks whether it’s for photo shoots or just a simple, clean look before my basketball games. Both serve as an integration to who I authentically am and how I want to continue aligning with my identity, both on and off the court.
