Advancing to the 2023 WNBA Semi-Finals, it’s all eyes on the Connecticut Sun and the players who are driving the team’s success. Since their engagement announcement in July, guard DeWanna Bonner and forward Alyssa Thomas have captivated fans with their powerful partnership: coordinated outfits in every tunnel; a balanced set of personalities on- and off-court; and new accolades in their veteran careers in the League. During their most important moments of in season, the couple calls on stylist Jazmine Motley-Maddox to strengthen their photo-worthy looks and elaborate the storytelling around their latest, united chapter.

Based in New Jersey, Motley-Maddox is an Image and Style Strategist whose clients include Bonner and Thomas, as well as costume design on reality TV shows like BMF. The couple’s stunning Orange Carpet look at All-Star Weekend hints at the stylist’s long-standing friendship with Bonner. “DeWanna and I are both from Birmingham, AL. We played on the same traveling AAU basketball team in high school,” says Motley-Maddox, “Back then, there were three things I knew for sure: She would play in the league and I would not, but we’d both be successful. We ended up attending Auburn University at the same time.”

With the heightened attention placed on Bonner and Thomas during the Finals, Motley-Maddox returns to style new pre-game looks for the duo. “While they’re in practice and playing games, I’m finding their next looks,” adds Motley-Maddox. This decision achieves more than a ‘look good, feel good’ mindset for the Finals, by providing a way to ensure that both players can maintain their focus on their gameplay. The couple’s in-game mentality also shapes Motley-Maddox’s wardrobe choices, “Comfort is key when styling athletes because their full focus is on playing their best and winning the game.” 

There’s a theme of balance within the in-game dynamic between Bonner and Thomas that also exists within their relationship with Motley-Maddox– the players provide feedback to their stylist but trust her to amp up their style. With Motley-Maddox’s previous experience in media public relations, each look is an opportunity to enlighten fans on new aspects of these players’ stories and personalities. Before Motley-Maddox debuts her latest pre-game looks, she chats with the W about the nuances of styling a couple, her love for Margiela, and everything she’s learned from these Connecticut Sun players.

Kirsten Chen: DeWanna and Alyssa are known for coordinating their outfits, tell me about your approach to styling two players.
Jazmine Motley-Maddox: Because of my background in Costume Design, I strongly believe that clothes tell a story. A huge part of DeWanna and Alyssa’s story this season has been their engagement. To coordinate style choices for these two, no matter how subtle, I keep in mind that every look signifies that they are a unit. Everything highlights the connection between the two of them. 

And while they’re a unit, it’s important to balance their individualism as well. I’m able to create that synergy through matching colors, but alternating fabrics and textures. I also find neutral ground so that their looks are cohesive, but not matchy. It’s OK to coordinate, but we left matching in the 90s.

KC: How would you describe each player’s style?
JMM: They’re different… DeWanna’s style leans more feminine, and Alyssa’s style is more masculine. But they’re both risk-takers when it comes to fashion. DeWanna [goes] all out with texture, volume, and color. Vinyl, leather, organza, metallics… She’s also 6’4, but will still wear 6-inch heels! Alyssa welcomes different cuts and updated takes on men’s fashion. She’s not afraid to wear a pair of tuxedo shorts with a raw rolled hem with dress shoes, or a relaxed (but tailored) silhouette, like the silk two-piece set with plunging neckline she wore at All-Star Weekend. 

KC: Let’s revisit your looks for All-Star Weekend, where you dressed DeWanna in Maison Margiela SS23 and Alyssa in Saint Laurent SS23. Why is Margiela a good brand for athletes? 
JMM: Margiela is understated yet polarizing – from the Tabis to the sheer, deconstructed cardigans to the impeccably shaped denim. The brand provides a specific look that immediately screams ‘I am fashion’ for anyone who wears it. And what I love most about each garment is that you can dress up to be as formal or as casual as you like. When DeWanna and Alyssa mentioned a ‘jaw-dropping’ style moment for the Orange Carpet, my mind immediately went to Margiela. I’m biased, but they were best dressed that night.

KC: Can you walk us through your process of planning looks for DeWanna and Alyssa?
JMM: I start by creating mood boards of things that speak to their personality and/or that I’d like for them to try. This [includes] everything from pictures of Michael Jordan when he played for the Birmingham Barons, artwork with an incredible color story, various fabric swatches, or looks from a brand’s latest runway shows.

Then, I set up time to share and talk to DeWanna and Alyssa to ensure that what I have in mind aligns with their goals and the pristine images they have. Once that talk happens, I hit the streets (and online) to do pulls and shop. Generally, what ends up on the fitting rack is a combination of things I’ve found that I want them to try and things they’ve specifically stated that they want to try. Plus, what I like to call wildcard pieces…things that caught my eye while I was out shopping. We then have a fitting (or two), and that’s where the magic happens. That’s where the pieces come together to make full, cohesive, fashion-forward looks.

KC: Are there any themes or messages you’re capturing in their looks for Playoffs season?
JMM: There are a few things I’d like to accomplish with DeWanna and Alyssa this playoff season: 

• Here Come The Brides: They’re a newly engaged couple so it’s important to put them in a space where the audience can envision their wedding day. Think Rihanna and A$AP Rocky at The Met Gala…they looked like the most fashionable wedding cake toppers ever! 
• Falling Forward: Though the temperatures outside are still warm, DeWanna and Alyssa are celebrity influencers, so leading with the best outerwear and shoes for the season is a must. 
• Rep Your City: Both DeWanna and Alyssa are from smaller cities with a lot of history and traditions. There are garments and accessories that will definitely speak to how far they’ve come. 
• A Hint of Glam: It’s the Playoffs/Finals, and there couldn’t be a better time to be glamorous. At least one look for DeWanna and Alyssa will be the epitome of modern-day glamor that really oozes the confidence the two of them have.
• 70s Color Hues: I was extremely inspired by the latest collection at Fendi. The citrus orange and yellow paired with baby blues, brown, grays, and creams is a nod to the 70s. It’s the perfect palette for couples styling too.

KC: What are your sources of inspiration when styling a women’s basketball player?
JMM: I’ve been attending runway shows since I was a kid starting with the EBONY Fashion Fair and I’ve always been inspired by tall, slender, modelesque figures. These ladies are tall and fit. There’s something about the way I’m able to play with length and volume on their figures that sparks so much creativity in me.

KC: Looking to the future of styling athletes, are there any trends that you believe will be important?
JMM: Athletes are influencers with large audiences. As we move forward, I’d love to see more brands partner with players. Whether they’re casting players for an upcoming campaign, having athletes walk the runway, or sit in the front row, I’d love to see a favorable response from the fashion industry to how much style is incorporated in the league right now.

KC: What have you learned from styling these WNBA athletes?
JMM: I’ve watched for decades as WNBA athletes worked hard to get the type of commercial success we’ve seen in recent seasons. Styling these ladies for All-Star weekend and the Finals allows me to tap into letting the world know that these ladies are more than great athletes. They’re individuals – businesswomen, spokespeople, wives, moms and so much more – who can secure deals just like the biggest male athletes. 

WNBA reporter Kirsten Chen writes a lifestyle & fashion column on WNBA.com throughout the season and can be reached on Twitter through @hotgothwriter. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its clubs.