The NBA is falling in love with Marni Yes, kudos also to the Carhartt collaboration

James Harden arrives at Madison Square Garden for his Philadelphia 76ers' Christmas game against the host New York Knicks, and as always, the photographers' lenses are ready to snap him. For Harden is not only one of the most determined players on the court, but also stands out off the court for his fearless outfits, which regularly defy the unwritten rules for an athlete's attire. And once again, Harden disappointed neither his fans nor his many critics. He showed up in a full Marni look, which included a pair of fur mules and a pink balaclava.

Harden was by no means the first basketball player to dress before an NBA game in the brand founded nearly thirty years ago by Consuelo Castiglioni, but his appearance transformed a niche brand into one of the most important seasonal outfits for the best-dressed league in the world. Marni has quickly become a must-have for NBA players, as evidenced by the colourful outfits presented before each game in those tunnel seats, which over the years have become a very reliable barometer of the trends and brands most loved by athletes and capable of directing the tastes of all fellow athletes. But how did the brand that sprang from the creativity of Consuelo Castiglioni find its way into the crowded wardrobes of overseas superstars?

The collection, which combines American workwear and Italian elegance, was worn by everyone who came to the game last week as if there was a group chat where everyone voted on how to dress. Ben Simmons wore the floral jacket in green, Malik Monk opted for trousers in yellow and black, P.J. Tucker went for the twin suit, while Karl-Anthony Towns dressed his 210 centimetres in colour-blocking trousers and a three-quarter length jacket with the same colour scheme, obviously signed Marni x Carhartt.

After the Uniqlo collaboration, the one with Carhartt has helped to make the Italian brand even better known in the world and the features that have made it unique and recognisable even more wearable and exportable, even overseas, even in the most trend-conscious sports league. Another sign that a certain hypebeast culture has finally left even the places where it was originally born, giving way to soft wool fabrics and pastel shades.