Honor the Gift Men’s Spring 2023

Los Angeles Lakers player Russell Westbrook’s brand Honor the Gift merges his native Angeleno aesthetic with architectural codes. The collection, which debuted in Paris the day after the first federal Juneteenth holiday in the United States, incorporates references to the practical qualities of historical African-American workwear.

Westbrook introduced a reinterpretation of distressed denim work pants, hoodies, work shirts and work pants. Embroidery, including the slogan “Hats off to the working class” in the same color palette and cotton swabs, are sewn into loose knit shirts and short suits.

Subtle H-pattern quilting adds detail and gives structure to undershirts, pants and jackets. Designed in three core color capsules, it is designed for women wearing skirts and short-sleeved boxy jackets.

Westbrook’s goal is to create a brand that not only has street cred, but also benefits underserved communities. All of the pieces are made in downtown Los Angeles, and he’s careful to keep everything at an acceptable price point. “It’s affordable for that kid who not only looks up to me, but looks up to the brand and loves fashion but can’t afford Dior – and I know that I’m that kid, so I want to be able to create it.” Screen-printed T-shirts start at $50 and jackets start at $150.

He is preparing a fashion show “in a couple of seasons” and will open his first brick-and-mortar store in Los Angeles in August.