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WNBA Player Kamilla Cardoso Merges Style with Sports for a Confident Season Ahead
The perception that sports and fashion exist in separate spheres is rapidly changing, especially highlighted by the 2024 WNBA season. As athletes like Kamilla Cardoso of the Chicago Sky effortlessly blend their competitive spirit with a unique fashion sense, they not only captivate fans but also bolster their confidence on the court. Cardoso aptly summarizes this connection: “When you look good, you feel good, and you play good.”
Cardoso, just 23 and originally from Brazil, made a striking entrance to the league after being selected third overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Her rise follows triumphs at her college, where she led the South Carolina Gamecocks to two NCAA championships and earned recognition as the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament. But for Cardoso, her ambitions extend beyond simply excelling in basketball.
Her fashion journey commenced with a memorable appearance at the draft, where she admittedly struggled to finalize her outfit but ultimately showcased a stunning braless MinhLe pantsuit that quickly garnered viral attention. This success in sartorial choices continued through her rookie season, with standout looks featuring mini bubble skirts and cropped tops.
“When I know I look good, showing the body and walking down the tunnel, it makes me feel very confident and ready for the game,” she shares. As preparations ramp up for the upcoming 2025 season starting May 16, Cardoso is focused on both athletic and personal development. Her regimen includes intensive training to enhance skills like defensive strategies and shooting, alongside collaborating with stylist Haylo to elevate her fashion game.
The partnership with Haylo, whose clientele includes NBA and NFL stars, aims to eliminate Cardoso’s tendency for “last-minute” styling. “We’re starting to plan now. I’m really excited,” she notes, teasing fans without revealing any specifics about her upcoming outfits.
Cardoso is no stranger to pushing fashion boundaries, often opting for daring designs that might not resonate with all basketball fans. However, she remains unfazed by criticism. “You’ve got to do what you like, not what other people want you to do,” she emphasizes. Her self-assuredness in her style choices, especially when she combines a skirt, crop top, and boots, reinforces her confidence as an athlete.
Her approach to fashion embraces experimentation: she encourages trying new trends without hesitation, stating, “if it works, it works.” Cardoso finds herself drawn to a diverse range of labels, enjoying pieces from high-end brands like Diesel and Chanel as well as more accessible options like Shein and Fashion Nova. At home, she opts for comfort in brands like Kim Kardashian’s Skims, preferring loose T-shirts and shorts.
While Cardoso dreams of collaborating with luxury giants like Prada and Chanel, she has already secured partnerships with renowned brands such as Nike and AT&T. Her involvement in AT&T’s She’s Connected program spotlights her commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs.
Earlier this month, Cardoso participated in AT&T’s event in Tampa alongside other prominent figures, including WNBA All-Star A’ja Wilson. The occasion allowed her to engage with fans during the NCAA Final Four and support her former collegiate team against UConn. As she looks toward the upcoming season, her primary focus remains on having a full, healthy campaign after facing injury challenges in the previous year.
As for her personal goals, she expresses a newfound enthusiasm for high-end accessories, particularly coveting a classic black Birkin bag. “At first, I was like, ‘I’m not spending this much money [on bags],’ but now I’m addicted to it,” she admits, showcasing her growing fashion ambitions.
“We ain’t there yet,” she acknowledges, “I’m working on it, though.”
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