The day following his victory in the men’s 100m at the Paris Games, Noah Lyles turned his attention from athletic conquests to a style-driven ambition; he expressed a desire to have sneakers named after him. “I want my own shoe. I want my own trainer. Dead serious,” he declared to the press. He specified that he wasn’t aiming for a sports shoe for runners but rather something iconic like Adidas Stan Smith (named after the American tennis icon) or Nike’s Air Jordan (after the legendary basketball star Michael Jordan).
This ambition highlights Lyles’ dual identity as both a fashion icon and a top-tier sprinter. “Running fast is crucial, but it’s also cool to look good while doing it,” once remarked Usain Bolt. Now, Lyles is redefining what it means to be a stylish athlete. His goal is not just to sport the trendiest tracksuit but to dominate the fashion scene as well.
Typically, athletes share mundane training snapshots on their Instagram, but Lyles’ feed could easily be mistaken for that of a leading fashion influencer. Celebrating his recent birthday, he orchestrated a photoshoot at the Barbican, donning a Louis Vuitton shirt and showcasing nails painted with the word “icon.” Early in the season, he was seen next to Snoop Dogg in a chic Gucci x Adidas ensemble paired with Dr Martens and Fendi shades.
“Noah’s fashion sense truly reflects his personality,” stated Maya Bruney, photographer at the Barbican shoot and founder of Track and Fits, which merges athletics with fashion. “He’s a maverick both on the track and in style, bold and unconcerned with external opinions. He boldly personalizes his look, from painted nails to his unique wardrobe choices, challenging conventional norms.”
While track stars typically endorse sportswear, Lyles has ventured beyond, often advised by Bruney to embrace his unique style rather than conform. Despite criticism over his sartorial choices, Lyles remains undeterred, embodying a new wave of personal expression in sports.
Indeed, Lyles has fully adopted a bold fashion-forward approach, transforming athletics events into showcases of his distinctive style. Collaborating with stylist Kwasi Kessie, Lyles uses the stadium tunnel as his personal runway, presenting outfits from both well-known designers and emerging talents. This shift has not only heightened his profile but also significantly increased his social media following.
Moreover, Lyles has expanded the conventional attire expectations in athletics. He recently adorned his hair with pearls, offering a refined contrast to the raw athleticism of sprinting. At the premiere of the Netflix series ‘Sprint,’ he appeared in a white ensemble, echoing his pearl motif, consisting of an Amiri sequin jacket, a pearl-studded shirt by Simone Rocha, and Bode pants. On the Jimmy Fallon show, he opted for a leather jacket by Celine, Saint Laurent pants, and bold cowboy boots.
“He is inherently stylish,” noted Kessie to Women’s Wear Daily, describing Lyles’ versatile fashion sense. “He doesn’t fit into a single category but adapts his style to the intended vibe of each outfit.”
Like most elite athletes, Lyles boasts endorsements from major brands like Adidas and Omega. Notably, he wore his Omega watch during the 100m finals, showcasing a luxury timepiece worth £13,500, thus merging performance with high-end style. Post-victory, he expressed hopes that his Olympic gold would open further avenues in fashion, much like Emma Raducanu’s US Open victory did with brands like Dior and Tiffany.
“Noah Lyles could become a formidable brand ambassador following the Olympics, not just for his athletic prowess but for his inherent charm, which shines through on social media,” remarked Sara McCorquodale, CEO of Corq. “In the world of luxury, where personality often takes a backseat to aesthetics, Lyles’ vibrant character makes him an ideal partner.”
Through his collaborations, particularly with Kessie, Lyles has cultivated a style that marries high-profile labels with boutique brands, potentially attracting more interest from luxury fashion houses. “I can envision a major partnership with Prada for Lyles,” McCorquodale added. “He would inject a new level of excitement and style relevance.”
The future may indeed see a Prada Lyles sneaker making headlines. Stay tuned.
