Walt “Clyde” Frazier is known as the seven-time NBA All-Star player, two-time NBA champion and seven-time all-defensive. But the athlete also has a history with fashion.
Growing up in Atlanta, Frazier fell in love with basketball in high school, where he was able to hone his talents. Shortly after, he attended Southern Illinois University to play basketball and then was drafted fifth overall in the 1967 NBA draft. That was just the beginning of his impeccable basketball reign that allowed him to make an even bigger impact on popular culture and fashion.
Frazier was one of the first NBA players to make headlines with his outfits. Prints, colors, shapes and patterns have always been part of his style philosophy. Ahead, find some of the legend’s iconic style moments.
Walt Frazier attends the premiere of ‘Black Magic’ at The Apollo Theatre Feb. 25, 2008 in New York. CREDIT: WireImage
The NBA legend stopped by the New York premiere of “Black Magic” at the Apollo theater in 2008 wearing a monochromatic look. Frazier was decked out in a brown leather suit featuring a tailored single-breasted blazer and boot-cut trousers. Underneath the blazer, he wore a light-colored button-down shirt with a tribal-printed tie in matching hues. For footwear, he selected leather cowboy boots accented with a pointed toe and small heel.
Walt Frazier attends State Farm All-Star Saturday Night – NBA All-Star Weekend 2015 at Barclays Center on Feb. 14, 2015 in New York. CREDIT: Getty Images
In 2015, Frazier popped on the red carpet at the State Farm NBA All-Star Weekend at Barclays Center. He centered the look around the Baroccoflage-inspired print cotton blazer full of vibrant yellows and blues. On his feet, he wore crocodile boots in yellow to coordinate with the blazer, once again proving that his shoe game is not to be played with.
Walt Frazier attends the Annual Charity Day hosted by Cantor Fitzgerald, BGC and GFI at Cantor Fitzgerald on Sept. 11, 2018 in New York City. CREDIT: Getty Images for Cantor Fitzgera
Frazier showed off the power of animal print at the 2018 Charity Day hosted by Cantor Fitzgerald, which raised approximately $192 million globally to uplift and help others. His blazer was comprised of all types of wild prints, from giraffe to zebra patterns. Since the blazer was the moment, he opted for simple cream pants and matching loafers.
Walt Frazier attends God’s Love We Deliver 12th Annual Golden Heart Awards at Spring Studios on Oct., 2018 in New York City. CREDIT: Getty Images
The New York Knicks alum made a fashionable arrival at Spring Studios for God’s Love We Deliver 12th Annual Golden Heart Awards in 2018. Dressed in head-to-toe cow print, Frazier made a case for animal printed suiting like never before. The blazer and trousers were made from the same fabric, while he was playful with the shirt and tie in stripes and polka dots. Keeping with the primal look, he strapped on a pair of snakeskin cowboy boots. He wore a small brown bag for a simple accessory.
Walt “Clyde” Frazier attends Annual Charity Day Hosted By Cantor Fitzgerald, BGC and GFI – BGC Office – Inside on Sept. 11, 2019 in New York City. CREDIT: Getty Images for Cantor Fitzgera
The two-time NBA champion took over the BGC Office in 2019 during another Charity Day wearing a multi-colored outfit. The Atlanta-born star effortlessly styled a color-block look with a paisley-printed blue blazer and popping pink pants. To add more flair, he coordinated with a rainbow tie and pocket square. He wore double monk-leather alligator loafers emphasized with a buckle and round toe.
Walt Frazier poses for a portrait during the 2022 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Tip-Off Celebration & Awards Gala at Mohegan Sun on Sept. 9, 2022 in Uncasville. CREDIT: Getty Images
Frazier was awarded the 2022 Curt Gowdy Award For Electronic Media at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and he remained true to his signature style in a colorful suit. For this prestigious occasion, he dressed up in a floral suit jacket made up of a myriad of colors and marmalade-tailored trousers. It wouldn’t be a Frazier-approved look if he didn’t mix prints, so he also wore a yellow paisley shirt and geometric printed tie.
