Dwyane Wade Continuing To Build Deep Fashion Brand With Various Partnerships

Bulls G Dwyane Wade has an "eclectic mix of ties, basketball shoes, socks and leisure wear that he’s created and imprinted as part of his brand," and he essentially now has his own "fashion empire," according to Adi Joseph of USA TODAY. Wade's empire was "brought together in a partnership with Amazon Fashion," as he became the first athlete to partner with the brand. Wade: "What you’re trying to do is set up a brand that is lifelong, like Michael Jordan. Eight years ago ... I started thinking about what moves I can make, what positions can I put myself in to give myself an opportunity.” Wade was the "first NBA player to sign" with sock outfitter Stance, which now outfits all 30 NBA teams, and was "probably the first ever to sign a sock deal separate from his shoe deal." Wade also has a tie deal with Tie Bar, where he is the "only athlete with his own line." He also is the "only NBA player partnered with Mission apparel, where he is listed second on the brand’s athletes page -- behind only a fellow equity partner," Serena Williams. Wade also has a shoe deal with China-based Li-Ning. Ten NBA players "wore Li-Ning last season, and seven of them wore Wade’s signature shoes." Wade also "created a capsule collection with designer brand Dsquared2." Wade "took risks" and "positioned himself with these companies in a way that gives him the unique ability to express himself." He is "important to Mission’s 'athleisure' brand in a way that he couldn’t be with Nike" (USATODAY.com, 7/12).