Hot Picks is a column in which fashion insiders reveal their latest obsessions–sharing their recent purchases and must-have pieces.
In matters of style, NBA and NFL tunnel looks have been on the tips of insiders tongues for months. And for good reason–it’s indicative of how exciting men’s fashion is right now. One such person delivering impressive style moments is Grant Delpit, a safety for the Cleveland Browns. The New Orleans native has an eye for menswear pieces that push boundaries. A few years back he showed up for a game in a neon green bag and a magenta collared shirt, this speaks to how he’s willing to take risks. Over a phone call, he tells me that he’s drawn to brands like Rick Owens and Bottega Veneta. During our conversation, he admitted that in 2022 he began taking his outfits ahead of games seriously. Delpit felt that he wanted to elevate his image so he began investing in statement items from buzzy brands and designers with cult followings.
Lil Wayne’s “A Milli” video is a standout visual that Grant says sticks out to him as he reminisces on what he felt captivated him years ago. “When he was in the music set, hopped up with the white beater in the red pants with the chain on the side and the hat. I do think it’s coming full circle now.” Upon mentioning this he immediately begins expressing that baggy jeans have made a comeback. “As kids, we did see dudes start dressing a certain kind of way back in the mid to late ‘00s.” He adds that the resurgence of ‘00s fashion feels very full circle, especially since he has given in to baggy fits.
“I have a range of styles, I gravitate towards different tastes,” Delpit said. This is a simple way of expressing how for some games he might be spotted in a leather bomber jacket and skinny-fit trousers–but in other instances, he’s also comfortable in an all-white suit. In either case, he is constantly experimenting with new releases from Junya Watanabe, Undercover, and even Maison Martin Margiela. As for where he gets his style prowess from, he says that back in high school and college, at times he dressed up. But, he candidly says that upon entering the NFL in 2020 he began his foray into luxury fashion.
Delpit is fueled by the competitive spirit he shares with his teammates, especially when it comes to their choices in clothing. “[It’s always] a competition to look the best,” he adds. “It is basically a competition [to see] who looks the best during the season.” With the laser eye on athletes and what they choose to wear, it’s essential that there is a level of excitement attached to their choices. Being motivated amongst to battle with his teammates provides a compelling case to always look his best. In addition to these motivations, Delpit says he’s drawn toward silhouettes that make him feel like the best version of himself.
At the moment, the pieces that evoke excitement include pieces by Rick Owens: “I like the fit of all Rick Owens clothes pretty much, especially the pants.” He tells me that he also wears a Chrome Hearts necklace every day that he swears by. The brand has skyrocketed into the hearts of rappers in the last few decades so it makes sense that as an athlete he stands by it as a jewelry essential—especially since music is often the first industry to push brands into the mainstream. A key element of his style is his preference for in-person shopping in New York, opting to travel there rather than making online purchases. “This year I tried to buy things before the season started,” he said.
Now, equipped with looks that speak for the highest version of himself, Delpit is traveling to global cities for different fashion presentations. “When I was younger, I didn’t think I would be going to any fashion shows or fashion weeks or anything like that,” he added. He excitedly shares that being in the NFL has allowed him to work with stylists to pinpoint what he likes. And now, he has contacts over at Dover Street Market New York like Katherine Fu on speed dial so he can pick up what he has an affinity for: garbs by Rick Owens, Kapital, a Japanese brand he loves, and more fashion-forward finds.
“No brainer. An essential, simple base that you throw on underneath everything.”
Available at Ralph Lauren
“I personally love a good accessory, and you know good leather never [misses], the color and the detail of this tie really caught my eye.”
Available at Bottega Veneta
“If you look at this ring, it’s realistic and they customize them in different colors. I personally like a good variety of choices.”
Available at The Great Frog London
“The dark green goes well with many ‘fits, this bag [and its] size adds [a perfect] accent to looks.”
Available at Bottega Veneta