NBA Fashion & Athlete Style Magazine: More Than Stats: Most Stylish Athletes, Best Dressed Athletes

 
JM: Describe your style philosophy.

Matt Kemp: For me, less is better; a little subtle. I just try to put the right things together. I don’t try too hard … like trying to go with the bright colors.
 
 
JM: Who are some of your favorite designers?

MK: I don’t discriminate. I love it all! If it looks good, I’ll wear it.
 
 

JM: Pop culture really hasn’t shined a light on fashion in baseball as much as basketball or even football. Are you hoping to change that?

MK: It’s a little different for baseball players because we aren’t seen as much as basketball players or football players. You don’t really get to see us when we are dressed up.
 
 

JM: The walkway from the car to the arena locker room backstage before the basketball games has become the new runway for menswear.

MK: Exactly — but baseball players have to wear suits when we are on the plane, so no one sees it, and there are no cameras on us when we are arriving to the games.
 
 

JM: Baseball players almost have to create their fashion platforms via social media or special events.

 

 
MK: The only time we are really seen is if we do good in the playoffs; then there is a platform for us to be seen.
 
 

JM: You have to wear suits while traveling for the games. Who is your go-to designer for suits?

MK: I love Calvin Klein; that’s one of my favorite designers for suits. I actually just bought 12 new suits from them. I also have a couple of Tom Ford suits that I love.
 
 

JM: Are you more of a custom or off-the-rack suit guy?

MK: I have a few custom suits, but I can also go and buy something off the rack and make it nice.

JM: We’ve seen you go through a few different fashion stages while you played in L.A. You went from being a jeans and T-shirt guy to a button-up shirt guy to what we know now as the very stylish Matt Kemp.

MK: Style always changes; you have to continue to evolve your style … like how Kanye continues to change up his look. Now I am getting more into trying more colors.
 
 

JM: The one thing Kanye, Dwyane Wade and Russell Westbrook have in common is they are fashion rock stars who aren’t afraid to push the envelope. Will we eventually see you in a pink pants or fish shirt?

MK: Man, Russ is the only guy who can rock that! He lives on the edge; he can do a little more edgy stuff than me. He has tall and skinny body type. I’m a bigger guy.

 
 

JM: Do you enjoy getting dressed up and the concept of putting the right things together?

MK: I love it. I love fashion. I love to go shopping.
 
 

JM: It seems as though the fashion community has taken a love for you as well. You recently did the Gap ads and a great ad for Oakley. What’s next for you in fashion?

MK: I would love to get with more designers and do some things.

 

 

JM: Have you been to the fashion shows in New York or Paris?

MK: No, baseball is a little different, It’s time demanding during the season and the offseason so I haven’t been able to go (to the New York or Paris shows).
 
 

JM : Its almost become a seal of approval now for athletes to land a seat next to Anna Wintour during one of the runway shows.

MK: Absolutely. You are definitely right. I want to do all of that.
 
 

JM: You have called yourself a “shoe addict” who is your favorite shoe designer?

MK: I love Lanvin.
 
 

JM: Those are an expensive favorite.

MK: I actually had to stop buying them because I was buying them in every color and every style. They are my favorite.
 
 

JM: You were recently traded to San Diego from L.A., where you were pretty much dubbed Mr. Hollywood.

MK: (Laughs)is a platform for us to be seen.
 
 

JM: How has your recent trade from the Dodgers to the Padres affected your style?

MK: It’s different (now). My love for fashion hasn’t changed, but now in San Diego it’s a little more laid back. In L.A. you have to get dressed up to go outside because TMZ or someone is always waiting to take your picture, but in San Diego it’s none of that so I can be a little more relaxed … when I go on the road I’m able to play up my fashion a little more.
 
 

JM: Is there anything that you won’t wear?

MK: (Laughing) No open toe shoes
 
 

JM: What would Matt Kemp wear if he was going to the grocery store, a basketball game and a movie premiere (where he was walking the red carpet)?

MK: If I was going to the grocery store I would wear a Nike jumpsuit and Nike shoes; for a basketball game I would wear a great pair of jeans and a leather motorcycle jacket, and for a movie premiere, I would wear a nice tux or suit.