Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Documents Watching—and Walking!—the Runways in Paris

Nobody’s had a Paris Men’s Fashion Week quite like athlete Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s this season. The Canadian basketball player (who is a point guard for Oklahoma City Thunder) not only had a front row seat to take in the latest spring 2023 collections from labels like Givenchy and Kenzo, but he also made his very own runway debut by walking in the Thom Browne show on Sunday. “It was a dream come true,” Gilgeous-Alexander tells Vogue of his surprise catwalk debut, where he wore a striped coat look complete with a cropped button-up shirt and theatrical mask. “Talk about a fashion week finale! My new nickname is Runway Shai,” he says. Considering he spent much of the week rehearsing his model walk in his hotel, it’s a nickname that’s well-earned.

In addition to creating his own memorable fashion moment on the runway, the athlete also made sure to take in all of the new clothes from other buzzy designer labels during the week. Along the way, he delivered some VIP-worthy fits—including sleek suits, shearling jackets, and Balenciaga jumpsuits. It was the athlete’s first Paris Fashion Week, so he wanted to look the part. Louis Vuitton’s show was a particularly special moment for Gilgeous-Alexander (he was the face of last year’s NBA x LV campaign, and was personally cast by the late Virgil Abloh himself). “I was in great company at the LV show,” he says, “as we all celebrated the life and legacy of Virgil.” 

Fashion shows aside, Gilgeous-Alexander even managed to squeeze in some free time in the City of Light as well. On his agenda? Lots of thrift shopping, indulging in French food (steak frites, specifically), and taking in the dazzling views of the Eiffel tower of course. The athlete said it best about his downtime plans: “Making the most out of these Parisian nights.” Below, see all of Gilgeous-Alexander’s Paris Fashion Week highlights—plus, what he wore for the busy, fashion-filled week.