For South Carolina Gamecocks alum Ta’Niya Latson, this week’s WNBA draft wasn’t nearly listening to her title known as — it was about making an announcement earlier than she ever reached the stage.
Latson leaned right into a classic Hollywood-inspired look that paid homage to Black glamour icons and their legacies, as did fellow Gamecocks star Raven Johnson.
“I wanted to step out of the box for sure and just give a classic look,” Latson instructed Andscape. “I feel like people haven’t really given that in the draft in recent past years. So, I just wanted to be a little different and step outside of my comfort zone.”
Latson walked the WNBA draft’s orange carpet in a black-sequined NBD Janhvi Maxi Dress from Revolve, styled with black nylon gloves and patent leather-based pumps from Christian Louboutin. The standout element was the sculpted curl of hair on her brow, a transparent homage to Josephine Baker. Accessories equivalent to earrings, a necklace, and rings by Bondeye Jewelry and a clutch by Olga Berg accomplished the look.
Latson’s traditional Hollywood theme proved prophetic when the Los Angeles Sparks chosen her with the 20th overall pick, sending her to the very metropolis that impressed her look for the evening.
Brian Babineau / NBAE by way of Getty Images
“It’s just a surreal moment. It’s a dream come true. LA is a great city,” Latson stated. “I love the culture that they have there. I’m excited to meet my coaches, my teammates, and I’m just ready to get to work. … God wanted me here for a reason, and I’m going to take it in with everything that I have.”
Latson broke down the small print and inspiration behind her draft evening outfit and what she is going to carry to the Sparks, who final made the WNBA playoffs in 2020.
