Styling Royalty Has Arrived in the WNBA Tunnel

      "She expressed that her goal was to make me the best dressed in the WNBA, and I really connected with that sentiment since she's competitive just like me," says Kelsey Plum, a three-time WNBA All-Star, two-time champion, and two-time Olympic gold medalist, reflecting on her collaboration with celebrity stylist Karla Welch. "She aims to win, so I believe we complement each other perfectly." Plum recently transferred from the Las Vegas Aces, where she secured back-to-back championships, to the Los Angeles Sparks and partnered with Welch right before the start of the 2025 WNBA season. Their collaboration was announced during the Sparks' season opener against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center in San Francisco, where Plum made an entrance in Phoebe Philo— a brand that, as far as I know, has never been worn by any WNBA player before. Specifically, she donned the Train Top with $900 satin track shorts, complementing the outfit with knee-high boots from Gia Borghini and eyewear from Oliver Peoples. This look set a remarkable precedent. Just two days later, Plum exceeded expectations at her home opener in Los Angeles, inspired by 13-time NBA champion Phil Jackson (who won as a player and coach—twice with the Chicago Bulls during the Michael Jordan era and 11 times with the Los Angeles Lakers when Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal were on the team) by wearing a sand-colored Saint Laurent suit, shirt, and tie, paired with burgundy heels and a padded Le 5 à 7 shoulder bag. When Welch shared the two outfits on Instagram, she captioned it, "We're in the tunnel," and her followers quickly expressed their enthusiasm. "This is my favorite crossover episode," commented Nicolette Mason, a Brooklyn-based creative, brand strategist, and avid WNBA supporter. "No way," added fashion historian Kim Russell, known as @thekimbino.

      As for Welch—whose client roster includes Justin and Hailey Bieber, Sarah Paulson, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Anna Sawai—she had been intent on working with a WNBA player since last year. "I was a huge fan of the game and knew many players," she shares. "Furthermore, I observed how the NBA and its male players influenced fashion and believed it was time for women's basketball to do the same." During the 2024 Paris Olympics, she was particularly impressed by Plum. "I was blown away by Kelsey, so it felt like fate to receive her call," she recalls. "It was an immediate yes."

      The timing was also fortuitous, especially given Plum's trade to the Sparks. "With my switch to L.A. this year, we discussed enhancing my style, focusing not just on high fashion but also incorporating classic looks from traditional brands," Plum explains. She has always embraced fashion, never hesitant to don bold tunnel outfits, and well-known brand names have been part of her wardrobe. Last year at the WNBA All-Star orange carpet, the 30-year-old guard wore a crochet miniskirt set from Marni. In January, when her jersey was retired at the University of Washington, Plum changed from an Off-White printed suit to a more understated oversized one by Dries Van Noten. Nonetheless, she aimed to embark on this new chapter with a fresh aesthetic. "We both wanted to emphasize a mix of sporty street style and elegant, high-fashion attire," she states.

      Welch described their aspiration for the 2025 season as having "best dressed energy." Although the season is still in its early stages, the pair is already making significant progress toward that goal. Plum's striking Schiaparelli Canadian tuxedo for her eagerly awaited return to Las Vegas alone may be enough to earn her the LeagueFits' highly sought-after MVP award. (Rumor has it another complete Schiaparelli outfit is on the way.)

      However, it's not just about the appearances. For Plum, collaborating with Welch has been an educational journey. "She's a veteran in the industry," Plum notes. "There's a reason she has her reputation." Dressing athletes who frequently travel can be challenging; finding time for fittings is often difficult, and the associated logistics can be complex. It requires a unique type of person to manage, especially when juggling high-profile clients involved in film festivals, fashion weeks, press tours, and awards shows. "The logistics are the behind-the-scenes aspect of styling that often goes unrecognized," Welch mentions. "We try on a lot of outfits and organize them—I've got a fantastic team that ensures everything runs smoothly." In their first fitting, Plum and Welch managed to go through 15 looks in under an hour. "She had a very distinct vision for me," Plum remarks. "She knew precisely what she wanted me to wear and how we wanted to explore different styles."

      The most successful styling partnerships are reciprocal, with