French luxury powerhouse Louis Vuitton has just added a rising star to its roster of house ambassadors: none other than basketball prodigy Victor Wembanyama. The announcement comes as Wembanyama, often referred to by fans as “Wemby,” continues to turn heads in his debut NBA season with the San Antonio Spurs. The first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Wembanyama has not only set multiple records, but has also made himself a favorite to win Rookie of the Year honors.
“Striving for excellence and with a perpetual honing of craft, Victor joins Louis Vuitton on a journey of shared values and aligned ambitions. Like Louis Vuitton himself, the young athlete has blazed a trail, excelling in a career that is only just beginning,” the French luxury house said.
His appearance at the draft in a head-turning forest green Vuitton suit made a bold statement and foreshadowed his future partnership with the brand. In addition to his partnership with Louis Vuitton, Wembanyama has also worked with Nike.
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At just 20 years old, the 7-foot-4-inch (2,24-meter) player has amassed a massive following, with 3.6 million followers on Instagram. His popularity is further evidenced by the fact that he ranks fourth in NBA jersey sales, trailing only basketball heavyweights Stephen Curry, Jayson Tatum and LeBron James. Prior to joining the NBA, Wembanyama showcased his skills with the French professional basketball club Metropolitans 92 and has expressed his hopes of competing with the French national team at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Wembanyama joins a prestigious list of athletes representing Louis Vuitton, including tennis superstars Carlos Alcaraz and Naomi Osaka, Olympic skier Eileen Gu, and fellow French athletes swimmer Léon Marchand and fencer Enzo Lefort. This strategic move reflects Louis Vuitton’s commitment to fostering relationships with exceptional individuals who embody excellence and innovation, in perfect alignment with its brand values.
The partnership comes at a pivotal time for both Wembanyama and Louis Vuitton. As Wembanyama’s career continues to skyrocket, his association with Louis Vuitton will undoubtedly enhance his fashion influence and global impact. In addition, Louis Vuitton’s presence at the upcoming Olympic Games, sponsored by parent company LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, further enhances the significance of this collaboration.
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