Rickea Jackson diary: Being from Detroit influences my style — ‘we got that swagger’

Despite hitting game-winning shots, Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson doesn’t just make statements on the court — she makes them in the tunnel, too. Known for her bold, expressive style and eye for high fashion, the WNBA sophomore is quickly gaining attention for both her outfits and her game.

Growing up in Detroit as the only girl in a house full of boys, Jackson was treated like a princess and wore pink, frilly outfits and tutus. That early childhood experience sparked her love for fashion and self-expression. Jackson has since gone through every fashion phase imaginable — from a Gothic era to animal prints, thigh-high Converses and bandannas — but now, she said her style is all about having fun and staying true to who she is.

“Being from Detroit has definitely affected my style but in a great way. Everyone in Detroit thinks we’re celebrities. Like, that’s just us. … We’re trying to be best dressed,” Jackson said.

“We come in with the designer and the Cartier glasses, the Buffs. So I find we just got that confidence. We just got that swagger. … We’re not trying to outdo the next person. We’re just trying to outdo ourselves. … It’s Detroit versus everybody.”

Being in the WNBA has given her the ability to dive deeper into fashion. This year, Jackson has taken a more organized approach to her pre-game looks, crediting her manager, Ashya Shaw, for scheduling outfit fittings and connecting her with the right stylists.

This season, Jackson has worked closely with stylist Victoria Jackson, a Los Angeles native. With six years of experience in the industry, Victoria Jackson said she understands the importance of understanding her clients’ comfort zones, yet having the trust to push them past them. When they are picking out outfits for events, she wants Rickea to be overdressed to get the most attention possible.

“I’m all about visibility. We can be in Timbuktu. Your outfit needs to be memorable. I don’t care where we are,” Victoria Jackson said. “I do feel you need to dress how you want to be addressed. [We] speak so loud with the clothes that we wear. Without her even saying anything, I want her to be seen, and I want her to leave a lasting impression.”

Rickea Jackson also has collaborated with stylists Kyra Brummage, Corii Burns, Daquan Earle, and Brittany Hampton this season. When partnering with a stylist, the Sparks’ player is looking for people who are confident in their work and don’t make their clients feel forced into wearing an outfit.

Living in Los Angeles also has elevated Jackson’s style, giving her access to unique pieces and placing her in one of the top fashion hubs – second only to New York, she said. For her, fashion is supposed to be fun and subjective.

“I feel like fashion isn’t just buying designer,” Jackson said. “It isn’t just buying Gucci and, you know, oh, I’m the best dressed. Like, no, it’s how you put it together.”

On the court, her signature look includes wearing lip gloss and having her eyebrows done. According to Jackson, as long as her lips and eyebrows are neat, everything else falls into place. She is exploring the possibility of launching her own fashion line, bringing her bold style and personal flair to a wider audience.

“I want to come [out] with my own clothing brand, but I’m the type of person, like, when I’m doing something out of the box for myself and new, I’m going to keep [it a secret] until it’s ready to be shown,” Jackson said. “So, it’s definitely coming, but you’re just going to see it when you see it.”

Jackson, who was the first WNBA player to sign with Skechers, is debuting her own player edition sneaker with the brand. In Episode 3 of her season-long video diary on Andscape, Jackson talks about her best tunnel ’fits this season, discusses how she collaborates with stylists and designers, and gives a sneak peek of her Skechers SKX Full-Court Press player edition shoe.