Key Takeaways
- Ta’Niya Latson used the 2026 WNBA draft orange carpet to make a bold fashion statement, channeling vintage Hollywood glamour and paying tribute to Black icons like Josephine Baker.
- Her look—black‑sequined NBD Janhvi Maxi Dress, Louboutin pumps, nylon gloves, and sculpted forehead curl—was complemented by jewelry from Bondeye and a clutch by Olga Berg.
- The Sparks selected Latson with the 20th overall pick, sending her to Los Angeles, the city that inspired her outfit.
- Latson expressed gratitude and excitement about joining a franchise that last reached the playoffs in 2020, emphasizing faith, hard work, and a desire to contribute immediately.
- The article highlights how athletes are increasingly using draft‑night fashion to convey personal identity, cultural homage, and confidence beyond the court.
Ta’Niya Latson’s journey to the WNBA culminated not only in hearing her name called but also in turning the draft’s orange carpet into a runway for cultural expression. The South Carolina Gamecocks alum chose a vintage Hollywood‑inspired ensemble that deliberately stepped outside the typical athletic‑wear narrative seen at recent drafts. She told Andscape that she wanted to “step out of the box” and give a classic look that had been missing in recent years, viewing the moment as an opportunity to showcase her personality and honor the glamour of Black pioneers who paved the way in entertainment and fashion.
The centerpiece of her outfit was a black‑sequined NBD Janhvi Maxi Dress purchased from Revolve, paired with patent leather Christian Louboutin pumps and black nylon gloves that added a sleek, modern edge. The most striking homage appeared in her hairstyle: a sculpted curl pinned to her forehead, a direct nod to Josephine Baker’s iconic look from the 1920s. To complete the aesthetic, Latson selected statement pieces from Bondeye Jewelry—earrings, a necklace, and rings—alongside a clutch designed by Olga Berg. Every element was chosen to evoke the elegance of classic Hollywood while underscoring her pride in Black cultural heritage.
That carefully curated vision proved prophetic when the Los Angeles Sparks announced her as the 20th overall pick. The selection placed Latson in the very city that inspired her night‑out attire, creating a poetic link between her fashion tribute and her professional debut. Standing on the stage at The Shed in New York, she described the moment as “surreal” and a “dream come true.” She praised Los Angeles for its vibrant culture, expressed eagerness to meet her new coaches and teammates, and affirmed her belief that a higher purpose guided her to the Sparks. “God wanted me here for a reason,” she said, “and I’m going to take it in with everything that I have.”
Latson also reflected on what she intends to bring to a Sparks roster that last qualified for the WNBA playoffs in 2020. While she did not detail specific on‑court skills in the interview, her confidence and readiness to work hard suggest she aims to contribute both athletically and as a cultural ambassador for the team. Her draft‑night statement—marrying fashion, history, and athletic ambition—illustrates a growing trend among women’s basketball players who use high‑visibility events to assert individuality, celebrate their roots, and set the tone for their professional careers.
The piece was authored by Mia Berry, Andscape’s senior HBCU writer, who covers a broad range of topics from sports to student‑led activism. A Detroit native and Notre Dame alumna, Berry’s narrative captures not only the glitz of the draft but also the deeper significance of Latson’s deliberate homage to Black glamour icons, underscoring how athletes are increasingly leveraging platforms like the WNBA draft to tell stories that resonate far beyond the hardwood.