NFL STAR XAVIER MCKINNEY IS BUILDING CONNECTIONS WITHIN THE FASHION INDUSTRY

• Fashion

May 18, 2024 @ 1:00 pm By Taylor Winter Wilson

At only 24 years old, Xavier McKinney plans on being known for not only being an exceptional athlete but a great asset in the men’s fashion lane as well. As he maneuvers through the fashion world building connections, learning from creatives and traveling the world, he hopes to one day own his own brand and creative direct in collaboration with others. If you want to learn more about Xavier and his love for art and fashion, keep reading below:  

FEATURE INTERVIEW:

You’ve been playing football for the New York Giants for the past few years as a safety and now you’re heading to the Green Bay Packers. At what point did you realize you could use your platform to incorporate your love for fashion?   

I think it started pretty young for me. My freshmen year of college I majored in art. I’ve always been a big advocate and lover of the arts and over my 3 years in college it transitioned to the fashion space.  

When I got to the NFL, I used my platform to get my foot into the door. Throughout the season I get my looks together to not only build my connections but my portfolio as well. I want to learn and grow as much as I can in the fashion space.  

How would you describe your game day style?  

I try to have an open mind and not get trapped into wearing one brand or style. I’ve been showing what I can do over the years and show my versatility because I’m very complex and I express that through fashion.  

Is that how your hairstyle came about?  

Yes, I have always liked to do my own thing and try different things. It was originally a two-toned dread Mohawk back in high school with my brother. I started with a deep golden hair color, and it has gotten lighter over the years.   

What are your current favorite men’s fashion brands?   

I like a lot of different brands. From Chrome Hearts, Louis Vuitton, Comme des Garçons, every now and then I like what Gucci does too.  

A few months ago, you attended the Balenciaga Runway Show in Los Angeles. Talk to us about your experience there and what pieces caught your eye.  

 That was a very dope experience for me. The venue was outside and the street that they picked was perfect. The music and models were on point as well. I wore a Balenciaga cardigan paired with Balenciaga pants that converted to shorts, which was really cool for when it got hot as the show went on. 

I also had a pair of custom 1 of 1 Chrome Heart denim Timberland boots that I had a guy distress along with some Balenciaga sunglasses. Overall, I had a great time at the event and met a ton of cool people.  

When you attended New York Fashion Week last year, what shows did you attend? Did you do anything fun after the shows?   

I didn’t do too much but a very good friend of mine Toreno Winn has a brand, so I supported his very first show, I checked out a few up-and-coming brands and had a fitting at the KSUBI showroom. I was coming from Milan so everything was happening so fast but I had a great time during Fashion Week.

This past February you attended Milan Fashion Week where many designers debuted their Fall/Winter 2024/25 collections. Tell us about your experience at MFW and some of the things you did.   

Some of the shows I attended during Milan Fashion Week were Billionaire, PHILIPPE MODEL, JORDAN LUCA, DAAD DANTON, Zegna. A few brands out there contacted me but the budget in Milan was bigger, and it showed in their shows production. I enjoyed the art from different designers, and it was cool for me to be able to experience people’s different POV and style.  

Jordan Luca’s show stood out the most to me in Milan because his venue was in an underground tunnel, the ceiling was leaking with water, it was super cold and aluminum balloons everywhere. There were a lot of nice fashion pieces in their show as well. I bought a lot of stuff while I was in Milan too and I checked out a few showrooms from local designers including Untitled Artworks.

What would be your dream brand collaboration?    

If I could work with anyone, it would either be with Pharrell and LV or Kanye, I really love his work too. Even if it’s just learning from them. Since I’m trying to grow in this space, they both are very influential outside of fashion too.  

You collaborated with David Yurman for an exclusive event in New York where proceeds went to a local Boys and Girls Club. Talk to us about this event and how you were able to mesh your love for sports and jewelry.   

This was my first brand collab with a jewelry company and owning my own pieces from David Yurman and being able to connect with so many people from their company was great. Their jewelry is sleek and classy and fits into what I like personally. My fashion can get wild so it’s nice to balance it out with pieces from David Yurman.  

What is your favorite piece of jewelry that you can’t live without?   

Probably my David Yurman cross. I wear it all the time, it doesn’t really ever come off. I also really like my LV chain that I pretty much keep on me. Another LV piece that I have I waited a long time to get it has clouds on it and even though I don’t wear it often I really like this piece.  

How were you able to find your own fashion style?   

I’ve always had a unique interest in different things. Even if I’m initially not sure about a piece, I’ll step out of my comfort zone without being afraid of what others may think, and it has worked for me so far.  

What are some current fashion trends that you like right now?   

I’ve been real big on the oversized jean shorts, throwing on a belt with designs on it and also pants chains. I probably do that too much sometimes lol. Depending on the outfit, I’ll tuck my shirt in and go for that swaggy cowboy look. Those are things I like, but I try to focus on what I like because trends come and go.  

Last year you hosted an event in collaboration with Dior and LVMH. Talk to us about how this opportunity came about and some of your favorite memories from this event.   

A good friend of mine connected me with Vincent who bridges the gap between athletes and LVMH. The event was a success and my former teammates supported me and we were able to raise money and bonding with everyone who came to support me.  

Seeing exclusive pieces that Dior doesn’t always have in store. I was able to try on clothes, see exclusive pieces, which is always great.  

Now that you’re in Wisconsin, are you going to find a way to still tap into the fashion world?  

I don’t think it’s any designers out here lol, but I was recently talking to a good friend back at home about finding ways where I can be creative outside of just wearing clothes since it’s not as much around me like it was in New York.  

My end goal is to have my own brand or work within a creative director role. I think being out here will allow me to do more research and shift my focus to not just being the model but discovering other avenues of the fashion industry.  

You have a tattoo collaboration with renowned tattoo artist GANGA. Tell us about how this came about, what tattoo was created and how long it all took to create.   

We actually connected through Instagram. We spoke years back, but I was too busy to work with him at the time. The process is very intense but my overall experience out in Cali was great. I used to draw my tattoos then have a tattoo artist ink it on me.  

I can still draw but I haven’t put the time in how I want to to improve my skill. I tattooed my entire front with GANGA and I knew exactly how I wanted everything to look from placement, font and overall design.  

I have a theme for every tattoo I have because I sit on my ideas, so it was great to be able to work on this creatively.  The entire process took about 6-7 hours with 4 tattoo artists working on me while I slept through it.

You easily stand out with your two toned locs. How long have you had this style, and would you ever try other colors?   

I’ve had locs and the two-toned blonde since high school. People have suggested I try different colors, but I’ve always liked blonde on me and it’s like my trademark at this point. I have two personalities to me, which is what my hairstyle represents, so I don’t really see myself changing it anytime soon.  

Do you have a skincare routine?  

 I use a lot of Kiehl’s products from their face wash, eye cream, moisturizer and a few other products from their line over the years.  

 What does a typical self-care day look like for you?  

I’ve been getting facials lately when I’m in New York. Outside of that, I like exploring cities and finding new things to do and try and taking pictures of art.  

What’s next for Xavier McKinney in the fashion industry? 

I plan on connecting with various brands in the fashion space, learning and growing while building connections, so when I retire from football, I can have a seamless transition into the fashion industry.  

TEAM CREDITS:

Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)

Photographer: Joshua Sobel (@josh.sobel) 

Stylist: Katherine Fu (@urlilkat) 

Garments: Wisdom Kaye (@wisdm) 

About The Author: Taylor Winter Wilson

Senior Editor at Galore. Made in Detroit - Living in Atlanta.