Kiki Iriafen’s Draft Dress Sparks Designer Frenzy
Behold, the WNBA draft dress that triggered more DMs than a reality-show scandal. Kiki Iriafen hit the stage on April 18, 2025, wearing a bespoke gown by emerging designer Jordan Smith, and courtesy of TMZ and People Magazine, we now know Smith’s inbox exploded overnight. The custom design—an architectural marvel in crimson and gold—pulled in roughly 250 new inquiries within 24 hours, according to The Athletic’s fashion correspondent. Naturally, this is the most groundbreaking development since someone realized athletes need clothes.
Since draft night, Smith’s business has soared by an alleged 300 percent, with bookings spilling into next season. Industry insiders at E! News confirm that brands and brides alike have been sliding into Smith’s calendar faster than a point guard on a fast break. Because clearly, what the world was missing was exactly this: small business boosting courtesy of a sports draft dress. Amid calls from high-profile clients and two unnamed WNBA hopefuls, Smith reportedly had to hire an assistant just to manage the fan mail—a deserved promotion for anyone who thought design school was a retirement plan.
Behind the scenes, Iriafen’s camp revealed she chose Smith’s boutique label for its “modern edge and fine tailoring,” according to an interview with Vogue. The rookie guard’s social media push—complete with behind-the-scenes snaps and sassy captions—was a relentless PR play that drove the buzz. The Athletic notes that the gown’s sculptural bodice played well on camera, fueling hashtag campaigns #DraftLookGoals and #CourtCouture, which trended for hours. Meanwhile, cynics on Twitter quipped that this gown is the only thing more durable than a veteran defender’s will to brag about her turnover stats.
Smith, who once operated out of a 200-square-foot studio in Brooklyn, now shares a renovated loft with fabric swatches scattered like confetti. According to People Magazine, his monthly revenue climbed from five figures to mid-six figures in a matter of weeks. And if that doesn’t scream “bedazzled jackpot,” nothing does. Fellow designers admit they’re refreshing Smith’s website every five minutes, hoping to snag the next big ticket. Spoiler alert: the waiting list is longer than the NBA Finals.
So, what’s next? Expect a capsule collection inspired by Iriafen’s style—think breathable silk blends and gold accents—dropping just in time for training camp. Tune in next time for more unexpected fashion endorsements and athletes who apparently missed the memo that jerseys come in standard sizes. Let’s pretend we learned something today.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, People Magazine, The Athletic, E! News
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
