You may or may not have been around in the days before social media got to tbe the super-huge “thing” that it is today. It may be a bit of a surprise to you, but Shaquille O’Neal is one of those people whose life and career actually crosses the line from pre-social media to post-social media. Yet even back then, the Big Man was grabbing headlines and making appearances… and always (always!) dressed for success. Shaq talks about his fashion history in a new article on the online newsmagazine HuffPost.com.
Shaq certainly knows his way around online marketing and media today, but it seems he’s always known the value of being in front of as many eyeballs as possible. Before Twitter, Facebook and blog posts (like the one you’re reading right now), Shaq generated plenty of attention for himself through his (shall we say…) “interesting” fashion choices. Here’s a clue: the headline of the HuffPost article is “Shaq Talks About The Wild Outfits He Wore Just ‘To Get Attention.”
Shaq says, “If it was a look that was really off the wall, it was done for marketing purposes only.” Shaq went as far as to say some of his outfits – including extra-length jackets that went down below the calves a “clown look.”
No clowning around.. but more great Shaq-fashion pics and the full HuffPost.com article – click here.
Now there’s no more fashion clowning around. Shaq is teaming up with JC Penney to create a new line of big and tall mens fashions. He helped Penney and modeling agency Wilhelmina conduct a nationwide talent search for the big men who would show off the new Shaq line.
Still, back in the day… “This was before social media, but I still used to go viral. That’s all a form of my marketing. And then when I got older I said, ‘You know what? I did all the little kiddie stuff, it’s corporate time.’” Still, the NBA legend and businessman / investor says he’s got no regrets over past fashion decisions.
Back in the day, spending $3,000 for a suit was about average for Shaq. Check out some of his more interesting examples with the pics on this article…and you can check out more pics from the original HuffPost article by clicking here.
First with Macy’s and now with JC Penney, Shaq says he wants to help other big men who want to find suits that fit properly without spending an NBA signing bonus-sized pile of money.
Shaq told HuffPost: “We need to realize that the world is very different. Everybody’s not the same size, right? Brands need to do a better job of creating for everybody. And if they did create for everybody, I guarantee their profits will go up. It’s a movement that needs to happen.”
Today, Shaq’s tastes are a little more business-like. No surprise, with all those TV appearances and Boardroom appointments. “I’m very, very business-minded, so all my suits are business-orientated,” Shaq says. “A lot of guys wear a lot stuff that I wouldn’t wear, but then again, fashion is subjective. You do whatever you think is hot.”
Of course all that changes with Businessman Shaq turns into DJ Diesel. Shaq’s alter-ego can be seen playing (and dancing, and moshing) and big-name clubs around the world. Fashion for those events? Tank top and jeans, according to the big man.