Colin Kaepernick Requested To Wear Only Black or Women Designers For His GQ Shoot

Former football player, Colin Kaepernick, made headlines last year for his protests of police brutality and racial injustices. The protests have since continued and spread throughout different sports. Most recently, the quarterback-turned-activist has been named “Citizen of the Year” by GQ Magazine for his contribution to the community and social justice.

For the GQ shoot, Kaepernick requested to only wear Black designers. According to an interview with Refinery29, his stylist, Rachel Johnson stated, “He wanted to wear designers of color and or designers who were women. He wanted to give an opportunity for designers to be featured in the magazine who wouldn’t normally be, especially for a cover shoot of this magnitude.”

The blazer that was worn on the cover was designed by Harlem-based store Harlem Haberdashery, which is owned by husband and wife Guy and Shay Wood.

Kaepernick also wore a custom “Even More Names” shirt based on his iconic albeit controversial “They Have Names” shirt from 2015. The shirt was designed by Kerby Jean-Raymond of menswear label Pyer Moss.

His stylist continued, “It was amazing how it all came together. It feels surreal. I’m proud of how it’s being received. I’m thrilled we were able to feature designers who would have never gotten this look before.”