Nobis debuts collection with basketball star Serge Ibaka

By

Godfrey Deeny

Published
Nov 24, 2020

Nobis has debuted a new collection with basketball star and noted fashion plate Serge Ibaka. An NBA champion and master blocker for the Toronto Raptors, Ibaka makes frequent front attendances at major league fashion shows, from Hermès to Balmain, where he is hailed for his panache and risk-taking style. How many other major athletes would have the aplomb to wear a Thom Browne seersucker suit, with a kilt, and pull it off?

For the high-end Canadian outerwear marque, Ibaka has developed a sleek capsule collection which started retailing in stores and  online this month.

“I’m thrilled to collaborate with Nobis on my first fashion collection. Nobis is very simple and chic, which made me really fall in love with the brand, making them the perfect partner,” says the multi-lingual Ibaka, who speak four languages.

Born in the Republic of Congo to two basketball-playing parents, Ibaka played professionally in Spain before making his NBA debut with the Oklahoma City Magic. Two trades later he joined the Toronto Raptors, going on to win the NBA Championship in 2019.

“Getting dressed to me is an art, and I wanted to express myself through this collection and share it with my fans,” added Ibaka.

The player actively participated in the design of the genderless collection that features nine limited-edition pieces, including a parka, anorak, bomber jacket, vests, hats and scarves.

Prices range from $60 to $995 and each piece is home-launderable. Nobis was careful to maintain key aspects of its most important technical components. Anoraks and bomber jackets, for instance, have a water-repellent nylon shell and breathable Primaloft insulation for fast-drying warmth. The collection’s parka is crafted from Nobis’ patented membrane lamination, seam-sealed construction and insulated with Canadian origin white duck down. Reflective trims and iridescent logos in contrast to the neutral palette aid visibility after dark.

Nobis’ signature printed polyester crosshatch features a “S” logo on the front and iridescent limited-edition collection label on the back. It reverses to reveal a camouflage print and Serge’s signature Mafuzzy catchphrase on the rim. A noted chef, on his popular YouTube series “How Hungry Are You,” Ibaka refers to himself as Mafuzzy Chef.

“We couldn’t be prouder to take our partnership with Serge Ibaka, one of our Global Brand Ambassadors, to the next level with the release of this collaborative collection. Serge represents the best of professional sport and international fashion and we are absolutely delighted to be working together in bringing his vision of Nobis x Ibaka to life," added Nobis co-founder and vice president Robin Yates.

Nobis is targeted at the growing market for stylish multi-functional outerwear designed for changing global winter conditions. Launched in Canada in 2007, Nobis today retails in 35 countries.