Just weeks after an NBA title, the Knicks guard trades confetti for catwalks, stepping into Paris Fashion Week and Willy Chavarria’s Comunión show. L’OFFICIEL gets an exclusive look at Clarkson as he gets ready backstage.

Jordan Clarkson, New York Knicks guard, NBA champion, and now runway model at Paris Fashion Week—some people really can do it all. Just weeks after the championship celebrations that had everyone (and their moms) tuned in, Clarkson has gone from the court to the catwalk, not only attending shows but stepping into them as well.Ahead of the show, L'OFFICIEL got an exclusive backstage look as Clarkson prepared to walk in Willy Chavarria’s Spring/Summer 2027 show, Comunión. The collection centers on collective spirit, finding joy in existence as sustenance through times of chaos and darkness. That sentiment echoed something familiar: the collective energy and support that surrounded New York as the Knicks pushed toward their long-awaited championship victory after 53 years.While the worlds of runway shows and NBA Finals may seem far apart, Clarkson approaches both with the same ritual of focus. Before stepping out, he gets into his zone the same way he does before a game—music on, a few deep breaths, and time to lock in. When asked if he had any plans to unwind after such a whirlwind stretch, his answer was simple. “Sleep! But after that, it's back to work and getting ready for next season.” It seems there really is no off-season for a champion. Keep scrolling for the full interview.&nbsp;

L'OFFICIEL: Growing up, was fashion something you followed, or is it a world you've stepped into more recently?JORDAN CLARKSON: I've always been into fashion, ever since I was young. Having the opportunity to be influential in that space has always been a dream of mine.L'O: We've seen athletes become some of fashion's biggest tastemakers in recent years. Why do you think the relationship between sports and fashion has become so intertwined?JC: We all want to express ourselves in different ways, and fashion gives athletes the chance to show a side of themselves that people don't always get to see. It's a creative outlet outside of our sport.

Jordan Clarkson. Photography by Megan Latify.

L'O: What's your routine leading up to walking a runway show? Do you rehearse your walk ahead of time, and are you ever nervous before the show? How does that compare to the nerves you get before tip-off?JC: Just coffee and taking a minute to breathe. It can definitely be a little nerve-racking since there's not much practice for something like this, but I just try to enjoy the moment, throw on some music, and lock in the same way I do before a game.L'O: What is it about Willy Chavarria in particular that resonates with your personal style? How does the brand fit into your world, both on and off the court?JC: Willy is really authentic to his culture and heritage, and you can feel that in everything he creates. His designs fit my aesthetic, and I love the way his clothes fit me.

L'O: It's been a busy stretch between the NBA season, the Knicks' playoff run, and now Fashion Week. When you finally get some downtime, what's your ideal way to recharge, and do you have any summer plans you're excited about?JC: Sleep! (Laughs.) But after that, it's back to work and getting ready for next season.L'O: Having been both on the runway and in the front row, do you find yourself looking at fashion shows differently now? What's surprised you most about seeing both sides of the experience?JC: The whole experience. Getting to see the process behind each show and everything that goes into it makes you appreciate the artistry that much more.

Jordan Clarkson Has No Off-Season

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