Candace Parker Hopes Her SKIMS Modeling Debut Spotlights What Else 'Female Athletes Can Do' (Exclusive)

In October 2023, SKIMS’ Kim Kardashian became the official underwear sponsor of USA Basketball, the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). All in all, a ball player business move.

Now, the brand’s latest Fits Everybody underwear campaign shines a spotlight on WNBA icons — Candace Parker, Cameron Brink, Dijonai Carrington, Kelsey Plum and Skylar Diggins-Smith — with expertly crafted and tailored pieces that will make anyone feel like a winner.

Parker, 38, a three-time WNBA champion who knows a thing or two about confidence on the court (she’s nicknamed “Ace” for a reason), talks to PEOPLE exclusively about her SKIMS debut — and how she’s challenging the status quo with a modeling moment.

“It’s super cool that SKIMS is for all shapes, sizes and heights,” says the TNT Sports commentator of the collection, which features underwear and loungewear in sizes XXS-4X.

“As athletes, for so long [been about] you go through a period where it’s like, ‘Are you too muscular? Are you too tall? Are you too thin?’ So I think it’s important to show, especially now that I have a daughter, that it’s super powerful to love your body.” Parker is mom to 14-year-old Laila.

Candace Parker for SKIMS.

Hugh Wilson/SKIMS

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It’s not every day someone gets asked to model in a SKIMS campaign, and it was a “cool” gig for Parker, “especially at this stage in my career,” she says. On April 28, Parker announced her “bittersweet” retirement from the WNBA on Instagram after 16 seasons in the league.

As she played in front of the crowd, she admits, “There’s a difference in getting ready for something when you’re going to be wearing your underwear.”

“You feel nerves when you’re doing something that’s outside the domain where you normally do things. Yes, it’s embarrassing, but that’s how you continue to grow and continue to expand what female athletes can do.”

As time went on, Parker became more and more relaxed in front of the cameras. “The energy on set was great, the direction was amazing, and we all understand how cool that is,” he tells PEOPLE.

Plus, wearing some of the most comfortable clothing (the brand is known for its soft fluffy material) was a bonus.

Photographed by Hugh Wilson, Parker models pieces from the Fits Everybody collection, including briefs, a shaped long-sleeve top and a classic bandeau that lifts and supports.

Candace Parker for SKIMS.

Hugh Wilson/SKIMS

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The looks are no different from what Parker wears on a daily basis. “I go for a look that’s comfortable for me all the time. That’s definitely my vibe.”

However, she likes to change her wardrobe from time to time. “I would say ‘versatility’ is my word that I use in business, on the field, off the field, in fashion. It’s funny because I’m commentating and you’ll see me in a suit and tie and then you’ll see me in a dress with sneakers. So, I like to be versatile. Same on the pitch, I can play different positions and pass, shoot and score.” She also credits Laila for keeping her “young” in the style department.

But she always puts herself first. “I’m really proud of being who I am and being authentic in whatever space I’m in,” she says.

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Candace Parker at the 2019 NBA Awards June 24, 2019 Joe Scarnici/Getty Images

Now that she has won her first SKIMS campaign, Parker hopes that SKIMS’ initiative with the WNBA will open a new conversation about women in sports.

Her advice to young athletes: “Ask why?”

“There were several cases when female athletes were not allowed in certain areas. So create that room, create that seat at the table,” she says. “When I came into the league, those partnerships, those opportunities didn’t exist. To see where it is for the future is super special, but I don’t think we can be satisfied with where we are now. We have to keep pushing the needle forward, and that starts with women sitting at the table, it starts with asking questions, asking why – sometimes demanding. That’s the power.”

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education