I Can't Stop Thinking About Dennis Rodman's Style
Image via Getty
By Ashley Diamantis
To most of the world, Dennis Rodman is remembered and known as the five time NBA Championship Winner and Hall of Famer, brief wrestler and humanitarian worker who mainly occupies his time now with American/North Korean relations.
However more recently his revolutionary, gender fluid style has resurfaced online (largely thanks to Netflix’s Michael Jordan docuseries The Last Dance) introducing and cementing him as a retrospective fashion icon to the younger generations as someone worth remembering and celebrating within the new decade.
Differing from merely stumbling upon him in the daily scroll through Instagram’s explore feed or from the show, my discovery of the player came about in a more unorthodox way, introduced into my world by none other than the notorious, Rick Harrision.
At this point watching Pawn Stars with the family during dinner has become a tradition in my household, and considering that Harrison deals with a lot of sports memorabilia, it was due time that I was introduced to my new favourite man in fashion.
An ex-girlfriend of Rodman’s entered the store, looking to sell some of his old jerseys for a quick splash of cash, and as soon as his name exited her mouth, a montage of the player’s pictures flashed across the screen, instilling his bright coloured hair and large facial piercings into my mind. This lead to an obsession, digging up every look he has appeared in during the late nineties, but there are seven looks in particular that I can’t stop thinking about.
MTV VMAs 1995
At the MTV VMAs in 1995, Rodman made an appearance in a cropped silver camisole, showing off his belly button piercing and tattoos, a boxer brief jean hybrid, chunky silver jewellery and accessories, topped with his bright pink hair.
As you scroll through the rest of the images, you’ll quickly pick up on how much of a staple piece his goggle-like sunglasses were, complimenting every one of the looks.
MTV VMAs 1996
The following year, Rodman once again made an appearance at the VMAs, this time in a navy blazer, high waisted velvet lace up pants with the same belt as the year last, gold tied up shirt, smoking a cigarette. In an Instagram post, Rodman stated that he didn’t have a stylist for this look, confirming that he is someone who has an eye and adoration for fashion, expressing his individuality.
Whitehouse 1997
After winning an NBA title in 1997, Rodman, the Chicago Bulls and coach Phil Jackson (left) were invited to the Whitehouse to be congratulated by president at the time. Although a little more toned down in colour for the player, Rodman rocked an embroidered floral suit jacket, black leather pants, a gold and black checkered silk shirt underneath, with gold glitter nail polish and jewellery to complement.
David Letterman 1996
To promote his new show at the time The Rodman World Tour, Rodman made an appearance on the Late Show, where he famously spray painted David Letterman’s hair green. The current Chicago Bulls player emerged onto the set in a black, sheer lace shirt, laser cut vinyl-looking pants and spray bottle in hand. When asked about why Rodman wasn’t attending the Olympics that year, he responded saying that “they don’t want someone like this representing the United States”, gesturing to himself, presumably referring to his eccentric and loud personality and style.
BAD AS I WANT TO BE BOOK TOUR 1996
In 1996, Rodman went on tour around the United States to promote his autobiography at the time Bad As I Wanna Be. For one of the first signings at Barnes & Noble on Fifth Avenue, Rodman turned up in horse-led carriage, dressed in a custom-made wedding gown, looking like a glamazonian blushing bride. The look quickly caused a buzz, and when questioned about it, he simply responded saying that he was a bisexual and was marrying himself. His book topped the New York Times best seller list and remained there for 2 weeks after the stunt.
Candie’s Advertisement
Although not an entire look per se, Dennis Rodman and his wife at the time, Carmen Electra, appeared in a series of poster advertisements for Candie’s Fragrances. Both appeared in matching purple towels, touching up their makeup in the mirror. The colour coordination is probably the best thing about this photo: Rodman’s hair matching his wife’s skin tone and the fragrance bottles on the counter, and his eyeshadow matching the walls of the room and the towels that they are wearing.
Double Team (1997)
Ending on what is probably my favourite look of them all, Rodman starred as a futuristic weapon’s dealer in 1997 film Double Team, earning him a Golden Raspberry nomination. The look is so perfect, his hair has flame patters all over, matching with the orange in his deep v-neck tank top, his pants are made of a purple and blue shiny fabric matching with the bicep bands he has on each arm, the attention to detail is so pleasing to the eye and is something to be marvelled at.