Last Updated on December 6, 2024 Paige Bueckers continues to expand her remarkable array of name, image, and likeness collaborations. The latest endeavor for the UConn standout is with Round21, a lifestyle brand that fuses art, culture, and sports. Founded by Jasmine Maietta—who transitioned from being a professional basketball player and college coach to an […]
Last Updated on December 6, 2024
Paige Bueckers continues to expand her remarkable array of name, image, and likeness collaborations. The latest endeavor for the UConn standout is with Round21, a lifestyle brand that fuses art, culture, and sports. Founded by Jasmine Maietta—who transitioned from being a professional basketball player and college coach to an entrepreneur—the brand aims to connect artists, athletes, and fans through their individual narratives and creativity.
An Exceptional Partnership with Round21 and The Brandr Group
Working alongside The Brandr Group, a company specializing in brand management and licensing, Round21 has launched a distinctive streetwear line showcasing Bueckers as the highlighted athlete. Samantha Woj, a visual artist renowned for her innovative techniques, crafted the unique designs for this clothing line. Woj utilizes athletic equipment like a basketball instead of traditional art tools to create striking visuals, as illustrated in the pieces from Bueckers’ collection. Due to a genetic condition present at birth, Woj has two fingers on each hand. Her artistic process involves throwing, rolling, and taping sporting gear to a surface, allowing her passion for athletics to manifest as art. You can observe her artistic process for Paige’s designs in a video here.
Why Paige Bueckers Represents the Ideal Partner
As Round21’s inaugural collaboration with a collegiate athlete, Founder and CEO Jasmine Maietta expressed what makes Paige the perfect choice for this partnership.
“Paige embodies authenticity while encompassing a broader vision in all her endeavors,” Maietta noted. “She possesses an innate ability to intertwine her passion for the sport with the surrounding culture, be it through her fashion sense, her expression, or the way she inspires those around her. This aligns perfectly with what Round21 stands for—empowering athletes like Paige to narrate their journeys in an authentic manner that motivates others.”
The Core of Round21’s Philosophy
At the heart of Round21’s philosophy is the belief that sports can serve as a medium for personal expression and uniqueness. Maietta highlighted how Bueckers exemplifies these traits both on and off the basketball court.
“Paige doesn’t merely play basketball; she elevates it to an art form,” Maietta stated. “Whether showcasing her skills on the court or her demeanor off it, she consistently conveys her individuality. This partnership extends that concept, employing sports as a vehicle to tell her story. It encompasses not only her talent but also her unique perspective, her style, and how she integrates culture into her journey.”
Broadening the Vision with UConn’s Women’s Basketball
Alongside Bueckers, Round21 plans to collaborate with additional members of the UConn women’s basketball team. The successful collaboration with Bueckers lays the groundwork for Round21 to highlight the stories of other athletes.
“UConn’s program is abundant with leaders, each possessing a narrative as distinct as their playing style,” Maietta commented. “The objective is to engage with them in a manner that reveals who they are as unique individuals. For instance, Paige’s flair and holistic approach truly stand out. For others, it may center around their personal interests or their ties to the community. The vital aspect is to create something that authentically represents each individual and narrates their journey in a relatable way for fans.”
The Influence of Genuine Storytelling
Maietta holds that authentic storytelling unites artists, sports enthusiasts, and athletes alike.
“Storytelling holds immense significance,” she expressed. “It’s what elevates a product from being merely stylish to becoming significant. When fans engage with Paige’s story—how she infuses her cultural background, her identity, and her broader vision into all her endeavors—it fosters connection. By integrating those aspects into the design and collaboration, Round21 is crafting something that fans don’t just don; they become a part of the experience.”
