Former Los Angeles Rams defensive end William Hayes doesn’t consider himself to be a fashion-forward guy six days a week, though he insists on looking good when he’s in front of the cameras. That’s why he turns to L.A. custom clothing designer Jhoanna Alba for his game-day suits.
“She tells me what to wear and I wear it,” Hayes said.
Before the National Football League’s Draft last week, top prospects Marshon Lattimore and Jabril Peppers also visited Alba to have her make their suits for the big day. Alba Bespoke Clothing lays claim to more than 1,100 professional athletes having appeared in its clothing. The company also designs and makes custom shirts and accessories such as ties or pocket squares.
Alba has developed a niche among basketball, football, and baseball players. While she typically receives business through referrals, the NFL invited her to open a pop-up shop at this year’s Super Bowl in February. The store was located between Dolce & Gabbana and Tom Ford.
“We usually meet the guys at the hotel when they visit,” said Alba, 45. “We will also go to their homes, organize closets, and see what they need.”
She owns her own production facility in downtown’s Garment District and employs 40 people, including tailors, Alba said. Some employees have been with her since she first launched the business 25 years ago.
Alba’s $5,500 “rookie” package includes three suits; a five-suit package runs $9,000. Athletes can also buy packages of 10 suits or more, which are custom designed and fitted according to the customer’s color, fabric, and style preferences.
Because athletes are in the spotlight more than ever with the explosion of social media, many see the cost as a necessary expense.
“It’s about attention to detail and quality. She tailors to individual taste,” said former pro football player Terrell Owens, who has been a customer for more than 10 years. “Jhoanna is reasonable. You get what you pay for. She’s the one to call if you want to look good.”
Alba said she was just 19 and managing a Beverly Hills tuxedo shop when she met basketball star Earvin “Magic” Johnson. He had her pick out ties and accessories and the two established a professional relationship. Eventually, Johnson encouraged her to start her own business. Alba took his advice 25 years ago and he became her first client, ordering 10 suits.
“He’s my mentor. He’s been loyal for many years,” said Alba. “Magic helped me tremendously with the growth of my company.”
Big Splash
The Los Angeles Kings announced a $150,000 donation to the El Segundo Aquatic Center at the facility’s groundbreaking ceremony last week. The center is expected to be completed within 12 months.
The National Hockey League team is the latest company with offices in the area to contribute to the project. Other major sponsors include the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation, Skechers USA Inc., and Kinecta Federal Credit Union.
“The Kings are huge supporters of El Segundo. Hopefully, some players can use it for rehabbing once it’s open,” said Sherry Kramer, community affairs director for El Segundo’s Continental Development Corp., whose chief executive, Richard Lundquist, helped develop the center.
Larger sponsorships include naming rights and signage in the facility. The rights are good for 10 years, after which companies might be asked to renew the agreements. All donors will be inscribed on a permanent donor wall within the facility.
The $13.8 million project is the first development for nonprofit South Bay Sports, Health and Recreation. The El Segundo organization is led by Continental CEO Lundquist. His company contributed $2 million to the project. Wiseburn Unified School District and the city of El Segundo together contributed $7.8 million. South Bay said it needs to raise an additional $2.5 million from outside sources in order to complete construction.
Plans for the building call for a 53-meter, 10-lane competition pool with seating for 500 spectators.
Game Day
The Los Angeles Chargers have agreed to multiyear TV and radio deals for local broadcast rights. The team will have nearly 400 hours of programming on an annual basis across four TV and radio stations.
Walt Disney Co.’s KABC-TV (7) and Azteca América’s KAZA-TV (54) are set to televise preseason games in English and Spanish, respectively.
For radio broadcasts of preseason, regular season, and postseason games, iHeartMedia Inc. will air English-language coverage on KFI-AM (640). Lotus Communication Corp.’s KFWB-AM (980) will broadcast Spanish-language coverage.
Staff reporter David Nusbaum can be reached at [email protected] or (323) 556-8336.
