27 March 2023 , 18:46
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Sports brand Nike has unveiled its first gender neutral athletic wear collection.
The company has announced a new collaboration with basketball player Sabrina Ionescu, creating specially designed trainers and clothing inspired by her Romanian heritage.
The new range is completely unisex, which Nike says is "delivering on its commitment to serve the next generation of hoopers and move the game forward both on and off the court."
Ionescu is an American basketball star, playing for the New York Liberty team who compete at a professional level in the Women's National Basketball Association.
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Fans were excited to see the Sabrina 1 trainers in all adult sizes from 5 to 16 (Nike.com)
The clothes are not tailored for gendered body types (Nike.com)The 25-year-old has been rising quickly and breaking records in her three years on the team and now joins the ranks of highly respected sportspeople as a Nike ambassador.
In an announcement Kerry Sobol, VP Global Women's Team and Organized Sports, said: "Ionescu is the first women's basketball player to deliver a unisex signature collection with Nike, Inc.
"We are thrilled she will lead the charge with us and continue to change the scope of the game for future generations."
The star of the collection is the new Sabrina 1 trainer, which, "is made to serve players like Ionescu," who "played an active role in creating her signature collection."
Nike said the shoe is built for balance and comfort while keeping it lightweight and responsive.
Sabrina 1 also features intricate embroidery patterns to pay homage to Ionescu's Romanian heritage inspired by traditional Romanian art and architecture.
Sabrina Ionescu plays for New York Liberty in the WNBA (Getty Images)Hidden engraving which reads, 'Anyone, anywhere' was chosen to symbolise her "unmatched competitive spirit" but also to inspire others with Ionescu's "belief that dreamers can come from anywhere".
The motto fits with the sentiment of the launch that anyone, anywhere can wear the clothing or the trainers, regardless of gender.
Ionescu's collection includes hoodie, tees, shorts and an on-trend cross-body bag all in shades of black, white and a bright purple - including the specially made basketball socks.
Fans went wild for the collection under her Twitter announcement which read: "I’m officially a Nike Basketball signature athlete! The #Sabrina1, coming soon."
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Many were excited that the shoes came in all adult sizes and former basketball player Pau Gasol said: "So happy for you!! The #Sabrina1 look amazing."
Nike Basketball replied: "Honored to have you join the family."
The collection is set to be released later this summer on the Nike website and selected retailers.