The American fashion icon has become more than the stereotypically thin model so apparent in the high-fashion industry. Rather, the term “fashionisto” has almost become synonymous with “famous.” 
Over the past 10 years, sports icons have become objects of praise as well as judgement in the fashion world. Not only are these men expected to perform on the field or court, but it is now assumed they should look dapper and sophisticated in their off time to the point where they are being infused into the culture. 
Former LSU wide receiver and now Pro-Bowler Odell Beckham Jr. hosted the “Suits and Sneakers Fashion Show” last night in Scottsdale, Arizona. The general theme of the event was to highlight “custom-made suits, lifestyle clothing and the latest in sneaker culture,” according to the event poster
description. 
Now, prominent sports figures are coming together solely to discuss and partake in a classic fashion ritual. This is proof enough they are relevant in the fashion industry. 
Most athletes, such as soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo or NBA’s Russell Westbrook, often are praised for their simple, yet elegant fashion choices. However, some outfits are not well-received by some fashion critics. 
For instance, Brent Burns, a Canadian-born NHL hockey player for the San Jose Sharks, was recently called out in a Yahoo Sports article for wearing the same suit to two different events in one week. The article is short and basically ends after pointing out his fashion faux pas.
However, the writer doesn’t really point how fashionable Burns actually looked. The suit consisted of a gray, black and red plaid material paired with a white button-up and black checkered tie. 
While the outfit wasn’t breaking any new ground, it was respectable, and he was judged solely on his ensemble choice. 
Let’s not forget he’s a hockey player missing most of his front teeth. Who cares what he wears? Apparently enough people to feature an article in a major sports publication section. 
This is certainly not the first time athletes have been viewed as influential fashion figures, and it will definitely not be the last. 
Tom Brady, a three-time Super Bowl Champion, is a well known endorser of UGG Australia For Men. He was even the subject of a video called “Down Time” for UGG’s fall 2014 line in which Brady played with his dog on a beach, sporting the fashionable men’s shoe. 
In one interview, Louisville Cardinals basketball coach Rick Pitino said he bought his son Richard a couple of Ermenegildo Zegna suits, each usually in the $3,000 range. 
“I told him if he throws a Zegna sports coat into the stands, I said that’s it, you’ll buy your own,” Pitino said in the ESPN interview. “You’ll go to Joseph A. Bank and get four-for-one, but I’m not buying you any anymore.”
Because, according to Pitino, it is necessary to wear a high-end custom suit while coaching. 
There have been countless examples over the years of celebrity athletes obviously caring about their public appearance, but there is one man who reigns supreme in the realm of fashion in sports — David Beckham. 
Beckham has proven time and time again that fashion is a
serious part of his life, and it seems he is never caught in any shabby attire. GQ even featured an article in 2013 called “David Beckham’s 25 Most Stylish Looks” in which writer Scott Christian said, “Beckham’s status as one of the world’s most stylish athletes can never be questioned.”
The point is, there are various ways to consume fashion that do not necessarily entail scanning the pages of Vogue or following New York Fashion Week. If anything, professional athletes are one collective outlet for men to be more comfortably versed in fashion trends.
Michael Tarver is a 20-year-old mass communication junior from Houma, Louisiana.  You can reach him on Twitter @michael_T16.