Esther Wallace is not just a former athlete but also a visionary entrepreneur, reshaping the landscape of women’s basketball through her clothing brand, Playa Society. Wallace, who transitioned from a Division I basketball player to a designer, has turned her passion for the game into a movement that celebrates, supports, and elevates women in sports.
Esther Wallace didn’t just stumble into fashion; she was driven by a mission. After experiencing the disparities in sports apparel firsthand, both as a player and a fan, Wallace decided to do something about it. In 2018, she launched Playa Society, a brand dedicated to creating apparel that not only looks good but also tells a story of empowerment, representation, and change in women’s basketball. Her designs are not mere garments; they are statements, crafted to amplify the voices of female athletes.
Playa Society’s mission goes beyond fashion. Wallace’s designs are imbued with messages of equality, recognition, and the celebration of women’s achievements in sports. One of her iconic releases, the “Female Athlete” t-shirt, boldly crossed out “female” to emphasize that athletes should be recognized for their skills, not their gender. This piece, among others, sparked conversations about gender equality in sports, which Wallace intended.
Her latest collaboration with the WNBA, featuring the phrase “If You’re Just Now Tuning Into Women’s Basketball, We Told You So,” is a nod to the long-standing excellence of women’s basketball, which is only now receiving widespread acclaim. The collection pays homage to the players and creators who have tirelessly worked to bring the sport to its current prominence.
Wallace’s brand has significantly impacted the culture around women’s basketball. It has become a symbol for fans and players alike, fostering a sense of community and belonging. By wearing Playa Society, fans signal not just their support for a team but for the broader movement for gender equality in sports. Players, on the other hand, gain a platform through her designs, where their achievements are celebrated, and their struggles are acknowledged.
Esther Wallace leverages Playa Society as more than a business; it’s her platform for social change. She uses her brand to advocate for better representation, pay equity, and visibility for women in sports. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets, highlighting her dual role as a designer and an activist. Through her apparel, Wallace educates, inspires, and mobilizes a community around the idea that women’s sports deserve the same respect and resources as men’s.
Under Wallace’s stewardship, the Playa Society has grown from a one-woman operation to a cultural phenomenon within women’s sports. It’s not just about selling clothes; it’s about selling a vision of the future where women in sports are celebrated for their talent, resilience, and achievements. Wallace has managed to intertwine fashion with activism, creating a legacy where every shirt, hoodie, and accessory tells a story of empowerment.
In changing the game of women’s basketball, Esther Wallace shows us that fashion can be a powerful tool for social change. Her journey from the court to the design studio illustrates how one can use their platform to advocate for equality, inspire a community, and leave a lasting impact on the world of sports and beyond. Through Playa Society, Wallace isn’t just dressing athletes; she’s dressing a movement for a more inclusive, equitable future in sports.
