Shaqir and Shareef O’Neal Go Grunge for New boohooMAN Collab
Shaquille O’Neal was never really noted for his style, but the same can’t be said for his sons, Shaqir and Shareef. While the O’Neal brothers have built careers around the court — Shaqir announcing his commitment to play at Texas Southern University (TSU) last year and Shareef signing with the Lakers’ summer league — the duo are now setting their sights on the fashion industry as well.
Following the success of boohooMAN’s first-ever “Tall edit” with Shaqir last year (think streetwear styles for tall people, as the name suggests), the O’Neal brothers have launched a second boohooMAN collab, which fuses their athletic sensibilities with a surprising grunge spin.
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Shaqir’s first collaboration marked new territory for the brand. Only months after the young athlete signed to TSU, boohooMAN announced its tall line featuring an earth-toned palette of faux leathers, graphic prints, and band tees. “I’ve always had a strong relationship with fashion and how it drives culture,” Shaqir tells Rolling Stone, adding that this time around he’s no longer a rookie when it comes to crafting new looks. “Since the last collab, I’ve been more involved with the design process.”
The new collection, dubbed boohooMAN x O’Neal Brothers, occupies a space somewhere between effortless staples and energetic applications, a clear blend between Shareef’s “laid back” style and Shaqir’s “fashion forward” approach. Graphic tees and hoodies remain an integral part of the brand, now amplified with pre-stressed cuts and raw-edged hems. The color palette is heavy, consisting of black cargos embossed with Nineties-inspired graphics and pre-cut denim with metallic snap finishes at the ankles.
“This collection was not only super comfortable but it was very bold,” Shareef says. “When you think about those two things, it sums up my brother and I.”
Shaqir agrees, adding that perhaps the bold nature of the clothing comes from his willingness to test boundaries. “We both have similar tastes,” he says. “Personally, I like to push the limits more and find statement pieces. I’m always finding ways to make high fashion accessible, and the collection reflects that.”
Buy boohooMAN x O'Neal Brothers $7+
Despite the weighty grunge influence on the full line, there still remain moments of airy earth tones reminiscent of Shaqir’s first collab. Sand-colored vests, tees, and jackets cut through the stark black while still incorporating graphic elements like embroidered flames and spray-paint motifs.
“This year, the team wanted to focus on the US market and what was trending over there for us, but we also wanted to make sure it still aligned with the brothers’ personal aesthetic,” notes Shane Chin, the brand’s Head of Design. “We introduced key new shapes such as boxy and long line silhouettes which can be layered up for transitional looks. We’re excited to work with both of the O’Neal brothers and believe this collection is a versatile range that will speak to the boohooMAN customer.”
The 50-piece collection is the latest collaboration between boohooMAN and famous celebrity offspring — the fast fashion e-tailer dropped a collection co-designed by Travis Barker’s son, Landon, earlier this year. The O’Neal brothers collab also marks the next steps for boohooMAN in extending their Big & Tall selection, with the new collection available in traditional sizes all the way up to 5XL.
The boohooMAN x O’Neal brothers collab is available online now, with prices ranging from $7 to $75.
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