Dawn Staley gifted new fashion piece: Custom vest stitched with symbols of her life, career

COLUMBIA — South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley just added a custom sweater vest to her closet, with a piece designed entirely for the three-time title winning coach.

On Tuesday, the company Togethxr revealed the new vest for Staley by posting a video of her reaction to the custom piece.

The cream-colored knitted vest features various aspects and details of Staley's life, ranging from a championship trophy with three rings, signifying each of South Carolina's national titles, a bone with Staley's dog's name on it and the Liberty Bell for Staley's roots in Philadelphia.

The vest also includes a goat to compliment Staley's legacy in women's basketball and a USA Olympic gold medal.

The vest was designed by professional and Olympic soccer star Alex Taylor and stitched by Shakira Javonni, in partnership with Aflac. Togethxr was founded in 2021 by Morgan, snowboarder Chloe Kim, swimmer Simone Manuel, and basketball legend Sue Bird, all Olympic gold medalists. The company's goal is to be an "unapologetic platform where representation and equality is the norm. A place where culture, activism, lifestyle, and sports converge."

Taylor provided more details on the design process Tuesday on her Instagram account.

"The task was to create a fun piece that not only captured Coach Staley’s unique personal style, but highlighted her decorated career and significant role in championing the next generation of women in the game," Taylor wrote. "Of course, there’s also a nod to her beloved companion, Champ."

On X, formerly known as Twitter, Staley verbalized her appreciation for how well the custom piece represented her.

"BOOM! “If you look into my life and see what I see," Staley wrote, tagging singer Mary J. Blige whose song "My Life" says that line.

In recent years, Staley has expanded her personal style and drawn attention for her game day outfits, ranging from pieces from designers such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Chanel. In June, she attended a Gucci fashion show in Milan, Italy.

Staley has previously worn Togethxr's merch, including its famous shirt that says "everyone watches women's sports." In March, the company sent personalized shirts with the motto written in garnet and white for Staley.

The release of the vest comes after Staley was announced to be in the seven-person presidential delegation at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on Friday with First Lady Jill Biden.

STALEY IN THE OLYMPICS: Dawn Staley joining First Lady Jill Biden at opening ceremony for 2024 Olympic Games in Paris

Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at lkesin@gannett.com and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @Lulukesin

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Dawn Staley gifted a custom vest that celebrates her life, career