How Jeff Hamilton Turned the NBA 3-Point Contest Winner’s Jacket Into a ‘Trophy’
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The Intersection of Fashion and Basketball History
Some jackets feel like fashion. Others feel like milestones. Jeff Hamilton’s latest creation for the NBA All-Star Weekend is both. As a designer, cultural historian, and longtime ambassador for basketball style, Hamilton has spent decades crafting apparel that transcends mere utility. From the iconic leather jackets worn by Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant to custom pieces for cultural titans like Drake and Fat Joe, Hamilton’s work serves as a wearable archive of sporting greatness.
His latest project—a one-of-one custom jacket for the 2026 State Farm NBA 3-Point Contest winner, Damian Lillard—is a testament to this legacy. For Hamilton, these garments are not just clothing; they are trophies, moments frozen in leather and thread.
Crafting a Narrative in Leather
The 3-Point Contest jacket leans heavily into Hamilton’s signature design philosophy. The back of the garment features a detailed depiction of the Los Angeles skyline, a nod to the All-Star host city, while subtle embroidery highlights the significance of the “3” and the art of the assist. Every stitch is applied by hand, embracing the slight imperfections that distinguish artisanal work from mass-produced apparel.
“I want people to understand the full process… from point A to point B,” Hamilton explains. “There’s beauty in imperfection. Human touch can’t be replaced. That feeling—that slight difference in a stitch—that’s what makes it real.”
Culture as Power
Hamilton’s work is deeply rooted in the symbiotic relationship between basketball and music. He views the NBA as the primary engine of global streetwear culture, noting that figures like Allen Iverson were instrumental in shifting the league’s aesthetic and, by extension, the world’s fashion landscape.
“Basketball became the engine of culture,” Hamilton says. “Michael Jordan is the No. 1 ambassador. Streetwear went global because of the NBA. Allen Iverson pushed streetwear so far the league had to change the dress code. Culture is power.”
For Damian Lillard, who has now secured his place among the greats with his third 3-Point Contest victory, the jacket serves as a physical manifestation of his achievement. Whether displayed in a trophy room or worn as a statement piece, the jacket is designed to tell a story of dedication and mastery.
The Verdict: Flex, Trade, or Fade?
Ultimately, Hamilton’s work remains relevant because it avoids chasing fleeting trends. Instead, he focuses on creating enduring moments. By blending corporate branding with high-level craftsmanship, he has elevated a promotional item into a piece of basketball history.
For those evaluating the piece, the consensus is clear: it is a “Flex.” It is intentional, meaningful, and unmistakably iconic. It represents the intersection of sport and art, proving that when a garment is crafted with enough soul, it becomes far more than just a jacket—it becomes a legacy.
