Allen Iverson Breaks Down His Most Iconic Looks | GQ Sports Style Hall of Fame

"The easiest thing in the world is to be yourself. Everyone else is taken up. Why not be you?" The legendary Allen Iverson is being inducted into our inaugural GQ Sports Style Hall of Fame. From NBA Draft Day in 1996 in his first tailor-made suit to rocking his ice and Timbs off-court, The Answer breaks down the iconic looks that made him the style legend he is today.
To learn more about GQ Sports Style Hall of Fame, head to www.gq.com/shof
Director: Chris Smith
Director of Photography: Steve Saxon
Editor: Ryan Jeffrey
Celebrity Talent: Allen Iverson
Executive Producer: Traci Oshiro
Producer: Jean-Luc Lukunku
Line Producer: Jen Santos
Production Manager: James Pipitone
Production Coordinator: Jamal Colvin
Talent Booking: Dana Mathews
Camera Operator: Tori Musciano
Audio: Frank Perez
Production Assistant: Allie Graham
Associate Director of Post Production: Jarrod Bruner
Post Production Supervisor: Rachael Knight
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Supervising Editor: Rob Lombardi
Assistant Editor: Ben Harowitz
00:00 Allen Iverson's Style History
00:30 The Early Years
01:34 Air Jordan 11 'Concord'
02:33 NBA Draft Day 1996
03:12 On-Court Style
03:59 Reebok Question
04:35 The Braids / The Headband
05:14 Like Mike
06:20 Off-Court Style
07:39 Jewelry
08:12 Puff Daddy
08:28 Timbs
09:08 Blue Fur
09:25 Shaq-Size
10:19 The Dress Code
10:52 NBA Hall of Fame
With GQ Sports, the real action is off the field. Get an all-access pass to the world's coolest, most stylish athletes with original series like My Essentials, Actually Me, My First Million, Game Points & More. Watch a GQ editor try his hand at pro sports in Above Average Joe. And get an all-access look into how athletes shop, train, travel, and showcase their love of style, menswear, and sneakers.

[@GQsports]

Get your copy of the GQ Sports issue before it's gone: bit.ly/3vF2dGz

[@I_WANT_MY_SLAW]

No thanks

[@Nellz1157]

kzbin.infor-EB0SEn3vg?feature=share

[@lb3bodybuilding278]

This man started the shooting sleeve/arm sleeve and then it blew up across basketball, football, and baseball. Transcendent.

[@fobbyP]

Did he really? Now that I think about it I don’t really remember anybody pre 1996 wearing arm sleeves

[@Godtyounz]

Made the headband popular as well

[@backwoods4l500]

Elbow injury was the start of the sleeve for Allen

[@givemorexp]

@@fobbyP Yes, AI was the first one to put on full length arm sleeve and everyone started doing it few years later. Also AI was the first one to wear rubberband bracelets. They became trendy in early and mid 00's.

[@juliantobias2267]

That happened on accident bcuz he wasn't trying to make it a thing/popular. But teenagers etc coming up didn't know that ai wore it bcuz of that ball looking sack he was covering up, nd instead seen it as a fashion trend along with the headband n clothes etc.

[@Mezmerizer4]

Allen changed the game both on and off the court

[@jaywopp]

100 %

[@iamhexoronii]

Thanks captain obvious

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

Yes he did so many men rocked cornrows diamond earrings and tats don't forget the headband.

[@hakeemolajuwon4352]

He ruined the game of basketball and ushered in the era of entitled, self centered, stat padding drama queens

[@dripplaflare3356]

@@hakeemolajuwon4352 cry about it

[@Sonnel_James]

"if I die and came back I'd wanna be Allen Iverson all over again"

[@mistertaz2862]

Same energy as Diogenes who screwed with Alexander the Great. "If I weren't Diogenes I too would want to be Diongenes"

[@FreeAgent797]

He's literally my favorite athlete ever. Being a little kid and watching a guy like this go against giants and succeeding was very inspirational.

[@curiouslymavismade]

Still one of my childhood icons to this day. One of the flyest, EVER.

[@101_Juice]

One of the best ever. Seriously. MVP, all NBA, ALL STAR MVP, SCORING LEADER, 1st overall pick. We always love A.I

[@doorihad105]

5-11 165lbs, 2001 MVP, 4 times scoring champ, 2 times NBA allstars MVP and an average of 26.7ppg in his 13year career in the NBA. Pound for pound one of the greatest player to ever play the game of basketball.

[@Ontiming2023]

Ball hogging tho

[@nasmaxfit]

@@Ontiming2023averages the same career assists as Bron

[@ccece6938]

@@nasmaxfit comparing career averages of a 12 year player to a 20 yr one is crazy and shameless

[@MrTee12]

@@Ontiming2023Did you watch Philly basketball 🤣…there was no body to pass the ball to

[@moody527]

Absolute legend man I hope he realizes how much we love him!!

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

I know Allen always stayed real whether he was understood by the league or the media that was his stance this little man showed up and showed out.

[@youngmelo1841]

I'm so happy I grew up watching him. If you've ever been a fan of Iverson, you're a fan forever

[@reckless1216]

Man these youngins won’t know how it felt watching ai. If you didn’t live in the ai era where everyone had braids then you missed out

[@feddi7693]

💯

[@moon.mp3201]

Arguably one of the greatest guards of all time. 100% authentic and tough as nails.

[@zayteer1657]

No rings so not even top 20 for me.

[@Noisyhead818]

@@zayteer1657 horry must be in you’re top 5

[@quetzalligarcia9524]

Well if it’s so easy go there and get one yours, especially when you got no one In your team and have to carry all over against Shaq and Kobe

[@grannylovertay7319]

@@zayteer1657 stfu bum, lemme see you guard prime AI

[@miguelsolis1839]

Iconic is an understatement. This first HOF spot could not have gone to anybody else in the NBA.

[@marleyking4208]

This man has started a lot of the NBA accessories. He is the goat.

[@j26Beezy]

That herringbone chain story is craaaaaaazy 😂🤣

[@dec6p]

my favorite player of all time

[@ThraxioLarge]

Ditto

[@theclosetguitarist6450]

STILL THE REALEST EVER...

[@lerebele1]

Iverson is just a real humble dude, a genuine Gemini. Wear his heart on his sleeve.

[@SubZero15]

I swear there was an era where everyone wanted to have braids, headband, and the baggie clothes. All because of AI

[@lukeboyd4853]

I give a little bit of the credit to the style, especially the baggy shorts to the Fab 5.

[@donnieb.8583]

When I think of early 2000s basketball.. I think of him 🅿️

[@ShaiExploresDaily]

AI is a sport and cultural icon, the man was just himself at all times. The tattoos, cornrows, dress style and just the way he carried himself was a joy to behold. Thanks for all the memories Allen.

[@flyazzplayboy]

Someone asked for Allen in the comment section to be next.. Right On Time

[@blu12031985]

Facts I seen that yesterday on the deion GQ

[@dtkwoo]

Same

[@ko-rp7ge]

That's dope

[@patrickanderson3104]

ICONIC!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@ayoonine]

Street ball culture really blew when A.I. was going crazy

[@BrandonTheGreatest]

How could you hate on AI? He's a legend.

[@luwise8003]

Tattoos, Arm Sleeve, Cornrows, This man had the whole league dress like him and had the rules changed if that ain't influence idk what is.

[@IAMNOTAYOUTUBER]

He actually was a decent lyricist. Jewels went harrd 💎

[@skdakidbme]

He did have bars tho

[@Andre7414]

Stop lying 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@skdakidbme]

@@Andre7414 he had bars his delivery just wasn’t tha best point blank period

[@terrychaney6050]

I didn’t know his rap name was Jewels…that explains why in the low-budget movie “Crossover” Hot Sauce character’s name was Jewels and wore jersey #3 😮

[@skdakidbme]

@@terrychaney6050 yea bro his stage name was ‘Jewelz’ go back and check his Reebok A6 commercial with Jadakiss… A.I.’s bars and delivery was dope on just that lil small snippet of a verse. As for Hot Sauce, he was tha street ball version of A.I. looked alike played alike and all that… Sauce was tha truth

[@devinterry1309]

Allen Iverson is a nba legend

[@c-meezy765]

Wow! Haven't seen AI without a hat in awhile. The brother still looks good!

[@kben24]

This dude was on another planet of iconic swagger… Allen Iverson like a superhero of fly a** energy!!

[@qb335]

AI inspired everyone with his style💯🙏🏿❤️

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

Yes he did so many guys at school started getting tats the white boys with attitude he had them on their post malone white iverson drip lol 😆😂🤣.

[@thepac12andbig10suck]

This man was a pioneer on the field with his style. Still see it today and not just in basketball, but in other sports as well

[@Ardns]

Iverson is so Inspirational

[@LexDime]

My favorite player of all time there is only one A.I and we were blessed to have him as a Sixer ❤️

[@bigwooolocsta9109]

The biggest style icon ya'll ever had on GQ. Period.

[@MrTee12]

Deion Sanders too

[@BlackPower-qn2js]

Salute 🫡 Allen Iverson greatest Lil guard to ever play in the NBA

[@mmjyt]

Reporter - Allen, what’s your favorite food? Allen - Cheesesteak Reporter - Why? Allen - I saw Mike eating a cheesesteak once and I starting eating them.

[@Alivirgo8.24]

LMAO surprise he never went fresh baldy

[@tainanking]

@@Alivirgo8.24 nah the bald thing is def not something to try especially when you got hair like him

[@Andree3000]

@@Alivirgo8.24 lol Allen’s hair is too beautiful to go bald. His braids were a part of his iconic look.

[@willstaywinning]

@@tainanking in the 90s a lot of dudes were bald by choice cause of mike

[@tjay6803]

@@willstaywinning not even jus tht dudes jus preferred they hair lower

[@xhefmix]

One of the realest to ever touch the game. The answer 💯😤🙌

[@achildsheart4658]

The greatest natural talent of all time. Football and basketball number 1 in the country . My dude just didn’t like practice. And I love Allen . Things was just natural haha😂

[@BigsmokeATL]

Him and Mike Vick had so much influence on the sport . Real trendsetters

[@quinton9291]

Newport News Virginia natives that brings swag N tha sport...

[@shaylah2725]

the man is an icon. truly transcended the game of basketball. happy I was able to witness it ❤️

[@roddyboethius1722]

Almost broke Jordan's ankles on that crossover

[@DLL8252]

I was born in 82', I seen alot of players come and go, and you A.I. was one of the greatest to ever do it. Innovative, inspiring, fearless, stylish, hella athletic, and I always felt by your personality that you was a real one as well, salute OG, and congratulations on your HOF and legendary status🫡🫡🫡

[@asiaboo1682]

So handsome and wise.❤❤

[@chitown85b]

My favorite player of all time. This man was fearless and was himself always. It helped me do so as a kid. Be fearless and be you.

[@MyAb111]

He will always be in my personal list of all time favorite players.

[@achildsheart4658]

Arguably the most naturally talented athlete of all time. How are you number 1 in football and basketball at the same time😂

[@Alexanderthepraised9]

At 6’0 buck 50 unbelievable Pound for Pound

[@soupkidd6825]

@@Alexanderthepraised9 He was actually like 5'11

[@ItsDJNoName]

Iconic. Legendary. Trail blazer. Every guard is walking the path that he paved. No rings, but impact reverberates for generations. Thank you, Allen!

[@KrusteyDaKlown]

Growing up I wanted to be like Allen Iverson. He was my first hero.

[@theenatashasheree]

His VOICE😍 this man has oozed confidence forever and had ALL of us trying to emulate that in any capacity. LEGEND✨✨✨

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

I liked his look he was representing himself whether the media or the league understood it or not he did him Allen's a legend for it.

[@viniciusdesousasilva3774]

Revolucionário! Allen Iverson craque dentro e fora de quadra.

[@MrEOM41]

Love that Guess t shirt outfit growing up in the 90s the Gold herringbone chain is iconic… these youngsters don’t know bout it 😎

[@loganrusso39]

Ai was a customer of mine at a bank I was the Branch Manager at... highlight of my banking career. He was such a personable, humble dude every time he came in. It was always such a trip to have him sitting in my office.

[@ollieshapland4796]

Could watch this vid 100x over. Ai speaks the truth

[@R33LMedia]

Respect to the GOAT. Actually wearing my Iverson jersey while writing this 🔥True legend to the game

[@otech88]

That Rebook commercial is legendary!!!🔥🔥

[@nankir9673]

Iverson was short stature by NBA standards but his body type was perfect...he had long arms and long legs....that's why he was so good on defense and his short was rarely blocked....one of the most iconic and scorer ever

[@eazydoesit276]

I’m happy to know how humble my childhood idol is and he said it himself he understands there was kids that look at him the way he looks at mike …. I wanted to be AI I could go on and on about all the things I had of his but I’ll just say he will always be my favorite player of all time … bubba Chuck “the answer” will always be one of the greats !

[@jacobsworld9253]

So strange seeing a full faced Iverson lol. I'm so used to him being super slim like Ja Morant

[@anthonyrayfordii2605]

Its dope to see my favorite player. Do cool interviews like this. Reflect on his career and his influence on the culture. Salute! AI and GQ

[@carlton2361]

Just a legend

[@traceycamille]

THAT MAN WILL FOREVER BE BEAUTIFUL!! HE IS THE GREATEST IN MY BOOK 💪🏽😍💗👑

[@nicolasjones2929]

AI is a true undeniable GOAT.

[@Lime.17]

"The easiest thing in the world is to be yourself"

[@SharpShoot3r_14]

It's actually not that easy as it sounds. Even A.I. had to pay for it.

[@titodenino]

this was one of the best times to be an NBA fan 🙌

[@NN-uu3re]

Loved this interview. He showed a progression and a level of maturity. I bet a lot of people never thought he could. He was an excellent basketball player. I'm glad he said one thing that most of us should consider no matter your walk of life "Nobody does something like that alone". No matter what accomplishment I've ever had, I believe the same thing!

[@ezile17]

The icon the heart of champion My alltime favorite player. Allen Iverson FOR3VER

[@darenturner24]

Really dope interview. Being the same age when I first watched him in college, I felt like he represented young men our age to a T. And when he made it to the league he represented us even more. So when guys like him, Penny, Marbury, killed it on the court and got the respect they deserved, we all made it. Young, black, in love with the NBA, they made me proud as a peer.

[@mrjonahwhite]

True sports icon.

[@renderuntocaesarwhatiscaes2300]

Legendary Goat these are the words that come to mind when it comes to anything Ai… I cried when I broke the zipper on my AI’s.. I played in them forever one last time at the park outside they had they’re last run and the zipper broke on me. Not just the shoes. Ai made our whole style in that era. Big jerseys headbands the man is a walking legend in many ways.

[@jimmyperales2179]

humble guy. love the interview!

[@KiaBoo816]

I definitely enjoyed watching this and glad he's been inducted into the GQ Sports Hall of Fame! I hope continues to keep getting his flowers! True game changer on and off the court!

[@pol44r]

Mike n Iverson have this vibe on court/game photos , surreal vibe

[@jblaze600]

Icon on every level. VA proud 🙏

[@phineasthegreat_]

I love A.I. bro always shows love to the new kids and never been on some hating non sense like most of the retired players !!

[@tjboylan20]

AI3 made me interested in basketball, Both my parents were from Philly and they told me about him. I wasn’t born when he played (03 baby) so as soon a KZbin came out I watched AI play. Still love the 76ers, now i don’t even watch basketball anymore

[@tainanking]

Some just won’t know the impact this dude has to this day.

[@Cheersthewinners]

I love you Allen. You brought a lot of joy to Philly.

[@grassmaskrecords2408]

Iverson!!!💯💯💯💪💪💪🏀🏀🏀👑👑👑

[@jessicahill7390]

I loved him so much!! We love you allen!Allen!! #3

[@Nisha-eh2bp]

Iverson so real man!

[@UltimateRealness]

My idol forever, I always looked up to Allen iverson and I will forever be a fan

[@adam-ramos]

This man is a basketball legend 💯

[@meezy3188]

This episode was needed 💯💪🏾

[@luhs.4382]

My fav player! Love u Allen! 💖

[@stevenweathers2989]

That’s crazy, if I died and came back I’d want to be Allen Iverson too!!

[@melvinpruitt3907]

A I ,style fly, crossover guy,true to the game... can't lie🏀🥾

[@MH-bv3hc]

Favorite player ever!!!

[@anthonygause8082]

Still My Childhood Idol Allen Iverson & Forever The GOAT Allen Iverson & All Respect To My Dawg Allen Iverson & I'm So Inspired By Allen Iverson Since The 90's

[@kamscott4201]

Forever will be my favorite player. He's my top 3 . Jordan, kobe, iverson ☝🏽✌🏼= 3

[@anthonygause8082]

Same

[@nukeboy4939]

Iverson in the late 90s watching as a teenager the crossovers, the shoes, the swag it was too hype.👍

[@TheLionaaa]

Amazing interview!

[@GodSon91]

If different when mj came in the NBA but when Iverson for me came in was game changing a lot people forget in over look how every guard including curry was the descendent of Iverson give him his flowers 💐 🙏🏾💪🏽

[@darrwinstewart7936]

Allen Iverson a real person. I met him at Hampton Mall in VA. He showed love to me and my lil cuzzo. Bra pulled in a purple Bentley with no security, iced out. We went to Limbs

[@tae2x866]

This man is a legit Icon, I wanted to be like Allen Iverson so bad when I started hooping 😂

[@calebscherer906]

I love AI drippiest player of all time

[@notaflightreactsfan3706]

allen been trend setting you know!

[@cornbreadmilton5265]

I always liked the one when he posed wit the Fro while wearing his uniform and Jewelry.DOPE

[@victoriagriffin5934]

My favorite NBA Player I Love him to this day the best in my eyes

[@WarriorEsoteric]

This man is such a legend

[@lianna4686]

I love how he gives credit where credit is due! He appreciates those who paved the way. He’s humble! AI will always be legendary

[@cdelapaz5]

This guy is just incredible. I wish I was born with his talent.