Filipina tennis player Alex Eala made waves at her debut during New York Fashion Week, garnering an impressive $502,000 in earned media value.
Athletes as Fashion Influencers
Athletes are making their mark in the fashion industry as another way for brands to tap into existing cultural conversations.
Lefty, Influencer Marketing Platform
Lefty reported that Eala's appearance at Calvin Klein's Spring 2027 show significantly boosted her visibility, demonstrating how athletes can influence fashion trends.
- Eala also attended shows by Tory Burch and Michael Kors.
- She met fellow Filipina model Kelsey Merritt at the event.
This event follows Eala's recent success at the US Open, where she reached the third round. Her attendance at NYFW aligns with a growing trend of athletes stepping into the fashion spotlight.
Eala has expressed her passion for fashion, often incorporating Filipino elements into her outfits as a way to honor her heritage.
Currently, Eala is competing at the Singapore Open from September 22 to 27, where she is seeded No. 3. Her matches will be streamed in select cinemas across Metro Manila and Cebu.