NBA ESSENTIALS FALL 2025
For the release of Fear of God’s Fall 25 NBA Essentials collection, the house presents a series of artworks by Los Angeles based multidisciplinary artist Jacob Rochester.
Channeling “an attitude that is an extension of the game”, Rochester depicts the stylistic self-expression reflected off-court; the collective spirit found on the bleachers; and the nuances that color that shared experience.
Jacob Rochester in conversation: Capturing Basketball Culture Through Art.
On the Inspiration Behind the Collection
“I've always been drawn to depicting the culture of basketball outside of the game itself - the moments that happen off court. Whether it's chilling with friends on the bleachers or capturing those instances that speak to the fashion of the game and how people express themselves through it. These moments are an extension of the game itself. I've played basketball since I was a kid, so bringing these experiences to life and creating warm, inviting feelings that resonate within the work is something I try to bring across in each piece.”
On Accessibility and Cultural Connection.
“The work feels universally accessible, even to those outside traditional basketball culture. That's exactly what I was going for. At first glance, you get what's happening, but it's on the second or third look where you start to notice the details - the posture, how a silhouette lays on a shoe. These elements are baked into the work, and you connect with them after looking a little bit closer.”
On Era and Aesthetic Influence
“Certain elements tap into early 2000s, late 1990s imagery - think players talking to the press or draft pick moments where they'd throw on the hat with those oversized suits. Those moments still happen today, just in a slightly different way. So it still feels contemporary, even while referencing times that a lot of people are familiar with.”
On Basketball and the Interests It Inspires
“I've been playing for so long that it's just within me, in the same way music or fashion is. Basketball is all-encompassing - it has fashion, expression, attitude. You can fully express yourself in the game of basketball in the same way you can through art.”
On Interests in Player Style
“Players create these cultural moments without even trying - whether it's meme culture or someone really getting a fit off. There are so many different players with different takes on how they want to present themselves, whether it's a tunnel fit or otherwise. Those variations really interest me, especially as they relate to fashion and basketball.”
