Sports | March 23rd, 2022
Anisah Douglas Defines Love, Fashion & Basketball
By: Roni Graham
A fashion show: one of the most popular ways Florida A&M University is described when it comes to the culture created by the university. With FAMU being a mecca for all things fashion and style, it’s no surprise that the student-athletes bring a captivating flair to the environments they step into.
Anisah Douglas, a senior psychology student, represents athletes with a passion for fashion. Her love for putting together unique pieces allows her to find ways to showcase her distinct style whenever possible on and off the court.
View this post on Instagram
San Jose, California is home for Douglas and she credits the West Coast for influencing her laid-back style. “Being from California, the Bay area specifically, had a large impact on the way that I dress,” said Douglas. “It’s just a representation of yourself even more so where I’m from because fashion is a big thing out there, so it’s always been ingrained in me.”
Douglas has always been into fashion growing up and continuously grew a love for it as she got older. “My love for fashion started my first year out of high school, but I’ve always been into clothes,” Douglas said. “In middle school, I even got voted best dressed. It wasn’t until I got out of high school that I started thinking deeper into fashion and how much it affects me.”
View this post on Instagram
The hooper was also captivated early on in her life by basketball. “I’ve played basketball since I was four or five years old. I played other sports as well but never stuck to them the same way I did with basketball,” said Douglas.
These two interests find ways to come together at times for the fourth-year player. “It’s a way to show who you are by having fashion on the court while being able to do what you’re supposed to do on the court, is a positive,” Douglas said. ‘’ Something I do is long sleeve Under Armor on the court. That’s just it for me.”
The student athlete’s schedule is demanding, but Douglas manages to balance it all out while having to pass up on some of the college activities. “I find it very hard to maintain school and social life while having basketball too,” said Douglas. “It’s stressful because I’m also trying to get anything with my name, image and likeness out there with our new ability to be sponsored.”
View this post on Instagram
Douglas finds ways to maintain stability in the face of all facets that come with being a student-athlete. “When I’m overwhelmed I like to take time for myself, take a drive or clear my head,” said Douglas. “I have hectic and tiring days but the scholarship I’m getting and the blessing I have is worth the sacrifice for a little of my social life.”
Outside the court, Douglas describes her style as tomboy meets streetwear. “I’m into the baggy pants, the small tops and sneakers so I would say I go towards that,” said Douglas.
View this post on Instagram
FAMU has been an outlet for Douglas to nurture both her love for fashion and basketball. “There’s a lot of driven and ambitious people out here and fashion is a key factor that comes into HBCU campus life,” said Douglas. “ Being able to go on campus and see people who dress like me, or don’t dress like me and being able to appreciate that is nice to have.”
With her unique style, colorful details, and ways of making the hottest trends hers, Anisah Douglas has gained support from a variety of fashion communities throughout social media.
View this post on Instagram
“I think It’s super cool to be recognized and shown off for my style and fashion. I’ve always felt like I was like that—and people didn’t see it, but I was fine with that and kept doing what I love to do: styling clothes and putting on outfits to make me feel better,” said Douglas. “ Being recognized gives people the insight I’ve had on myself forever.”
The details in every outfit put on by Douglas are what sets her apart. From colorful hair beads matching her shoes to making bright waist beads that match her purses, the outfits created are full of expression.
View this post on Instagram
Douglas has been inspired by her hometown and her older brother who has a similar devotion to fashion. “My older brother owns a brand and he’s always sending me sketches and ideas, and asking me what people should wear with what,” said Douglas. “ Having him test my ideas made me see how much I’m into fashion. It’s so cool to have someone I’m inspired by asking me for my opinion.
Fashion is everything for Douglas and it goes beyond just how the pieces look. Her major has allowed her to view her outfits from a different lens.“Being a psychology major has opened my eyes a lot to how fashion impacts us much more than we think. Fashion, style, how we dress all of it ties into our mental health.”
