Courtesy of Kristin Juszczyk / Byrdie
From the Sidelines
Welcome to Byrdie’s new series, From the Sidelines.
We’re profiling game-changing women and woman-aligned folks in the sports world who are usually behind the scenes.
Football fashion has never felt more important than it does today.
Courtesy of Kristin Juszczyk / Byrdie
The common thread: designerKristin Juszczyk, wife of San Francisco 49ers star Kyle Juszczyk.
That’s also why she recently partnered withInvisalign.
I got bored of wearing the same thing over and over again.
Courtesy of Kristin Juszczyk / Byrdie
I wanted to wear something fun and unique, and that’s when I started sewing."
Her First Big Game Day Fashion Moment
“I think it was Simone Biles.
That was a fun moment because it was right when I released my puffer vest.
Courtesy of Kristin Juszczyk / Byrdie
Her husband was playing for the Packers, so I knew it would be perfect for that environment.
Even with Emma Grede being my current business partner, I kept reaching out.
I was DMing and emailing her, trying to reach anybody with her contact information.
That’s what you have to do as an entrepreneur.
It was important to try and get my designs in front of the people I admired.”
I think mentors are hard to find.
That’s why when I met Emma, she was so special to me.
I’ve always been such a fan of hers as an entrepreneur.
She always gives the most amazing constructive criticism, even when she says no to a deal.
She’s redefined many industries that are already oversaturated, like denim with Good American.
She’s built such an empire, plus she’s an incredible wife and mother.
She’s the woman who does it all."
Her Proudest Career Moment
“I’m living it right now, to be honest.
All I’ve always wanted was to dress the fans.
So, the day that Off Season launched was one of my proudest moments.
I’ve run into that before, but you might’t be too hard on yourself.
Art is subjective, right?
And so is fashion; you could love it, and somebody else can hate it.
If you believe in it, you just have to close out the noise.”
It’s like a ‘feel good, play good’ mentality.
And the same goes for the fans in the stands.
I think fashion goes all the way from the players to their families to the fans."
I always, of course, have my clearstadium bag.
I don’t go anywhere without that.
And if I’m at a cold game, I don’t go anywhere without my hand warmers.
I think that has been lacking a little bit in sports apparel.
With our first drop, I’ve gotten some amazing feedback that the quality is so good.
I want to double-check that these pieces are something that you don’t buy and wear once.
I want them to be items that are in your closet forever.
I have so many vintage pieces from the 49ers that I’ve thrifted or bought from Depop or wherever.
I hope that Off Season is that in 40 or 50 years."
