TUNL 2nd Annual Gala Closes NYFW with “Woven Knights”
New York Fashion Week ended on a high note on Monday, September 15, 2025, as the groundbreaking platform Tunl, merging sports, culture, and fashion, hosted its Second Annual Gala at Lavan Midtown. With the theme “Woven Knights,” the evening celebrated athletes, creators, and visionaries who embody resilience, style, and intention, weaving their contributions into the cultural fabric that defines today’s era.
A Night of Culture, Fashion, and Power
The gala was a masterclass in star power. Hosted by Detroit Pistons forward Cade Cunningham, the night pulsed with his signature mix of athletic energy and natural charm. Cunningham’s presence bridged the gap between court and runway, underscoring the event’s message of unity between sports and style.
The halftime performance took the celebration to another level. GRAMMY-nominated rapper Gunna stormed the stage, delivering electrifying renditions of “one of wun” and “Fukumean.” The crowd, already buzzing from the night’s energy, sang along word for word, turning the gala into a stadium-worthy experience. Guests spotted vibing to the performance included music stars Ari Lennox and Coi Leray, adding even more cultural weight to the evening. And when DJs TJ Banks, Rae Sada, and Goldie Harris took over, the dance floor never stood still.
Athletes Front and Center
The guest list read like a cross-section of America’s most elite athletes. New York Giants stars Brian Burns and Malik Nabers joined the celebration alongside Philadelphia 76ers rookie Jared McCain, New York Knicks guard Miles McBride, and WNBA champions Rickea Jackson and Te’a Cooper of the Los Angeles Sparks. For many of these athletes, the night wasn’t just about attending—it was about embracing their roles as cultural tastemakers, proving that style and performance are equally powerful arenas.
Beyond the Runway: Collaborations That Moved the Needle
TUNL didn’t just throw a party—it created an ecosystem of collaborations that blended creativity, storytelling, and innovation. Jared McCain unveiled the TUNL x DoorDash varsity jacket collaboration, designed by Kendall Hurns, Founding Partner of TUNL and Creative Director of Arte Haus. The jacket, which nodded to McCain’s recovery journey both on and off the court, stood as a wearable symbol of resilience and triumph.
The evening also featured the striking PINKFLAMINGOUSA x PRIX Workshop car installation, designed by Chris Phan and Esther NG, a bold reimagining of motorsports culture that brought speed, design, and style together in thrilling harmony.
Adding to the excitement, TUNL debuted its first official capsule collection, which included a sustainable tee and tote bag created by designer Desyree Nicole of TODD PATRICK. Arte Haus and Nigel Sylvester presented a limited-edition bike preview that fused sport with street culture, pushing the conversation on design even further.
Meanwhile, the TUNL Arte Gallery became a living archive of culture, featuring photography by Steve “Sweatpants” Irby, Lenny S of Roc Nation, and Antsoulo of New Idea Corp. Their curated works captured iconic intersections of sports, music, and entertainment. Guests also lined up for The Lenny S Gold Standard Experience, a portrait activation where Lenny’s iconic gold couch became the backdrop for striking images of athletes, entertainers, and tastemakers—moments destined to become as memorable as the night itself.
A Cultural Crossroads
The gala was as much about community as it was about fashion. Notable cultural figures filled the space, including Love Island USA’s Pepe Garcia, Growing Up Hip Hop’s Madina Milana, and acclaimed filmmaker Coodie Simmons, best known for Jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy. Social personalities Cleotrapa and Lance Fresh also lent their voices to the night, representing the new generation of cultural leaders shaping conversations across platforms.
Red Carpet Conversations
Before the evening kicked into full gear, the red carpet buzzed with energy as athletes, artists, and entertainers stopped for interviews. Conversations centered on the significance of style in their personal journeys, the impact of culture on their careers, and how sports, music, and fashion come together for them.
Jabari Banks
Zoey: What inspired your look tonight?
Jabari Banks :You know what, this is just the outfit I was feeling tonight. Nothing really inspired it — it’s just my everyday vibe, and it felt right for the evening.
Zoey: So how do music, sports, and art come together for you?
Jabari Banks : It’s all about culture. That’s what ties it all together, and that’s exactly why we’re here tonight — for the culture.
Zoey: What are you looking forward to the most tonight?
Jabari Banks : Seeing all these different dope artists and entertainers vibing together and just enjoying themselves.
Patrick Beverley
Zoey: What inspired your look tonight?
Patrick Beverley :They said gala, so I threw on this tux — you know how it goes.
Zoey: How do music, sports, and fashion come together for you?
Patrick Beverley : In all of these industries, confidence is the key. Whether it’s sports, music, or fashion, you need confidence to stand out.
Zoey: What are you most excited about tonight?
Patrick Beverley : For everone seeing me in this Tom Ford tuxedo.
Jared McCain
Zoey: What inspired your look tonight?
Jared McCain: I’ll be honest, I was wearing my recovery boots earlier and they’re pretty bulky, so I thought I’d match the vibe with some big, oversized jeans. It just felt right for the night.
Zoey: How do music, sports, and fashion come together for you?
Jared McCain: It’s everything — culture at its core. Music, fashion, sports… I’ve loved all of it since I was a kid. It’s really everything to me.
Zoey: What are you looking forward to the most tonight?
Jared McCain: Definitely hearing Gunna perform.
Closing NYFW in True TUNL Fashion
Backed by sponsor Rémy Martin, the gala not only closed out NYFW but also raised the bar for what cultural events can represent. It wasn’t simply a gathering; it was a powerful showcase of how fashion, music, and sports interconnect to define a generation’s values and aesthetics.
As Cade Cunningham noted throughout the night, the Gala wasn’t just about celebrating talent; it was about celebrating legacy. And in a week where fashion ruled the city, TUNL made it clear: culture is strongest when woven together.
Photo Credit: Darian DiCianno, BFA