Radmilla Lolly did not find what she was looking for at the store, so she made it herself.
Before COVID, Lolly designed a gown to wear to a Miami Heat game, one that represented the team but also reflected her personal style.
"I made this dress right before COVID to wear to the game. I went to the store, and I didn't really like anything for my style, so I was like, what if I make something that represents the team but also represents me? It started as a corset. I did want to make it simple for my style, meaning long straps just being free," Lolly said.
The gown features signatures from Heat players, including Bam Adebayo. The pandemic delayed its debut, but once fans returned to arenas, Lolly first wore it to a photoshoot before bringing it courtside during the first round of the 2022 playoffs.
"I wore this dress, and the dress became viral because I was like, what is going on? Who is this chick? Why should we bring a gown? And then they realized I always wear gowns I wore. It became viral, and we kept winning. So I made another one. I made the white one. Then I made a multicolor one, and an NBA featured my fashion and of course, one of the gowns," Lolly said.
The attention led to a call from the Perez Art Museum Miami.
"And from there I got a call from the PAM. I thought it was something to do with Zagallo. Maybe I'm invited, and was like, ' No, we would like to feature your gown. And I was like, whoa! Yes. I mean, when I used to come here, I'd be like, one day I hope to have something here. I did not think about it," Lolly said.
Her gown is now part of the Get in the Game: Sports Art Culture exhibit at the Perez Art Museum Miami, alongside a video of her singing at a Marlins game. The exhibit explores the dynamic interplay between athletic performance and artistic expression.
For Lolly, the connection between fashion, music, and sports is natural.
"I believe we're not just one-dimensional human beings in general, and nowadays, social media, and it's just a lot more to each individual. So I think fashion, music, sports, it's all one, one way or another," Lolly said.
Lolly also debuted another creation, a dress made from Olympic sails belonging to her friend Lara, an Olympian.
"I made it out of Olympic sails. My friend Lara. She is an Olympian. That's her sales and what you see on it, it was all part of the boat. To me, it looks just beautiful. Accessories. To her, it's a full life, full sales and freedom on the ocean," Lolly said.
Her gown is on display at the Perez Art Museum Miami through August 23. She also has new music coming soon and more fashion designs in the works.
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