Seattle Storm rookie Nika Mühl made a dazzling runway debut at Paris Fashion Week, walking for her former UConn teammate Olivia Nelson-Ododa’s new lingerie brand, Kayelise Beauty. The Connecticut Sun forward-turned-designer showcased her debut collection in a stunning, mesmerizing show that seamlessly merged fashion and female athleticism.
Mühl, a Seattle Storm guard, stole the show on the catwalk in a breathtaking turquoise blue fuzzy set featuring a bandeau top. She paired the textured piece with chic mini shorts and a matching sheer cape coat adorned with fizzy sleeve cuffs and trimming. She completed the look with a slicked-back braid and sleek silver pointed toe heels. The daring yet elegant look highlighted the Croatian athlete’s toned abs and confident runway presence.
Backstage, MĂĽhl posed in a mesmerizing beaded metallic blue ensemble. The intricate outfit featured a sweetheart bra top, dripping in pearls and three-dimensional floral details, paired with a matching mini skirt. She completed the look with a dramatic sky blue chiffon layered coat, adding a regal touch to her Paris Fashion Week debut.
Mühl, 23 and Nelson-Ododa, 24, played for the Huskies for four years, overlapping for the ’20-21 and ’21-’22 seasons.
The designer, who used to play with the Los Angeles Sparks, reveals that the collection’s signature shades of blue are intentional, chosen to honor ovarian cancer awareness, a cause deeply close to her heart.
“Herenia, named after my grandmother who passed from ovarian cancer, is a tribute to her strength and the women in my family who have faced ovarian cancer and reproductive health struggles,” she shares. “What started as a way to honor her has ignited a fire in me that I didn’t know was there. The colors in this collection aren’t just an aesthetic design choice – they represent ovarian cancer awareness, a cause so close to my heart. I want this awareness to feel sexy because it’s reclaiming our narratives – sharing wisdom, awareness, engaging in preventative care.”
The Georgia native also gives a heartfelt and sincere shout out to all the people behind the scenes.
“I’m beyond grateful for a team that not only prioritizes the details but also ensures I don’t burn out in the process,” Nelson-Ododa added. “I can’t wait to share more about my lingerie line, but for now, I’m soaking in the journey and feeling so excited for what’s ahead.”
