Nigerian American basketball player Kiki Iriafen embraced her roots at the 2025 WNBA Draft, wearing a gown created by Nigerian designer Nneka C. Alexander. The off-the-shoulder design featured delicate gold beading and embroidery, a sheer base fabric with intricate golden patterns and sequins and a high slit on one side.

“It’s been a few months in the making, but I knew I really wanted to have my Nigerian culture incorporated in some way,” Iriafen told WWD. “Nneka’s worked with Chiney [Ogwumike] before, so there’s a connection there, and I loved her work, so I decided to work with her. We’ve been collaborating, going back and forth and just figuring out what the perfect Kiki dress would be. Something that’s showstopping, but also super true to me. And then she put all her flair on it and her expertise, and we came up with something super special.”

Iriafen completed her look with gold accessories, including strappy heels and statement earrings. She also carried a Tabby bag by Coach.

Iriafen was selected with the number-four overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, making her USC’s highest draft selection since 1997 and one of the top post players in her class. She is now part of the Washington Mystics.

Iriafen was born to Nigerian parents, Yemi and Harrison Iriafen, who moved to the U.S. before her birth. She attended Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles.

The 2025 WNBA Draft also saw Paige Bueckers in a three-piece suit courtesy of Coach, Dearica Hamby in a pink babydoll dress by Amur, and Aziaha James in a punk-inspired look.

The event was held on Monday at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City, marking the league’s annual selection of top collegiate and international talent. The Dallas Wings secured the number-one overall pick through the draft lottery and selected UConn guard Paige Bueckers, the 2021 national player of the year and 2025 NCAA champion. The event featured three rounds and 38 total selections, with the first round broadcast live on ESPN starting at 7:30 p.m. ET.