When Taylor Swift, the sisters of HAIM, and Mariska Hargitay stepped into the spotlight at Game Four of the NBA Finals, their custom, DIY-style Knicks jerseys immediately became the talk of the arena. Now, the mastermind behind the threads—Alana Haim—is pulling back the curtain on the creative process behind those viral outfits.
“I’ve always loved crafting custom pieces for my inner circle,” Alana shared in an interview with Vogue. Following HAIM’s most recent tour, she invested in a Cricut machine, transforming her home into a makeshift screen-printing studio. She explained that the process is a labor of love: sourcing high-quality vinyl, meticulously cutting each design, and finishing them with a specialized puffy ink additive that gives the shirts their distinctive, textured aesthetic.
The garments—simple $3 Gildan tees elevated with vibrant Speedball orange paint—featured clever, pun-heavy tributes to the New York Knicks, including “Stevie Knicks,” “Knickleback,” and “Knicole Kimdan.” While Alana handled the technical construction, the conceptual spark was a collaborative effort.
“I received a text from Taylor asking if I could whip up a custom shirt for the game,” Alana recounted. “I told her, ‘I thought you’d never ask!’ We spent time tossing around pun ideas—we were just so genuinely thrilled about the game and wanted to create something lighthearted that would make people smile.”
As for how Mariska Hargitay—the celebrated star of Law & Order: SVU—ended up joining the group in matching gear, Alana noted that it was an organic addition to their high-energy night out. “I always bring a few spares, and Taylor was eager to have enough for everyone. Mariska is such a wonderful person, and it was a surreal moment to see her wearing one of my designs. It really served as a bonding moment for all of us—I don’t think I’ve ever shared as many hugs as I did that night.”
With a star-studded cheering section in the stands, the New York Knicks triumphed over the San Antonio Spurs with a narrow 107-106 victory. The series shifts to San Antonio’s Frost Bank Center this Saturday, June 13, where the Knicks will look to secure their first championship title since 1973.
