Sixers Dancers unveil new 'Signature Dress'

The Sixers exemplified their #togetherwebuild hashtag on Wednesday, Oct. 22 when they debuted the new Sixers Dancers "Signature Dress," a design collaboration with Nicole Miller. This is the first such collaboration between a designer and the team's dancers, and it came about in the most organic way.

Nicole Miller and the Sixers crossed paths 10 years ago when one dancer caught the brand's eye. "We were looking for the ultimate Nicole Miller Girl," said Mary Dougherty, owner of Nicole Miller Philadelphia. They found that girl in Dayna Hafetz, former Sixers Dancer and current head coach, and she modeled for the brand. Years later, Hafetz called Dougherty with an idea.

"I had dreams about Nicole Miller designing a dress for the Sixers Dancers," Hafetz said to Dougherty this past summer. Today, her dream became reality.

The Signature Dresses will be worn during pregame introductions, the National Anthem, and during off-court season appearances. They're modified versions of pre-existing Nicole Miller designs cut specially in Sixers' blue and red.

"I absolutely love it," said Michelle (dancers don't use their full name), co-captain of the Sixers dance team. "It compliments everybody so well."

Sixers Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer Tim McDermott said it was Nicole Miller's core principles, iconic branding and Philly ties that made the designer the perfect fit for the first ever Sixers Dancers "Signature Dress."

Already, the new look is getting fans revved up for the season.

"It should be a motivator for everyone to eat healthy and go to the fitness club," said 76ers fan and Winthrop Foundation founder Ed O'Donnell. The foundation brings homeless and low-income Philadelphians to Sixers games.

To fan Jim Lawson, the dancers add a lot to the game. "I think a lot of people will love [the dresses]," he said.