New Personal Work from Jonathan Hanson

A man in a white varsity jacket stands in a room with sports trophies and basketballs, resting one foot on a basketball. The right side shows a close-up of him seated, wearing rings and looking thoughtful. The photo is part of series that features custom patch and embroidery on vintage sports apparel, photographed by top rated New York Commerical photographer, Jonathan Hanson.

A a young woman in a New York Yankees jacket and vintage bucket hat sits relaxed in a brown chair, one leg over the armrest. She's wearing custom clothign from artist Arvay Adams which include shorts, sneakers, and striped socks. Basketballs and trophies are visible on a shelf behind them. This photo is part of a project on vintage sports apparel from NY photographer Jonathan Hanson.

Created in partnership with Baltimore-based textile artist Arvay Adams, photographer Jonathan Hanson documents a distinctive collection of custom sportswear that bridges past and present titled, This Sporting Life. The series centers on garments influenced by vintage American athletics, reimagined through Adams’ hands-on approach to craft—incorporating techniques such as hand-painted flocking, intricate patchwork, and heritage embroidery.

Adams’ work draws from the legacy of historic athletes, underrepresented figures, and defining moments in sports culture, transforming traditional athletic references into contemporary, narrative-driven pieces. Through Hanson’s lens, the collection becomes more than apparel, it’s a visual exploration of identity, cultural history, and storytelling within fashion. Each garment operates as both object and archive, inviting a closer look at the narratives woven into American sportswear and the broader conversation around representation in sport and style.

Produced by Unrivaled, a full-service creative production company, the project brings together concept, photography, and execution under one roof—ensuring a seamless process from idea through final delivery.