Tennis has long been intertwined with fashion, from its early days with players like Suzanne Lenglen and Helen Wills wearing Paris-designed ensembles to the modern-day collaborations between athletes and designers.
Designers Push Boundaries
Designers like Hana Yagi, who created Naomi Osaka’s elaborate robe for Wimbledon, are pushing the boundaries of tennis fashion, creating pieces that are both aesthetically fresh and practical.
According to Sunita Kumar Nair, author of ‘ACE: The Times and Style of Tennis,’ tennis players have always used fashion as a form of self-expression, and the sport’s lack of a uniform allows for individuality to shine.
A Blend of Style and Function
Players like Serena Williams and Roger Federer have made statements with their on-court attire, from Williams’ denim tennis skirt to Federer’s traditional white cardigan with gold buttons.
As Kumar Nair notes, the constrictions of tennis attire, such as Wimbledon’s all-white dress code, can actually inspire creativity in designers, who must think outside the box to create unique and stylish pieces.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.