What do sports and fashion even have in common? While the grueling, action-packed universe of sports and the glamorous world of fashion couldn’t be further apart, of late, the two have been having some exciting rendezvous. The Euro 2024 Championship pushed football jerseys into the chic wardrobes of the fashion crowd, propelling the ‘Blokette‘ trend into the mainstream. The Paris Olympics, staged in the fashion capital of the world and sponsored by LVMH, no less, further strengthened the relationship between sports and fashion.
After an incredibly chic Olympics season, the fashion industry is tiptoeing onto tennis courts. Tennis gear has often inspired the fashion industry, giving birth to what has been dubbed “tennis core.” The glitzy fashion world has rarely–if ever–served as an inspiration to the tennis community. That was up until this week, when Naomi Osaka stepped onto the US Open court, debuting not one but two bow-adorned outfits designed by Yoon Ahn of Ambush in collaboration with Nike.
Ahn took to Instagram to reveal that the now-viral outfit was two years in the making since she first met with Osaka. A key influence for these designs is Lolita fashion, a Japanese subculture known for its Victorian-inspired, whimsical elegance. Lolita fashion features elaborate, girlish silhouettes with puffed sleeves, voluminous skirts, and intricate lace, creating a fantasy-like appearance. Ahn’s designs for Osaka take this charming aesthetic and give it a modern twist. The outfits not only highlight Osaka’s unique style but also tell a story of personal growth and creative vision.
Osaka’s statement-making tennis ‘fits featured ruffled layers, tulle underskirts, bows–both big and small–affixed to her jackets, shoes, and even tennis kit, pearl bag charms, and hair accessories.
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