Weekly Style Icon: Naomi Osaka's Challenging US Open Entrance Attire Reinforces Female Empowerment
In today's modern tennis attire, streamlined is the norm. However, Naomi Osaka's walk-on skirt boasts a voluminous appearance due to a tulle petticoat underneath. Her high-sheen black bomber jacket features a large, white bow as an embellishment as well.
Osaka explained that the concept behind her costume was reminiscent of a "magical girl" on the court, utilizing a term possibly unique to Japan. She explained that her transformation upon stepping onto the court filled her with enjoyment, and she desired for everyone observing her outfit to share in this sentiment.
This frilly, playful appearance was specifically crafted by designer Yoon Ahn for Nike. It could be regarded as a form of subversive protection for the Japanese superstar.
Following withdrawals from the French Open, Wimbledon in 2021, and an early exit from the US Open Round 3, the four-time Grand Slam singles champion, Osaka, took extended breaks, prioritizing her mental health and subsequently becoming a mother.
After failing to advance past the qualifiers of the Cincinnati Open recently, Osaka shared an emotional post on Instagram disclosing her internal struggles on the court since welcoming her daughter, Shai, in July 2023. "My main issue currently isn't losses, though. My main issue is that I don't feel like I'm in my body," she wrote to her 2.8 million followers. "It's a peculiar feeling, missing balls I shouldn't miss, hitting balls less powerfully than I remember I used to... The only sensation I can compare to how I feel currently is being postpartum." Despite these challenges, Osaka asserted that she views this phase as an ongoing process and has pledged to continue putting in the effort to reach her objectives. She made a comeback to the US Open since 2022.
Ahn revealed that Osaka's inspiration board for the outfits was primarily influenced by the "Lolita goth" community, a style characterized by lacey and anime-inspired elements that gained popularity in 1990s Japan and still resonates with people worldwide today, with over 31,000 related posts on TikTok. "They go out and wear pink, frills, bows, and lace," Ahn informed the New York Times. "It's basically about embracing the cutesiness and the femininity."
Current fashion trends reveal that girlhood is experiencing a revival. From the ribbon-decorated hiking sneakers of the sold-out Sandy Liang x Salomon collaboration to the high-fashion bows of Simone Rocha, Prada, and Chanel, symbols of youthful femininity are now celebrated rather than dismissed, worn with pride and a wink.
Osaka commented that she does not naturally associate herself with being girlish on the court. However, she admitted to being drawn towards beautiful and adorable items. "There's something quite intriguing about placing emphasis on this, especially in New York," Osaka explained to the New York Times. "In New York, the tennis court is more like a stage."
And where there's ribbon, there's often tulle. Just a few days ago, Ella Emhoff, Vice President Kamala Harris' stepdaughter, made headlines for the baby blue and white tulle dress she wore on the last day of the Democratic National Convention. Standing alongside Harris' goddaughter and niece, Emhoff's airy look signified a new form of power dressing: daring in its rejection of expectations and traditional dress codes. Osaka, also incorporating tulle, appears to be engaging in the same rebellious fashion statement.
"We live in a girls' world, and I wanted to reflect that in Naomi's on-court appearance," Ahn shared in the press release. Designer Ahn has also created a ready-to-wear line for Nike Women that will be officially launched on Tuesday. "The collection is an extension of this idea, allowing women to express themselves and enhance their unique personal styles," Ahn stated.
Osaka's unique tennis attire, with its frilly and playful elements, can be seen as a bold departure from traditional fashion trends on the tennis court. The use of tulle and bows in her outfit is a nod to the "Lolita goth" style, which embraces feminity and cutesiness.
Osaka's fashion choice showcases her love for beautiful and adorable items, and her on-court appearance can be seen as a celebration of girlhood, just like the current trend of ribbon-decorated sneakers and high-fashion bows.
