Tennis star Naomi Osaka leads the latest Nike Women by Yoon Ahn campaign, showcasing a stylish kit designed by the renowned fashion creator.
According to an ESSENCE report, the collection debuted right before the US Open in New York City, where fans witness some of the year’s most anticipated tennis matches.
The growing influence of sports on fashion is now even more evident, particularly with global events such as the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics in Paris, further illustrating the intersection of athletics and style.
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Yoon Ahn’s design vision reflects Osaka’s grace on the court, with pieces that embody both her athletic prowess and intriguing style. The collection includes green and black competition kits, custom performance dresses designed to enhance Osaka’s agility, and walk-on skirts and jackets adorned with bold bows, adding a playful yet powerful element to her court presence.
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“The inspiration that fueled the look for me and this might be a Japanese term, is feeling like a ‘magical girl’ on the court,” Osaka said in a statement. “There’s a moment of transformation for me when I walk onto the court, and I have a lot of fun playing, so wanting everyone who sees the outfit to connect with that feeling is a really big motivation for me.” she added.
The new collection aims to merge fashion, athleticism, and performance in a cohesive style that caters to the needs of athletes while blending sport and culture.\
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The designs incorporate school uniform-inspired elements with a rebellious touch that Yoon Ahn masterfully weaves into the collection. Chenille varsity patches and YA for Nike Court logos are incorporated into classic tennis styles, offering a fresh and dynamic take on traditional sportswear.
“We live in a girls’ world, and I wanted to embody that in Naomi’s on-court look as well as the collection,” Ahn said in a statement. “For Naomi’s look, she brought forward a vision, and it was my job as a designer to create something that she’ll feel confident and comfortable in when she walks onto the court, allowing her to bring 100% of herself. The collection is an extension of that idea, allowing women to bring out their character and enhance their personal styles.”
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Ahn’s campaign revisits themes from her 2023 Nike X Ambush football collection, blending youthful energy and fashion. Osaka’s role in the campaign, following her emotional return to victory after a three-year hiatus, underscores the resilience of women in sports as they overcome challenges to reach the top.
The Nike Women by Yoon collection is available now on nike.com and at select Nike stores.
