This year, spring was celebrated also on the tennis court, as many of the athletes were quick in marking the event with some new apparel. Known as the small Slams, the fortnights of Indian Wells and Miami provided them with best opportunity to showcase their latest garments.
The fashion highlight of year so far was the return of American Venus Williams, who made a comeback in Miami. She took the opportunity to also attest her designer credentials, delivering one of the finest EleVen collection. The American showed range, creativity, as well as an exquisite styling sense. Stretching from dresses to hot pants, her monochrome pieces are memorable and unique. The interesting black and white pattern has a vintage flair about it, while the pink touches on the dress give it a modern, edgy vibe. It is impressive how well Venus can transpose the current trends onto the tennis court. She should take much pride in being able to put together such a cohesive, actual collection. I really look forward to seeing more from her.
Click here for more pictures with Venus' latest looks.
 |
| Julia Goerges - Nike |
 |
| Petra Kvitova - Nike |
The biggest novelties came from Nike's camp. While Adidas remained faithful to its colourful pink and orange garments
presented at the start of the season, Nike finally gave up the purple
and, copying its rival's strategy, replaced it with fresher colours. However, although the peachy pink and orange are indeed livelier, the results were rather disappointing as I must confess I am getting bored of seeing the same pieces changed from one colour to the other. The fact that Nike's main collection did not propose anything new since the end of 2011 indicates a severe lack of imagination. Also, I find it shocking that Petra Kvitova is still dressed in these tight tops that only reveal her belly. I find it unacceptable that a player who is fighting to become the face of the sport is not benefiting from a better styling team.
 |
| Maria Sharapova - NIKE 'Maria Sharapova' Group |
Once a fierce fashion competitor for the best dressed list, Maria Sharapova continues to disappoint. In recent years, her signature line has become too commercial and the pieces are too dull and lacking any trace of a design element. Thus, they don't live up to her fashionista credentials. While some of her finest past creations screamed fashion, her recent clothes are the epitome of modern sport apparel. This is a huge loss for the tennis fashion.
One of the few Nike player who manages to impress is Victoria Azarenka. The unstoppable Belorussian remains faithful to the sporty, sexy-chick look that carried her to the top of the ranking earlier this year. In Miami she opted for another pair of shorts, this time light blue, and a matching tank top. Never one of the fashionistas, Victoria is committed to maintaining her unblemished 2012 for as long as possible while still looking utterly sharp and hip. In this outfit she embodies a true tennis number 1.
 |
| Kim Clijsters - Fila |
 |
| Jelena Jankovic - Fila |
 |
| Vera Zvonareva - Fila |
In team Fila, the biggest news was Kim Clijsters' return to action in Miami. However, the Belgian, who lost to compatriot Yanina Wickmayer in the third round, failed to impress also when it came to fashion. Her outfit was a bit too heavy and outdated, especially due to the strange black touches on both the skirt and the top. Also, the black-white-red combination can be tiresome at times. Vera Zvonareva was all candy-like in a pink ensemble, while her 'team-mate', Jelena Jankovic, scored incredibly well with her simple, cool dress. Either light blue or peachy pink, the garment is probably one of the best I saw her wear in her entire career.
 |
| Roger Federer - NIKE 'Roger Federer' Group |
In the men's camp, Roger Federer continues to maintain his fashion supremacy. The blue striped polo he wore at Indian Wells is one of the best attires I saw in quite a while on the ATP tour. It is definitely my favourite piece so far this season. His RF collection is proving a big hit, especially considering the rest rather dull Nike designs.
 |
| Mike & Bob Bryan - K-Swiss |
 |
| Gael Monfils - K-Swiss |
One of my favourite sport manufacturers, K-Swiss, continues to put forward an interesting, unique proposition. Nevertheless, they latest garments seem to be lacking a bit of the sparkle of their previous pieces. Also Gael Monfils seemed a bit too modestly looking wearing the grey-olive ensemble. In his case, vibrant, powerful colours that contrast his dark skin tone are recommended.
photos (top-down / left-right): GETTY IMAGES (x2), AP, GETTY IMAGES (x14)
No comments:
Post a Comment