Naomi Osaka’s Bold US Open Look: Redefining Girl Power on the Court
Naomi Osaka’s much-anticipated return to the US Open has made headlines, not just for her performance but also for her striking on-court fashion statement. The 26-year-old tennis star unveiled a daring and unconventional outfit that challenges traditional tennis wear norms, embracing a powerful and playful femininity.
In a sport where sleek, streamlined outfits are the norm, Osaka’s walk-on attire is a refreshing departure. Her outfit features a wide, puffed-out skirt enhanced by a tulle petticoat and a high-shine black bomber jacket adorned with an oversized white bow. This bold choice was inspired by the concept of a “magical girl” – a popular motif in Japanese culture that symbolizes transformation and empowerment. “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,” Osaka shared in a Nike press statement.
This frilly, coquettish look, custom-designed by Yoon Ahn for Nike, can be seen as a form of subversive armor for Osaka. After a challenging period that included withdrawing from major tournaments like the French Open and Wimbledon in 2021, and taking an extended break to focus on her mental health and motherhood, Osaka’s return to the US Open is a statement of resilience and reinvention. Her candid Instagram post following a loss at the Cincinnati Open earlier this month revealed her ongoing struggles with post-partum adjustments. Yet, despite these hurdles, Osaka remains committed to her journey, viewing it as a process of growth and transformation.
The inspiration behind Osaka’s outfit is deeply rooted in the “Lolita goth” subculture, a style characterized by its lacey, anime-inspired aesthetics. Popularized in 1990s Japan, this style continues to resonate with young people worldwide, embodying a blend of innocence and rebellion. Designer Yoon Ahn explained that Osaka’s moodboard was heavily influenced by this subculture, aiming to “own the cutesy-ness and the girly-hood” on the court.
In today’s fashion landscape, the celebration of girlhood and youthful femininity is gaining momentum. From the ribbon-laced sneakers of the Sandy Liang x Salomon collaboration to the high-fashion bows seen in collections by Simone Rocha, Prada, and Chanel, symbols of girlhood are being reclaimed with pride and confidence. Osaka’s outfit is a testament to this trend, showcasing how feminine elements like ribbons and tulle can be powerful and subversive.
As Osaka steps onto the New York court, she does so with an outfit that embodies strength, playfulness, and a rejection of conventional expectations. “We live in a girls’ world, and I wanted to embody that in Naomi’s on-court look,” Ahn stated in the press release. With a new ready-to-wear line launching for Nike Women, Ahn’s designs aim to empower women to express their unique styles and personalities. Through her bold fashion choices, Naomi Osaka is not just playing tennis; she’s making a statement about the power of femininity in all its forms.
