Naomi Osaka made a striking fashion statement at the Wimbledon Championships, debuting a floor-length ruffled gown inspired by the Japanese kimono for her first-round match. The 28-year-old Japanese tennis star, seeded 14th, defeated Elsa Jacquemot of France 6-1 7-5 on day one of the tournament in London.
Design and Inspiration
Osaka's outfit, titled Evolving Ceremony, was created in collaboration with Tokyo-based designer Hana Yagi. The garment used materials upcycled from vintage kimonos, a traditional shiromuku wedding dress, and a deconstructed wedding gown. It adhered to Wimbledon's strict all-white dress code while incorporating elements of Japanese culture.
In her sleek bun, Osaka wore a cascading white floral hair ornament inspired by Japanese kanzashi. She told media that her outfit was inspired by her cultural heritage and her love for Lucy Liu's character in Kill Bill, who wore a white kimono.
Cultural Homage
“I think about the most iconic silhouette, which for me is a kimono. You don’t have to see the colour of a kimono to know that it is a kimono,” Osaka said. “I remembered absolutely falling in love with Lucy Liu’s character (in Kill Bill). She has an all-white kimono, and I remember thinking that was really cool and amazing. Then it just kind of went from there. It was like my interpretation of that while also paying a lot of respect and love to Japan.”
Wimbledon's Response
When questioned about Osaka's extravagant look, AELTC chief executive Sally Bolton said: “We’re very relaxed so long as it meets the all-white dress code.” The outfit complied with the tournament's longstanding rule requiring players to wear predominantly white attire.
Match Performance
Before facing Jacquemot, Osaka removed the kimono to reveal a white Nike tennis dress adorned with 3D flowers. She backed up the fashion moment with a commanding victory, advancing to the second round of the championships.
