Tennis star Naomi Osaka has marked her return to the US Open following an 18-month maternity leave with a head-turning on-court look designed by Ambush designer and Nike‘s global women’s curator Yoon Ahn. Inspired by the “magical girl” transformation Osaka feels when she steps onto the court, the new competition kit is designed to connect with that sense of fun 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 explained.
Osaka’s on-court outfit was launched alongside the Nike Women by Yoon collection. Also designed by Ahn, who boasts multiple well-received Nike collaborations, the capsule draws from vintage school uniforms and classic sportswear. Remixed heritage details include chenille varsity patches and a Nike Court logos, offering a modern twist on tennis fashion.
The campaign, with Osaka as its muse, highlights the powerful collaboration between two trailblazers. “We live in a girls’ world, and I wanted to embody that in Naomi’s on-court look as well as the collection,” says Ahn. The collection aims to empower women to express their character and personal style with confidence.
The Nike Women by Yoon collection drops on August 27, 2024, at nike.com and select retailers.
