Naomi Osaka’s highly anticipated return to the court transcends the game itself, paving the way for a new generation to embrace their power and individuality with style. To celebrate Osaka’s trailblazing spirit, Nike has teamed up with renowned fashion designer Yoon Ahn to create one-of-a-kind competition kits for her U.S. Open comeback.
The custom looks feature high-performance dresses designed specifically for Osaka’s playing style, alongside statement walk-on skirts and jackets adorned with oversized bows that echo her dominance on the court.
“There’s a sense of transformation for me when I step onto the court,” explains Osaka. “The inspiration behind the look – and this might be a Japanese term – is feeling like a ‘magical girl.’ I want everyone who sees the outfit to connect with that feeling.”
These competition kits will be unveiled alongside a brand-new Nike Women by Yoon apparel collection. Together, they embody Nike’s core focus on innovation and athlete-driven design. By listening to the needs and aspirations of its athletes, Nike fosters unique collaborations like this one, bringing together Osaka and longtime Nike partner Ahn to push the boundaries of sport, style, and culture.
Ahn’s designs for the collection reimagine classic court attire, offering a rebellious and playful aesthetic. The color palette draws inspiration from vintage school uniforms and classic sports styles, alluding to a youthful, slightly anarchic spirit evident throughout the Nike Women by Yoon campaign. Unexpected cuts combine timeless tailoring with modern energy, resulting in pieces that can be worn as cohesive uniforms or styled as individual statements. Classic tennis details are reinterpreted with a contemporary twist, featuring chenille varsity patches and reimagined “YA for Nike Court” logos.
The campaign builds on themes explored in Ahn’s previous Nike collaborations, particularly the 2023 Nike x Ambush football collection. Here, Ahn’s unique perspective on femininity, fashion, fandom, and pop culture takes center stage, channeled through the lens of a fictional teen movie. With Osaka as the campaign’s muse, this collaboration exemplifies the power of uniting two barrier-breaking leaders, a feat only achievable through the unique network of Nike and its partners.
“We live in a world driven by girls’ power, and I wanted to capture that essence in both Naomi’s on-court look and the collection as a whole,” says Ahn. “Naomi came forward with a vision, and it was my job to translate it into a design that empowers her – something that allows her to showcase her full potential on the court. The collection itself is an extension of that idea, giving women the tools to express their individuality and enhance their personal style.”
The Nike Women by Yoon collection will launch on August 27th. It is available online at nike.com and select Nike retail locations.
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