Naomi Osaka’s first-round outfit inspired by Japanese ceremonial dress, Quentin Tarantino’s film Kill Bill
Another grand slam, another grand slam from Naomi Osaka.
The Japanese former world No.1 made global headlines at this year’s Australian Open when she stepped onto Rod Laver Arena in a flashy jellyfish-inspired outfit before continuing her fashion tour in a glittering gold ensemble at Roland-Garros.
Now it was Wimbledon’s turn.
Complying with the All England club’s strict white policy, Osaka abandoned her first round match, where she defeated Frenchwoman Elsa Jacquemot 6-1, 7-5. British Vogue It has been described as a “love letter to Japanese ceremonial dress”.
The four-time major champion collaborated with Tokyo-based designer Hana Yagi, whose outfit was inspired by Japanese ceremonial dresses as well as the paper-cutting art of kirigami.
Slinging a blue Yonex bag over her shoulder, the stoic Osaka received warm applause for her white kimono dress, which featured removable layers, three-dimensional embroidery of cranes and cherry blossoms, and was complete with bell sleeves and an obi belt.
Osaka says she wants to honor Wimbledon’s all-white tradition and Japanese heritage, but Quentin Tarantino’s cult film kill bill it also helped inspire the final design.
“I was thinking about my favorite movies, [and] I love kill billOsaka said.
“I just remembered that I absolutely fell in love with Lucy Liu’s character. She had an all-white kimono and I remember thinking that was really cool and gorgeous. And then it just kind of went on from there. It was kind of like my interpretation of it, but also showing great respect and love for Japan.”
Unlike Osaka, who abandoned midfield at Melbourne Park, she played third court at Wimbledon, allowing fans on the court to get a glimpse of her outfit.
“I thought it was really fun because I didn’t think anyone was expecting it,” he said.
“Trying to lock in a little bit and put my headphones on [before playing]. When I passed someone I could physically feel them turn their entire body. I thought this was really fun. “It was cool because I heard some people say, ‘Wow, that’s a really nice kimono’ and things like that, so it was cool.”
Osaka entered the Wimbledon championships with some doubts due to a foot injury that forced her to withdraw from a game in the second set of the Bad Homburg final in Germany, just two days before the grand slam.
Not only did he play, but he had little trouble getting Jacquemot into the second round.
Osaka has never advanced beyond the round of 32 at Wimbledon, but fans have come to dub her “Grass-saka” for her impressive entry form on her traditionally least preferred surface.
“I think it’s a really cute nickname. I hope I can win a lot more games to keep them going. [using] this,” he said.
“I think I’ve always seen myself as a hard court player. This year I tried to broaden my mind a little bit with the clay court season and then I got to this point with Tomasz. [Wiktorowski, her coach].”
Marc McGowan traveled to London with the support of Tennis Australia.
Watch Wimbledon on Monday (AEST) from 7.30pm on Nine Network and Stan Sport.
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