A stylized image of Naomi Osaka working with the Nike design team on Osaka's second capsule ... [+]
NikeNike NKE Court lead designer Carly Ellis may sum it up best: “Naomi (Osaka) is showing up everywhere, not just in sports.” And while Osaka continues winning Grand Slam tennis tournaments, catapulting her social status outside tennis circles and regularly signing new sponsorship deals, she’s found plenty of time to get hands-on in her second capsule collection from Nike.
The collection designed by Ellis and Osaka—the two have worked together since Osaka signed with the brand in April 2019—includes both an off-court line in what are becoming signature Osaka aesthetics along with an on-court dress and sneakers for Roland-Garros, the second Grand Slam of 2021.
The on-court Nike dress for Naomi Osaka at Roland-Garros was designed with input from Osaka and will ... [+]
Nike“Her second collection builds from the first by pulling in graphics that mark her signature identity, and it will evolve naturally in her next collection,” Ellis says. “Designing holistically in this manner allows us to create infinite looks, within a small set of styles. The ability to have fun with each piece and create individual looks that can be worn in your own personal way was important to Naomi.”
The capsule includes an assortment of T-shirts, shorts, hoodies, a crop top and a mesh bodysuit, all emerging from her debut collection in 2020. Ellis says the first capsule was about creating a foothold for an aesthetic identity and the second uses Osaka’s feedback, gained through collaboration, to show the personality of the star. The six different pieces were meant to create over 30 different looks.
MORE FOR YOU
The six apparel pieces were designed to translate into 30 distinct looks.
Nike“We’ve watched Naomi transform and grow as a competitor and a powerful voice,” Ellis says. “Her signature designs are meant to capture how dynamic she is as a person. She continues to evolve, and the more we get to know her on a deeper level, her designs evolve and become more expressive. Naomi had a hand in the whole process.”
“Nike is a place where I can just go and explore,” Osaka says. “Sometimes I feel like it’s like a playground for designers. What’s fun is our conversations start with just an idea and lead to really fun, creative designs that reflect who I am as an athlete and woman.”
MORE: Naomi Osaka Charting Fresh Business Path As Partnership Agreements Mount
That creativity exploded into this second collection, pulling together details and Osaka insights. Led by her preferred camo graphic pattern and orange palette, the apparel brings Osaka-led choices, such as ribbed features on the crop top, a halter neckline on the bodysuit and a high-waisted profile in the utility short. Expect to also find her personal logo and “lucky cat” graphic.
A ribbed top is part of the new Nike x Naomi Osaka capsule collection.
Nike“What she wears is an outlet for Naomi to experiment and have fun, and she expresses that,” Ellis says. “She has a really playful, unexpected way of mixing up prints and bold, contrasting colors. She gravitates to different materials, like a rib knit, but makes sure that we can incorporate our performance technology, like Dri-Fit, so she can wear it comfortably on the court. Most importantly, she emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and designing for all bodies. Every design we collaborate on is informed by the silhouettes, materials and prints she loves.”
Designed to wear in all aspect of life, from training to the streets, that crossover appeal can be seen throughout. For example, the long ball short is an Osaka original with a new take on the trendy bike short, using an upside-down ball pocket and extra supportive waistband for on-court play.
But when it comes to tournament action, the NikeCourt Dress is ready for Roland-Garros. The black and white design features mesh panels for cooling. While the dress may appear subdued, expect color coming from the new tie-dye patterned Air Zoom GP Turbo Naomi Osaka sneaker with the shoe’s Swoosh on the forefoot and the embossed heel treatment glimmering in Swarovski crystals.
The Air Zoom GP Turbo Naomi Osaka sneaker features tie-dye and crystals on the Swoosh and heel tab.
NikeThe dress, the first Osaka-specific on-court dress to release at retail, joins the shoes with May 24 availability. The apparel collection releases June 17.
Osaka’s increasing role within Nike design fits within the brand’s direction, says Tania Flynn, Nike’s vice president of women’s apparel design. Be believing there’s no better way to bring the potential of sport to more people than by investing in women and girls, partnering with Osaka—both via apparel collections and supporting the Naomi Osaka Play Academy—and ensuring she has the opportunity to grow creatively, as an athlete and a role model proves key. “Going deeper to support her passion more holistically,” Flynn says, “is a model that we’re exploring and expanding on with a number of our women athletes.”
MORE: Naomi Osaka’s Nike Star Power Continues To Shine With New Apparel Line
The Link LonkMay 24, 2021 at 10:00PM
https://ift.tt/3yxMdpT
Naomi Osaka, Nike Unveil Second Capsule Collection, French Open Designs - Forbes
https://ift.tt/3g93dIW
Nike
No comments:
Post a Comment