Naomi Osaka drew considerable attention at Wimbledon not only for her play but also for her distinctive pre-match attire, which paid homage to traditional Japanese culture. For her second-round match, Osaka opted for a more understated, yet still striking, ensemble, departing from the full kimono she wore for her first-round victory.
Wimbledon's strict all-white dress code did not deter Osaka from making a statement. For her initial match against Elsa Jacquemot, she appeared in a custom white kimono outfit. This ensemble was adorned with embroidered cranes and cherry blossoms, symbols of Japanese heritage, and featured an obi belt, a flowing tule bow, and wide, bell-shaped sleeves, reminiscent of the attire worn by Lucy Liu's character in the film "Kill Bill."
Osaka explained her inspiration, stating, "When I think about Wimbledon, it's obviously the all white. It's the oldest tournament, right? Then there's obviously the tradition of it all. When I think about that, I think about my cultures, my heritage, which is Japanese and Haitian." She further elaborated on the significance of the kimono silhouette, noting its iconic status in Japanese culture.
The outfit was further detailed with a kanzashi hair ornament and jewelry from the Japanese luxury pearl brand Mikimoto. Tokyo-based designer Hana Yagi, who created the garment, drew inspiration from kirigami, the Japanese art of paper cutting. The garment itself was constructed from vintage shiromuku, traditional Japanese bridal garments, and wedding dresses.
After her on-court entrance, Osaka removed the detachable layers of the kimono outfit to reveal a white Nike match dress, which also featured matching embroidery. She described the experience as fun, noting the surprised reactions from onlookers.
Osaka's fashion-forward approach at Grand Slams is well-documented. Earlier in the year at the French Open, her unique outfits, including a gold "Eiffel Tower" dress and upcycled ensembles made from her old match attire, sparked debate. Her opponent, Laura Siegemund, questioned whether Osaka was prioritizing fashion over tennis, a sentiment Osaka has addressed by emphasizing her desire to express herself through style during walk-on entrances.
American player Taylor Fritz also made a notable fashion statement at Wimbledon, entering his opening match in a custom all-white suit by Hugo Boss, a look that drew comparisons to Roger Federer's past Wimbledon attire. Fritz acknowledged the mixed reactions such bold fashion choices can elicit.
Osaka has consistently used her platform to blend her heritage and personal style with her tennis career, from her jellyfish-inspired outfit at the Australian Open to tribal-inspired jewelry at Indian Wells, and even a distinctive look at the Met Gala. She views these Grand Slam walk-ons as a unique opportunity to perform as an entertainer.