TennisIDENTITY

Fila fashion @ Roland Garros 2013: Janko Tipsarevic + Andreas Seppi

Here's what Fila has planned for Janko Tipsarevic and Andreas Seppi at Roland Garros 2013. 

Tipsarevic will wear the Tour short sleeve crew in two ebony/lemon combinations with the Tour piped short. Seppi will wear the Tour piped polo (only polo above) and Tour short sleeve crew in white.

The group as a whole is a youthful, body conscious collection with a modern color palette. The contrast piping and taping was inspired by the movement of the body during play. Fila’s design team highlighted areas of the body which correspond to movement on court. Strategically placed jacquard mesh panels insure good ventilation.

The Tour collection retails from $45 to $55.

Find it at Fila.com, Tennis-Warehouse and Fila tennis retailers worldwide.

Philipp Kohlschreiber works new Wilson in Rome.

 

© Getty Images

Philipp Kohlschreiber is wearing new summer collection Wilson in Rome. An orange based version of this look is planned for Roland Garros but I do LOVE this ace of a flint grey and lime combo. 

The so-called "Well-Equipped Crew" and short are made of ultra light, liquid stretch fabric and zoned mesh which work to keep you well cooled. I'd like this top with white or black shorts even better. The polo, left is a more conservative option.

Find it at Wilson.com, Tennis-Warehouse and Wilson tennis retailers worldwide.

Has Simone Bolelli gone goth?

Nah...Simone Bolelli has moved to Hydrogen, an edgy street fashion brand now hitting the tennis courts.

The new performance collection features shirts, shorts, cap, warm up and accessories and is branded with the co's trademark skull.

Perhaps the skull can rep a dangerous game but stripes of red and green and a cheery yellow ball on select pieces nod to the brand's Italian heritage and the designer's love for our game.

I do love this jacket.

Find it at HydrogenJeans.com.

 

Tsonga in your design? Go wild.

 

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga fans, go wild (but a bit less than Tsonga above, lol) by going to miadidas.com and designing a pair of adizero tennis shoes for the Frenchman to wear on Kid's Day at Roland Garros.

Tweet your design with #miTsonga and your design is entered. The contest opens May 2. Tsonga will pick his fav. He's told me he likes bright flashy colors, so head in that direction.

PS -- Ana Ivanovic lovers, watch for her cameo above.

Temp rising ASICS tennis for men.

Summer's ahead and ASICS has got an edgy men's tennis collection ready for release in the heat of it (7/1). Pictured are the men's Resolution polo in shocking orange $55, and GEL-Solution Speed shoe in new black/neon orange and silver $130 (avail 6/1).

Conservative guys, be brave, when paired with black, grey or white this hue looks quite handsome. Even king conserv Roger Federer wore the color recently.

The new collection includes 8" Resolution shorts and 7" Court shorts. Check too the Resolution jacket $80 USD. HOT.

Link here to info on the tennis racquet in the pic.

Find it all at asicsamerica.com, Tennis-Warehouse and asics tennis retailers in the US.

 

Janko Tipsarevic rocks spring Fila + a peek at the new Sentinel

Really, is there anything this guy doesn't rock? I've been quietly loving Janko Tipsarevic's spring kit which debuted back at Indian Wells. It's unassuming and not too uni when color separated as above.

Pictured is the men's Spring Collezione Printed Crew, $46 in white, black or jasmine green and Spring Collezione Short, $38 in black; it also comes in white.

Tipsarevic's kicks are the new Fila Sentinel which will hit retail in June, available in a variety of color combos. Rave reviews from Janko on these apparently.

Find it at Fila.com, Tennis-Warehouse and Fila tennis retailers worldwide.

Athletic DNA, chillin' long and loose.

Athletic DNA's Spring 2013 men's line is all about attitude and comfort, something young U.S. guys want in everything they wear. Look around any American high school or college and you'll see legions of loose fit graphic tees, hoodies and long, draw-string shorts. Are you going to get this group into a tidy, close fit RF polo and button shorts. I think not.

What these guys wear for chillin' is what they want for the court. Problem is, that look is not meant for exertion. Enter Athletic DNA with to the knees baller shorts, edgy graphics and airy performance fabrics that hang just the right way without getting in the way of game. 

Logo Tee above, $40; Tournament Short above, $54; Nitro Performance Tee (left), $56; and Viper long sleeve, right, $44.

Good for the gym too.

Find it at AthleticDNA.com and Tennis Warehouse. 

Video: What Novak wears down there.

 

Novak Djokovic is now pitching UNIQLO's AIRism line, something he wears on and off court but we'll never see. It's performance underwear that's lightweight, soft, heat releasing, odor fighting and apparently quite comfortable. I haven't checked their women's line out myself. 

"The fabric always stretches to fit my most strenuous moves. With this on, I can concentrate on my game...." says Djokovic. 

There you have it. New and out from under cover.

Find it at UNIQLO.com and in UNIQLO stores worldwide.

Antigua to supply tennis fashion to the 2013 Family Circle Cup.

Another thriving golf fashion retailer* has stepped on court. Antigua's tennis line, launched in 2012, grows this year with an even wider variety for men and women.

Check it all out at Charleston's Family Circle Cup (March 30-April 7) where Antigua will have a retail shop and outfit officials, volunteers and ball kids for the second consecutive year. 

The styles? Traditional with a twist.

These are performance basics that mix easily with other solids through the seasons. The new for 2013 colors are deliciously punchy without the neon factor. The women's cuts are for the player who appreciates a modern but modest silhouette. The men's styles are loose fit. Above left is the Optimal Tank in Sea multi, $45. Right is the the men's Action Tee, $50.

Also in the tennis performance line are a variety of tops, tennis skorts, warm ups, hoodies and shorts. Mesh, stretch and breathability are built into everything. 

Team/club captains, you can have your logo or name embroidered free on any Antigua group apparel order. Yah, that's a good deal.

Above in grey is the Epic Short Sleeve Polo, $50. The open sweetheart placket is a flattering alternative to the more boxy traditional style so if you avoid polos, like me, give this one a try. The Women's Smash Jacket (above in white) is softly lined, warm and comfy, $66, and the Bright Violet tank is the Optimal like in the top picture. 

Find it all at AntiguaTennis.com.

* Antigua also holds license agreements with the NFL, Major and Minor League Baseball, NHL, NBA, PGA Tour, US colleges and universities and more.

Roger Federer brights up.

© Getty Images

There is a legion of men who wear what Roger Federer wears on court. Will they wear Total Orange?

Indian Wells 2013 marked Nike's first foray into bright tournament apparel for Federer in at least five years. Will his following bite? It's not often you see a conservative dresser rock a really vibrant hue.

Interesting how the color buzzed with consistent energy despite overwhelming heat the day Federer played Stanislas Wawrinka. I liked it and hope to see more color on the master.

Rog went back to blue in his next round vs. Rafa.

Solfire. Art and soul for your tennis game.

Art and soul combine beautifully in the Spring 2013 Solfire tennis fashion line. The unique new collection jams with color drenched passion culled from the paintings of Solfire founder and artist Brendan Murphy. 

Each of five shirt designs speak to who you are, or strive to be, on court. Top and above left is the women's Lion tank that emanates strength and agility. River, above right, delivers a dynamic flow of beauty and elegance.

Other graphics include: Breathe, a wild horse, that speaks of powerful movement and grace; Hummingbird expresses precise control and speed; and City, urban attitude and bold strokes. Womens tanks and coordinating skorts are are $48.

Men's collection performance shirts include crews in all of the above art elements except Hummingbird, $50. Shorts are $48. Watch for Solfire on Bruno Soares in Indian Wells. 

What inspires your game?

 

 

Roger Federer in Indian Wells 2013. New tennis fashion by Nike.

Nike has created this ensemble for Roger Federer in Indian Wells. It's actually Federer's Australian Open look with a change of colors (compare and contrast kids; are you thinking Photoshop too?).

Left is the Nike Men's Spring 2 Premier RF Polo in deep royal blue with accents of total orange and white, $90. Sooooo handsome. It also comes in total orange with white, a bit of a tough color for paler complexions. If Rog wears it, it will be the first tournament bright for him in years.

His shorts are Spring 2 Twill 10" in white for $65, and shoes, Zoom Vapor 9 Tour in white/team orange and platinum, $130.

Other cool items in the collection: This 100% cotton tee, $40, or RF hat at $26.

 Find it at Nike.com, Tennis-Warehouse and Nike tennis retailers worldwide.

Bryans, Fish + Djokovic team with Redfoo, Jeremy Piven at 9th Annual K•Swiss Desert Smash.

Looks like guys' night out was extra entertaining with the addition of RedFoo and Jeremy Piven. Pictured at the 9th annual K•Swiss Desert Smash at La Quinta Resort are the bros Bryan, Mardy Fish (welcome back), Redfoo, Piven and Novak Djokovic. The annual event/party benefited the Variety of the Desert. 

The highlight of the evening was an out-of-ATP doubles match, Piven and Djokovic battled Redfoo and Mardy Fish. (Djokovic/Piven won).

Looking like triplets, the Bryans and Fish wore the K Swiss Men's Oz spliced crew in fiery red. The shirt features cooling mesh inserts on the sides and back, $40 and men's woven training short, $43.

Not sure what Redfoo is wearing. I like the socks tho.

Growing tennis in the US. USTA adds Jr. Development Programs. Athletic DNA thrives.

USTA Player development continues to add to its roster of Regional Training Centers. New dev. programs include Five Seasons Sports Club of Northbrook, Ill. and The Smiths in Indianapolis, Ind., bringing the total number of USTA Certified Regional Training Centers to 17.

Above Tim Smyczek plays a point at the Challenger of Dallas tourney at T Bar M Racquet Club which has renewed its contract with the USTA training program. Smyczek has trained within the USTA program in Boca Raton, Florida.

Other noteable players using USTA training centers include: Sam Querrey, Rhyne Williams (who won the Dallas tourney Saturday), Denis Kudla, Steve Johnson, Jack Sock and Bjorn Fratangelo.

"As we continue to see positive results out of players who train at USTA Certified Training Centers, we are excited to be working collaboratively with these programs and their coaches to develop future American tennis stars," said Patrick McEnroe.

Parents who can't relocate their lives for their kid's dream are excited too.

Keep an eye out for rising players wearing athletic DNA. The brand continues to make inroads with young tourney playing juniors with loose fit energized style that exudes cool. The brand sponsored at the Dallas Tourney. I'm looking forward to seeing their 2013 line. Tim is wearing one of the new colors above.

Rafa returns and we're tickled...purple.

So we did get to see Rafa's AO kit on our guy, just not in Oz. Rafael Nadal wore his designed-for-Australia tennis fashion for his return to the court yesterday at the ATP Vina del Mar in Chile. 

Pictured is the Nike Spring premier Rafa crew in atomic purple, $70...sigh...sooo gorgeous. His shorts are the Premier 8" Woven short in squadron blue, $85 and shoes, the Air Max Courtballistec 4.3 in orange and white, $130. His warm up jacket is the Premier Rafa, $110 in squadron blue, the same color in the headband (not pictured above).

Welcome back Rafa! Happiness is.

Find the look at Nike.com, Tennis-Warehouse and Nike tennis retailers worldwide. This look is part of Nike's larger purple infused tennis collection that came out this spring.

Lacoste renews partnership with Australian Open through 2018.

First in a series spotlighting tennis tournament sponsors:

Lacoste has renewed its partnership with the Australian Open. The contract comes on top of repeat nods from KIA and other key AO sponsors. Our Happy Slam is undoubtedly thrilled.

“Lacoste is a valued partner of the Australian Open and we are thrilled to have signed a new five year deal with the brand,"  said Steve Wood, Tennis Australia CEO. 

I love the impact "the Crocodile" makes in Oz. The colorful uniforms, tennis fashions, retail shops and tasteful branding add punch in a beautifully calm sea of blues. Pictured are a few images from around the 2013 grounds.

 

Djokovic's toolbox and win at Aus Open.

 
Congratulations to Novak Djokovic who earned his third consecutive men's singles Australian Open title and sixth Grand Slam Sunday.

Tennis coaches often refer to building a "toolbox," meaning your repertoire of shots and tactics on court. Clearly, Djokovic's toolbox is complete, a veritable workstation packed with the best in speed, footwork, fitness, recovery, shot making and mental strength.

Amazing stuff watching it all come together match after match. His stick, a key part of said box of course, the just-out HEAD YouTek Graphene Speed Pro.

NOTE on apparel: Love the jacket here. Unfortunately, it's not available, neither is the shirt, nor the shorts...not at the moment anyway. Bummer. We got excited last year when UNIQLO  offered up some of Novak's US Open apparel at two stores in NYC. Hoping that they work through the kinks and get the stuff out there. 

 

Spring 2013 tennis fashion by Lotto: Radwanska, Makarova, Ferrer & Almagro

Lotto launched its Spring '13 line at the Aus Open. First up, the ladies:

Agnieszka Radwanska and Marion Bartoli wore Lotto's eye-catching new SS 2013 Natty Line dress, a sleek, curve conscious silhouette cut with silky performance fabric inset with jacquard in the same color rose. 

Ekaterina Makarova wore the Natty skort paired with a short sleeved top.

Cute shorts in this group too:

The men:

David Ferrer wore the brand's new LED line. The top comes as a polo and a crew, $60 and $55.  The graphics express the movement of a tennis ball and a spray of gradient lizard green (looks yellow to me) highlights this dynamic looking top. LED shorts are $45.

All performance and Deep Dry Tech. Great energy. 

All images © Ray Giubilo

Find a retailer at LottoSport.com or visit this link for the women's line.

US readers: Lotto tennis apparel is making its way back into the states. Find it all very soon at Tennis-Warehouse and other tennis specialty retailers.

Oooh la Lacoste. Taking tennis to a berry cheery place.

Lacoste's saturated color is a reboot for the body and soul. In case you missed any of their yummie, berry-infused fashions on court  in Australia, here's a quick recap.

Yes indeed, a few players chose white; I would have had a hard time turning down color but what better than tennis' earliest hue in the hot sun? 

©Ron Angle

©Ron Angle

©Ron Angle

@Ron Angle

Not all of the above tennis styles are available everywhere. Check Lacoste.com, Lacoste stores and Tennis-Warehouse for men or women.

Fila men break from the grey in Australia.

There's a lot of chat about the amount of yellow and grey on court this year in Australia. I hear you. Great stand alone styles but at times it really looks like a club team tennis party (until you watch them play of course). Really bizarre.

For those who need a little color diversion, take a look at the Fila sponsored men. It's all red, white and blue.

The Men’s Heritage Collection, above on Andreas Seppi, features two crew silhouettes, two polos, a short, jacket and pant.  Luxe looking and iconic in feel these classic performance styles harken back to Fila's fashion archives. Janko Tipsarevic, Carlos Berlocq and Horacio Zeballos also wear the line.

Fila’s Heritage Collection retails from $45 to $70 and can be found late January at fila.com, Tennis-Warehouse and specialty tennis retailers world wide.

Ana Ivanovic and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga; more adidas fashion in Oz

Rounding out coverage of the remaining adidas styles hitting the Australian Open are two of my favorite players/personalities Ana Ivanovic and Jo Wilfried Tsonga.

Above, Ivanovic (who at the moment is on to round 3), wears the spring adizero dress in vivid yellow with tech grey, $85, and the adizero Tempai II, $120  (also worn by Angelique Kerber) .

Tsonga sports the adizero polo, $65 in white with vivid yellow and spring adizero short, $50 in tech grey. I love this particular shirt/short combo; you can see some of the other pieces in the new group on the adidas guys here.

Find the men's looks here and women's styles here. adidas.com and adidas sport shops also sell the complete lines.

Mirror, mirror and a cam. Selfie Sunday with Murray, Verdasco + Kerber.

Must have been selfie Sunday. Andy Murray, Fernado Verdasco and Angelique Kerber had some fun with their Australian Open looks in adidas' dressing room recently:

Above: Murray wears adidas' semi fitted barricade crew, $58 and barricade 9.5" short, $45. His shoes are the barricade 7.0 in black and yellow, $125. Verdaso wears the men's spring adizero crew in vivid yellow, $60 and adizero short in tech grey, $50. His shoes are the adizero CC Feather II, $125. Kerber wears the spring adizero dress in vivid yellow with tech grey, $85. It comes with a bra and shorties (great deal). Her shoes are the adizero CC Tempaia II in white and yellow, $120.

Good looks, fun pics. 

Find the men's looks here at Tennis-Warehouse and women's styles here at Tennis-Warehouse. adidas.com and adidas sport shops also sell it.

Tomas Berdych signs with H&M.

Yes, you read that correctly, H&M, nirvana for the style and budget conscious fashionista, is getting into tennis apparel. Tomas Berdych has left Nike and will now wear the Swedish brand on and off court. 

No word yet on any of the new tennis styles. They are still on the drawing board and Berdych is apparently weighing in. I suspect a women's line will come soon as well and who might that ambassador be?

Very curious to see how much performance H&M can pack into their court apparel while keeping true to their low prices. 

Hot Daddy. Roger Federer + Juan Martin Del Potro AO Nike. P.S. I miss Rafa.

Nike has unveiled Roger Federer's night look at the Australian Open. Above is the zip-placket Premier RF Polo in Stadium Grey. Hot Daddy; love the pink accents at the neck and shoes! His day style looks to be a base of turquoise blue, $90 USD.

Interestingly, for the past five years, Federer's Slam fashions have been only been a very similar grey, light blue, dark blue, red or white. Ok, right, red stripes on red at that one Slam, whoo hoo. Here's another. Superstition, RF choice or man/consumer driven? My guess is marketplace.

The shots of pink in the 2013 look are not unlike the cyber doses in his look at Roland Garros last year. The brights deviate ever so slighly from Fed's tailored cuts and do add an element of modernity to the traditional styling.

Keep in mind that the technology under the styles does keep evolving despite the color constants.

Juan Martin Del Potro will also wear stadium grey. I do like grey a lot; not a Daddy, but hot just the same. Pictured is the Nike Rib Crest Crew, $60. The very simple aesthetic is highlighted by a raised V-neck design and ribbing on the shoulders. His shoes are the Nike Air Max Cage, $115. 

Del Po has mixed up the shades a bit more than Fed over the past years. I do love him in brights.

Ok our boys ARE handsome but I am soooo missing Rafa who ALWAYS rocks my visual world. The shirt left is what he would have worn. 

Find it at Nike.com, Tennis-Warehouse, and Nike tennis retailers worldwide.

 

Milos Raonic. New Year. New Deal. New Balance.

© Getty Images

Milos Raonic has shed his croc adorned tennis apparel, turning head and toe to New Balance.  Check him out above at the AAMI Classic at Kooyong in Melbourne today. Raonic might very well be the brand's first foray into tennis sponsorships.

Wide footed tennis players love New Balance for their footwear; they very simply have the biggest selection of wide-width tennis shoes out there.

Clearly New Balance now wants more than than a foothold on court; the new colors and designs above suggest some fun ahead. A rising Raonic, currently ranked #15 in the world, should bring good attention to the fitness brand. 

Pictured he's wearing a pair of New Balance's MC 996 D. More info on the new apparel line to follow.

 New Balance plans to work with Milos to launch a  special tennis focused collection of footwear and apparel in August just before the US Open.

Find the brand at NewBalance.com, Tennis-Warehouse and New Balance tennis retailers worldwide.

 

Gael Monfils moves to asics tennis.

 

January means contract changes. First up, a tamer looking Gael Monfils has moved from K-Swiss, long hair and biceps in reveal. Looking forward to seeing what rolls out.

NIKEiD's custom tennis kicks allow you to choose grass, hard or clay court soles.

Nothing new about customizing tennis shoes but what caught my eye was the ability to choose the sole to meet your game's needs: clay, hard court or grass. Grass court tennis shoes are very hard to find, especially in the US. These could be your answer.

The shoe you are working with? The Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour for men or women. Pick your main color, inset detail, laces, tongue, id and traction. The version above is custom grass by moi. 

Made-to-order and delivered in 4 weeks so don't think about it for next weekend's hit; $165 USD.

Find them at NIKEiD.nike.com

 

Lacoste's polo of the future could say the score ;) and much much more.

 

Lacoste is celebrating its 80th birthday and the brand's creative agency MNSTR has produced this charming film that suggests what Lacoste polos might be like in the future - dynamic smart shirts that change on a whim or command with the simple brush of a hand.

I love the polo that keeps score on court. Check it out. More coming 12/12/12 on www.lacoste-future.com.

Credit to creativity-online.com where this video was sourced.

Special edition RF Federer caps honor Colombia, Brazil and Argentina.

Very cool. These special edition RF caps were made for Roger Federer's December 2012 exos in Colombia (yellow),  Brazil (green) and Agentina (blue); $26.

Tennis-Warehouse has the exclusive. Beautiful, like the countries they represent.

Men's in Miami: Almagro, Isner, Ferrero, Roddick + Murray

Off season yes, so just a quick run through on what the guys wore on court at the inaugural Miami Tennis Cup event last weekend. Color becomes you best Miami. Loved those fluffy courtside couches BTW.

Exo tournament winner, Nicolas Almagro, wore Reebok in the sunniest of yellows. The brand hasn't faded from the courts completely.

John Isner wore Lacoste's juicy-fruit stripes -- we saw this one at the US Open but this time on our tall friend. My wish to see Isner in something other than classic solids has come true. Keep it coming John.

Juan Carlos Ferrero and recent "retiree"  Andy Roddick wore le croc redux as well. 

Andy Murray wore adidas - I prefer a better dose of color on the Scot and for Florida. He looks best in dark colors.

 Boys will be boyzzzz.  Below, the Andys met up with the Miami Tennis Cup ball girls whose leggings, model looks and dancing drew quite a bit of attention off court. Tight white leggings with a short shirt? Hmmm. Not many women would buy into that but I'm sure that wasn't the point ;) The guys look pretty psyched ehh?! Kinda cute.

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Nike tennis. Roger in flames.

I'm a little late to the court with this one but 1.) these tennis shoes are cool looking and 2.) I love retro redux when done right so here goes...

Way back in 1992 (ha,ha), the Nike tennis design team created a burning ball logo. The mark was first used on the Nike Air Tech Challenge and was added to the neon colors, denim and spandex of that era's Challenge Court collection. It was said to stand for the game played "fast, furious and unapologetic."

Twenty years later, Nike has released the above Flame Collection which modernizes the old design nicely. The Air Zoom Vapor 9 Tour, Air Max Courtballistec 4.3 and Breathe 2K12 are the 2012 redux.

Nike sponsored players at the ATP Finals in London wore them. Federer did his thing in the Zoom Vapor 9 Tour. Nadal would have worn the Courtballistec. The shoes run $130 US each and the Flame tee, $30.

Find them at Nike.com, Tennis-Warehouse and Nike retailers worldwide.

David Ferrer renews with Lotto + a look at more 2013 fashion.

David Ferrer has renewed his contract with long-time sponsor Lotto Sport Italia. Four more years makes this a ten year commitment between player and brand.  The Spanish champion is on fire having won seven titles this year; he is now the world #5.

I love Ferrer's new look; it's all from Lotto's spring 2013 Matrix line. Saturated power colors with assertive flourescent accents. Nice on this impressively determined grinder.

Ferrer's shoes here are the Lotto Raptor Ultra III with ReactiveArch, a concave dynamic sole that flexes according to the natural movement of the foot. His racquet is the Prince EXO3 Tour (another very recent contract renewal).

Find Lotto apparel and shoes via lottosport.com. Tennis-Warehouse carries the shoes and some apparel. 2013 apparel is not out yet.

Loriet launches new Pro-Team and Lifestyle collections.

Loriet is making its pro practice tees available to tennis mortals with the launch of its Pro-Team Collection.

The new practice T is made with 100% combed ringspun cotton and comes in gold (as pictured), navy and leaf. This is the one that Loriet sponsored players wear during warm up hits.

A more feminine racerback tank is viscose/poly and comes in white, grapefruit (pictured), gray and rose. It is first in the company's new lifestyle group. Pretty cut.

This Leo likes. Both are $35 USD.

Find them at: Loriet.com

Lacoste played the Open in colorful style.

Those who don't watch Slams until final match-ups often miss some great tennis fashion. Here is a quick look back at the colors Lacoste served up in New York. Scroll through our other recent posts for additional brands:

Here's my photo album of more US Open Lacoste. Lots of the white-based polo and a few of Andy Roddick and John Isner who, as usual, stuck to more traditional colors. Andy did up the shoes no question; time for John to go for it a bit too. Brights bring energy.

Available at Lacoste.com, Tennis-Warehouse, and Lacoste tennis retaielrs worldwide. 

Venus debuts SS 2013 EleVen By Venus Williams line in NYC. Fit is it.

Fashion week took an athletic stride last night at the EleVen by Venus Williams Spring/Summer 2013 preview in NYC. No starving models on this catwalk. Beautiful, healthy bodies rode stationary bikes, jumped rope, played tennis, danced and did some crazy-athletic kind of yoga.

Athletes in the house included Venus of course, Michael Olajid, Leila Fazel, Mitchell Kelly, Albert Evans, and fellow U.S. Olympians Ryan Lochte and Conor Dwyer. André Leon Talley was there as well though, and event sponsor Grey Goose served up fanciful cocktails, reminders that, indeed,  this was a house of fashion.

Looks like Venus really gets it. Her sportwear is all about performance, looking good while working out, being comfortable moving without garment let downs, and feeling like an individual. Although rooted in tennis whites, there are solids and prints, springy aqua and peach pastels, and playful black graphics, Extra pretty was a floral print inspired by Monet's Giverny garden (Venus holds it above).

New fabrications include chambray which lends a fashion forward aesthetic to classic sportswear silhouettes such as the tennis dress and performance jacket. The fabrics also feature technical elements including moisture management and UV protection. “I wanted the fabrics in my collection to do more than just look good,”  said Williams.

There are a wide variety of styles, all of which can be used for multiple activities, something that the show's performers illustrated nicely.

Williams has also expanded her mix for men. Here Venus says “...I started with classic whites and added a fresh color palette marked by black, peacock blue and acid yellow.” The men’s line offers a range of silhouettes and designs punctuated by nods to the polished, expertly tailored look of classic tennis wear. 

Lookin' good V...and your little Harold Reginald too. 

 

Farewell Andy Roddick, and Thank You.

And so we say farewell (not goodbye)  to Andy Roddick after thirteen years on the ATP tour. Has it really been that long? 

I cried, through the entire last two games of the delPo match. Pretty common reaction looking around the stands. He had most of us at trophy hug back in 2003.

A last look here at Roddick's on court apparel as tour player. Yup classic polo and shorts, that's Andy, he doesn't push the envelope in the fashion dept., but this time he's got dancin' feet:

Appropriately red, white and blue, Andy hit the Open wearing the Lacoste Fall Stripe Polo, $95 (I really like this one), Lacoste Stretch fly shorts, $85, and Babolat Propulse Stars & Stripes shoes. 

BTW, I just spotted this gem, the Lacoste Men's Fall Roddick Jacket, $165. Pictured is the back of the zip up. How much do YOU love A.R.?

Next stop? He's headed to the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut for a charity event. 

My guess is that his calendar will fill quickly and that he, like John McEnroe, Brad Gilbert and Martina Navaratilova, will become an A+ commentator sitting courtside at the Open, giving his opinion in no uncertain terms. I look forward.

Thanks for the tennis Andy.  You will be missed.

Find the gear at Lacoste, Tennis-Warehouse and Lacoste tennis retailers.

 

Steve Johnson, former USC stand-out, grabs an Asics contract and hits the Open

Steve Johnson, former USC stand-out,  has hit the US Open with a new Asics contract, great attitude and a whole lotta' talent.

"You've got to make this like any other tournament...Maybe I'll try to copy Sam Stosur though [fellow Asics athlete]...that's the plan," he said laughing. So far so good, taking down the top doubles seeds Mirnyi/Nestor with partner Jack Sock and a first round win vs. Rajeev Ram.

Dear US Open get this guy a photo.

The well decorated athlete (7 ITA All American awards at USC) says he always wears a hat and prefers a neat (vs. rumpled) look on court. That's it. Easy to please in the fashion category.

Pictured Steve stands with the look he's wearing at the Open which includes a Asics Gel Resolution 4 shoe $120, Court short sleeve in black, $55, and Kalani Short in black or white, $32. Here he's wearing the solid court polo, $50, another clean performance shirt for the guy who prefers white (and neat).

Find it at Asics, Tennis-Warehouse and Asics retailers worldwide.

Fernando Verdasco's US Open style on and off court.

Like Rafa, Fernando Verdasco looks sensational in brights.  Nando began the Slam year in high energy orange and ends in lab lime. The brush stroke print and high voltage hue convey speed, innovation and artistry. A Spaniard in blazing color is always a good thing.

This adidas performance crew also comes in white, core energy red and dark blue, $50 USD. The shorts are the adizero Bermuda, $43.

His shoes are the adizero Feather II, $130 light and super stable with SprintWeb designed for high-speed tennis. SprintFrame construction keeps light shoes from over pronation.

Looks like Nando's love for color is on-court only at the moment and really...black's not a bad thing either. Is anything on this guy?

Above Fernando hits the adidas store in NYC pre US Open. 

Find it at adidas, Tennis-Warehouse and adidas tennis retailers worldwide.

Roger Federer US Open 2012 Tennis Fashion. Day & Night.

Roger Federer's day look at the US Open is certainly more casual than his night, but as always both styles are clean and classic. Never a jazzy pattern or wild bright for this guy.

Days Roger will wear the above Nike Hard Court crew in university blue, $75 and RF woven shorts, $52. The shoulder seams on this shirt lean forward to enhance mobility and reduce tugging. University red and navy accents on the sleeves pick up the same on the shorts.

Nights, Federer will step on court in the performance obsidian navy Nike RF Hard Court Polo, $85. The collar and bonded four button placket is designed with comfort and for class. A fresh polo really does have a way of whispering upper-crust.

Rogers's shoes are the Tinker Hatfield designed Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour ($130) that debuted around Oz back in January. Really hot looking tennis shoe in all of its color incarnations and so lightweight.

Find it all at Nike, Tennis-Warehouse and Nike retailers worldwide.

 

No Djok. Novak Djokovic's UNIQLO Apparel Now Available.

Novak Djokovic hit New York today to help launch UNIQLO's new tennis line. Made for the court, the apparel is modeled after the tennis fashions created for Mr. Djokovic. Until now the brand for tennis was only his.

Pictured Novak stands with UNIQLO's creative director, Naoki Takizawa (left) and US CEO Shin Odake at UNIQLO's 5th Ave. store in NYC.

“We are very excited about introducing the Novak Djokovic replica tennis line first in the U.S., and to coincide our launch with the start of the U.S. Open. We hope the new line will be popular with our customers and tennis fans alike,” said Odake.

UNIQLO's performance (anti-microbial, no cling, wicking DRY-EX, absorbant pockets etc.) tennis line will include 10 items, zip neck polos,$50 USD, shorts $50, a warm up (jacket $60, pants $50) plus accessories like hat, socks and wristbands and will be available in the U.S. on August 27. 

I suspect that rec. players would prefer to wear exactly what Djokovic wears but this is a good start and the price point is fair for a pro-related brand.

For now you can find the line at the UNIQLO 5th Avenue Store, the 34th Street Store and Soho Store in New York City. More retail options are expected shortly.

Celebrate your heritage on court with Fila's Olympic Collection.

Have you seen Fila's special Olympic Collection of tennis apparel? If you love or come from Spain, Italy, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Russia or Slovenia the new line has something for your game. Clean, impactful design; each shirt is adorned with a flag.

The special shirts for men and women run $100. Available only on Fila

 

New men's tennis fashion from Loriet.

The winged lion is both mythical beast and symbol for performance brand Loriet. Invincible looking creature either way.

Here on Roman Borvanov (Rep. of Moldova), the lion adorns the Rome Performance Shirt (the plan is for a white/blue combo at the US Open), $50 USD. Their solid shorts are also $50.

The Rome is inspired by a soccer jersey with a cut and design that visually enhances upper body movement and power.

The apparel is appealing to those players who want upscale performance apparel but with a more understated look that is their own.

Anyone interested in being sponsored by the brand should look here.

Find it at Loriet.

Olympic Tennis Fashion 2012. Who's wearing what and why.

Getting your head around London 2012 tennis fashion is a bit of a challenge with all of the various Olympic alliances out there.

adidas is the official sportswear partner of London 2012 and you will see lots of it during the games (they are partners with 11 different nations with 3,000 + athletes) BUT you will see other brands as well and often not the ones you are used to seeing on your fav players. Here's why.

Any player representing a National Olympic Committee (NOC) or Federation will wear their country's Olympic product in the brand name sponsoring that NOC or Federation. Pictured above, for example, Heather Watson of Great Britain hams it up in some of her Team GB kit by Stella McCartney for adidas. During the regular tennis season Watson is sponsored by K-Swiss.

Nike, as further example, represents the US Tennis Federation and so all Team USA athletes will wear Nike even if it is not their year-round sponsor. We saw a glimpse of John Isner in Nike on the cover of a recent Tennis Magazine. He usually wears Lacoste. Andy Roddick is the same. 

It will be interesting to see what Team USA's Venus Williams will do. EleVen has released an image of a dress she is planning to wear. No swoosh in sight. Serena is all set. 

Enjoy what, from some countries, may turn out to be some seriously unusual fashion. Can't wait. Post Olympics, they will be back in their regular sponsor's brand.

adidas notes that contracted athletes representing countries where adidas does not partner with the NOC or Federation have been given generic International Olympic Committee (IOC) compliant outfits that they can wear if deemed ok by that individual's team federation, so their may be some leniency built in.

Next up, a look at the actual Olympics goods. Torch please. 

287 weeks, 287 tennis shoes in honor of Roger Federer, $287.

On Monday, July 16, Roger Federer will have spent a total of 287 weeks at the top of the ATP charts. A record. In his honor Nike is releasing 287 pairs of special edition Zoom Vapor 9 Tour shoes. The price? $287 (of course).

According to Nike "Each pair is packaged in a unique box numbered to represent a particular week of his reign, along with a certificate of authenticity signed by Roger Federer himself. The shoes feature an embroidered gold RF logo on the tongue and a large, lasered “287” in gold on the back heel."

How to get them: The special edition shoes will go on sale at 8 am EDT/ 5 am PDT on Monday, July 16 ONLY on NikeStore.com. Only mens sizes 9, 10, 11 and 12 are available.

Set your alarm and let the collecting begin. BTW I believe that price breaks a record as well ;) 

John Isner rocks his croc in Newport.

John Isner takes flight enroute to the Campbell's 2012 Hall of Fame Tennis Championship finals.  How the guy moves that 6' 9" frame around the court is seriously impressive.

Classic Lacoste style for a modern, physical game. No question, that croc can rock.

Next up Isner will defend his tournament title facing Lleyton Hewitt for the last of this year's regular season grass action.

adidas unveils the adizero Feather II and Tempaia II for tennis. Lightweight is the word.

Tennis shoes continue to slim down while maximizing speed in all directions, a must for our multi-directional game. The new adidas adizero Feather II and Tempaia II weigh in at lightweight 11.8 and 10 ounces respectively and wow, that color. Anyone developing a tennis shoe fetish? Happiness is my closet looking a little like Dylan's, NYC.  

It's not just tennis btw. Take a look at this baseball pic.

The womens adizero Tempaia II comes in pink/white (as above) and white/pink, $125 USD. The mens adizero Feather II comes in blue/lime (above) and infrared/white, $130. 

adidas sent me a pair to check out ♥ Snug fit, low-to-the ground shoe, true to size. The outsole, like the box suggests, seems just fine on any court surface, although I haven't given these babies a go on grass yet. Honestly, they would be fine for a light hit but any serious grass court player wears grass-specific shoes. Did I mention I like the color? 

Available at adidas, Tennis-Warehouse and adidas retailers worldwide.

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Buzz worthy: Surging American Brian Baker signs with Octagon.

Octagon has signed American, Brian Baker. Good move; Baker's story and resurging talent was the buzz at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.

Talk about fight. After multiple injuries, five surgeries and years of not being able to play, the former top ranked junior player started 2012 ranked #456 (ATP). Today he heads into the hard court season ranked inside the top 100.

Baker wears Athletic DNA. One to watch.

 

Novak Djokovic's UNIQLO apparel. Can't touch this.

Looking for Novak Djokovic's tennis apparel? Stop looking. It's not available, anywhere. 

Djokovic is what's called a brand ambassador and although he makes his UNIQLO tennis kit look pretty darn good we tennis playing masses are not going to get our hands on it anytime soon. Bummer.

Anyone interested in seeing this stuff at retail pronto, let us know in a comment below. 

Grass fashion for Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Andy Murray + a thought on tennis whites

Most men could use some fresh white in their tennis wardrobe. Even pricey white threads look super ick when tired, stained or stretched out. Be strong and welcome a newcomer to your bag

Restocking in the whites category is easy with the variety of kits offered up around Wimbledon so take a look around for your personal style. Every brand has an identity and edge of its own.

These separates from adidas on Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Andy Murray, for example, are options for those loving a loose-fit, all business, athletic style. Nothing presumptuous about them.

Tsonga wears the adizero Theme Polo Wimbledon, $65 and adizero Bermuda, $50, His shoes are the adizero Feather II, $130. An infrared line of color is the only decoration here besides the three stripes.

Murray is wearing the adidas lawn adipower Barricade tee, $55, lawn Barricade Shorts, $45 and Barricade 7.0 tennis shoe, $140. Red camo-print accents on the chest pick up the tonal camo print woven into the back.

Find it at adidas, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers selling adidas worldwide.

Being like Bubba. James Blake teams up with Travis Mathew.

Fitting that James Blake debuts his new alliance with Travis Mathew on grass. Travis Mathew is a Southern Cal. based lifestyle brand perhaps best know for golf attire.

“[James] is our first tennis ambassador, but just the beginning of our foray into the sport. We believe our brand embraces tennis tradition and history, incorporates modern adaptations, and meets the demands of today’s game,"said Chris Rosaasen, President and Creative Director at Travis Mathew.

Blake will wear a pure white polo shirt with patch pocket at Wimbledon, the same one Bubba Watson wore at the Masters (and is wearing in the image right). Called the B-OG polo, it's a core, classically styled piece with modern day tailoring that's designed to be used off court as well. The performance fabrication is a 60/40 cotton poly blend.

A Blake branded line is not planned at this time. Lookin' good James and hey, congrats on being a Dad! Wishing you some of that good Bubba success over there.