TennisIDENTITY

adidas by Stella McCartney @ Roland Garros: Caroline Wozniacki.

Caroline Wozniacki will wear new adidas by Stella McCartney Barricade at the French Open. Pictured are her summer dress and coordinating Barricade shoes.

This line is still working a shelf bra so BYOB. The shortie is included though (bonus), $120.

Love the bright white, fresh blue and running yellow combo, especially with the JUST LAUNCHED super sunny Barricades by Stella, $125.

Laura Robson and Maria Kirilenko will also wear the new kicks + separates from the Stella Barricade line.

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

The shoe is not available until June 1.

Nike @ Roland Garros. Maria Sharapova's tennis fashion for Paris 2013.

 

Just a quick look here at Maria Sharapova's tennis dress for the Paris Open courts. It's called the Nike Women's Summer Premier Maria dress. All performance, molded cups in the built-in bra and no-sew seams make for a statement look that really moves without chafing anywhere. $110 USD.

The only colorway is this one, canyon purple with pure violet side panels and volt straps. Thin straps tend to cut in and bother my shoulders but haven't tried this one myself. Knowing Nike, they've worked this out.

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

Fila fashion @ Roland Garros 2013: Goerges, Jankovic and Petrova

TennisIDENTITY's preview of Roland Garros 2013 tennis fashion starts here with the looks Fila is serving up for Jelena Jankovic, Nadia Petrova and Julia Goerges. Pinkophiles will lean to their beloved bright but I for one am happy to see navy, a color that looks great on everyone.

 Fila's Summer 2013 Baseline collection is highlighted by artistic laser cut mesh that adds movement and a subtle 3D effect when laid over a good dose of shocking pink. 

The Baseline Dress (3) is Jelena Jankovic's choice for Paris and features a cute athletic cut racer-back silhouette, with a slim fit though the torso and drop waist peplum-inspired skirt. Julia Goerges and Nadia Petrova will wear the baseline fashion skort (2) and racerback tank (1) in pink (Julia) or navy (Nadia).

The collection includes a navy hooded jacket (4) and warm up pant (5) combination in stretch jersey.  Laser mesh on the hood adds a whimsical twist to a classic sihouette. White versions of some of the pieces and a cap sleeve top and cami tank complete the group. 

The collection retails from $52 - $76 and is available at Fila.com, Tennis-Warehouse and Fila tennis retailers worldwide.

Hello Kitty court.

Hello, Kitty. This little face might be on just about everything now. Too cute. Not for all but I do know I'm going to be seeing these on the tennis courts and not just on kids.

Uber cutsey visors with bows and junior sized (19"- 26" range) tennis racquets and bag complete the new group.

Find the goods at Tennis-Warehouse. 

Say ciao bella to C'mon, Italy's newest tennis fashion secret.

Marche, Italy is home to Cecilia Marchegiani, recreational tennis player and designer of the beautiful tennis dresses you see here.

Marchegiani started playing tennis as an adult and was quickly bored with what she felt was a sameness about the fashions women were wearing. She began making styles for her own game and soon after for admiring friends. C'mon tailoring shop was born.

Fresh, fun and custom cut, Marchegiani's stand-out styles are designed for the movement, grace, energy and power so inherent in womens tennis. 

Cmon fabrics are all performance, breathable microfibra in polymide and elastan. Bras for smaller chests can be built in upon request. BYOB for those more amply endowed. Garment prices range from approx. $80 - $120 USD.

Find more at cmon-sartoriadeltennis.it  

New on the courtwalk: Maria Sharapova in Stuttgart.

 

© Getty Images

Maria Sharapova has changed things up again in Germany. No tennis fashion repeats for this girl. Winning is another story though.

Above are the Nike Summer Premier Maria tank and skort (her own line). Can't see it but she's wearing the Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour in grey and orange. 

Love the tank in ice blue with strata grey and bright citrus. Hi-def bra with molded cups are built in so no bra worries (if your girls are modest in size).The skort picks up the strata gray and combines nicely with cool grey and confidence in spades.

Orange...it's moving in. We're going to see lots on the clay this year.

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

A summer tennis dress to dye for.

 EleVen's Summer Miami Dress oozes the season's magic combining tie-dye and bare skin in a distinct yet not so hippie way. Way cute for tennis and certainly multi-talented come those carefree beach and bike days. Venus Williams recently wore the poly/lycra creation of her own design in Miami. It's got a flattering halter neckline but adds a cross back which keeps things in place while you move on court.

The new dress is $88 and part of a larger summer tie-dye collection which includes a skort $68, power capris $49, a bra (which you will need with this dress) $54, tank $64 and jacket, $100. 

Find it at elevenbyvenus.com, Tennis Warehouse and boutique tennis retailers selling EleVen.

Eliza Audley plays with optical art.

So you're a dresser on court. Quick peek here at some of my favorite looks from Eliza Audley's spring 2013 tennis fashion collections. Clean elegance with a dash of drama. Head turners, every one.

Top pic is the Op-Art inspired Over-the-Moon Tank and A-Line skort. Right is the Polaris dress from the same group. 

Above is the new Zinnia Tank Dress, a body enhancing design that skims without clinging (like all Eliza Audley silhouettes), allowing your body to move freely.

All performance and priced from $92 for a tank to $132 for the dress. Dynamic energy here and decent built in bras in the top two to boot. The Zinnia is a BYOBra option.

Find a retailer at ElizaAudley.com or buy at Tennis-Warehouse.

 

Technical problems in tennis fashion.

"To each her own" as the saying goes, so I usually point to what I like and leave the tennis fashion I don't to other tastes. Technical issues cross both the loved and not however. Although many of tennis apparel's past problems have been addressed with assets like fabrics that breath and fight odor or bonded seams that don't irritate, there is still work to be done:

1.)  Quite a few of us need sun protection and want tennis apparel that is flattering, all performance, lightweight AND sun protective. True, brands market UV fabrics, but here's the deal, UV protective tanks, tees and shorts are useless. Help us. Our skin must be covered and we are red faced, zipped up in long sleeves and leggings designed for cool weather play. And yes...we do have to play outside in the sun. 

2.)  Cute strappy tops don't work with standard bra styles, so something built in and functional is necessary. Yah that design is cool but put an out-of-the-drawer sports bra under it and I’m positive that’s not how the designer envisioned the look. Only a handful of brands are getting this right but for the small chested only.

3.)  Flimsy shelf bras suck. We need functional bras that include light padding. Thin performance fabrics are remarkably revealing. Brands should scrap the basic shelf bra altogether and we'll wear our own (design to fit over it or see above). Some people actually cut shelf bras out to avoid the double elastic of shelf and regular bra. 

4.)  Make tennis shorts complete with built in compression shorties or ample pockets. Tennis shorts that cannot hold at least 2 tennis balls are not useful.

5.)  Love the skirts with leggings. Keep ‘em coming but remember, we are not starving models and solid light colors make our legs look like sausages in short skirts. Surely there is some design trick that can help minimize the problem.

That's it (for now). Looking forward to seeing what rolls out next and please...someone make something decent for the sun soon.

 

Pretty country club chic for the courts. Amy & Lulu's new Tennis Tour Bag.

Put some prep in your step as you travel to and from the tennis court with this new Tennis Tour Bag by Ame & Lulu. Sooo country club. The main external pocket can hold two racquets and the zip top gives easy access to all your extras. Carry by the handles or use the removable shoulder strap.

Made of water repellent canvas, 20" wide x 15" high x 8" deep, 20 oz., $148.00. Embroidery is an option and is $30 extra. Three pretty colors combos are available for spring/summer. My fav, Villa, is above. 

Find it at ameandlulu.com.

30:fifteen. A new tennis fashion brand hits the courts.

Another young designer is making her mark in tennis fashion. 30:fifteen is a new for-tennis line by Emily Tonkin, a style savvy Brit, fresh out of California's Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM).

"I play tennis myself," says Tonkin, "and I always found it hard to find cute, stylish, comfortable, affordable outfits for the court. When I did further research I saw there was a gap in the market for quality, comfortable, stylish and affordable tennis wear and thought I could try and fill that gap."

Tonkin recently released a performance collection that is divided into four personas, Alethia, Anna, Sue and Jane, with six total looks, cuts and shapes. Each focuses on flattering a different body type and features design elements that take the eye away from that problematic for many, tummy area.

Look for a pleated skirt on one style, good for those with wider hips; cross back detail, on another that minimizes broad shoulders. A high neckline on yet another is designed for those players needing chest coverage and more options for support.

Pictured are the Sue Dress (top pic) $90 USD; Anna Top and Skirt (middle) $45 top, $60 skort; and Alethia Dress (last pic) $105.  and,  

Coordinating shorties are $25.

Cute line. I love the chalk base with colorful brights for spring/summer. The collections also come in black.

Available online at 30fifteen.co.uk

Maria Sharapova. Tennis fashion at the Sony Open.

© Sony Open Tennis

Maria Sharapova can certainly rock a tennis dress but she's smart to show off the separates in her namesake Nike line while on the big stage.

Most women like separates for the same reason that swimsuit pieces are sold individually; we girls come in all shapes and sizes and few of us have the A+ bod required to pull off a super fitted dress.

Pictured is the Spring Premier Maria Tank in Atomic Teal with Volt and Anthracite, $50, paired with the low rise Spring Premier Maria Skort in Cool Grey with Anthracite and Strata, $65. Good place for ombre shading (as opposed to in hair...what is that trend BTW?). I am a sucker for grey with brights so I do own this set.

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

Serena Williams. Tennis fashion at the Sony Open. Miami nice.

© Sony Open Tennis

Serena Williams is powering her way through the Sony Open draw hoping for a record 6th trophy in her hometown tourney.

She is wearing the summered-up version of the tennis dress she wore in Australia earlier this year. It's the Nike Pleated Knit Dress in White with Atomic Teal, Violet Force and Volt, $90. Perfect colors for springtime in Miami and on court here; could the setting be any more color coordinated?

Find it at Nike.com, Tennis-Warehouse ($20 bucks off at the moment) and Nike tennis retailers worldwide.

Found on Facebook. Jelena Jankovic debuts a winning design for the court.

A first went down in pro tennis fashion Friday night at the Sony Open. Jelena Jankovic wore a tennis dress designed by a fashion student who submitted her design to Fila on Facebook.

Samantha Swank, pictured below, is a junior at East Stroudsberg University, PA who received her associate's degree in fashion from the Art Institute of Philadelphia. She won Fila USA's 2012 Facebook design contest. 

If you click that last link you will see the designs of the two finalists in the contest; Swank's pink dress won. 

On Friday night Swank sat courtside in Miami at Sony Open Tennis to watch her beautiful design debut, play and win, on fashion's largest international runway (in physical size).

Very cool. 

Sloane Stephens romps in Miami.

©Sony Open Tennis

Sloane Stephens hit Miami wearing Under Armour's new Tennis Romper. The look is big street style this season and speaks to summer, girls and, have to say it, skipping. Stephens' game puts new use to youth's playclothes however; this romper apparently facilitates pounding out forehands.

The one piece outfit has a cinchable waist, t-back, and built in shorties, a casual but put together look in Jade River green, $70. Snaps at the shoulders make for easy on and off. No worries about that shirt coming untucked.

Fun, young look with all sorts of performance built in. I love the accents of bright tennis yellow -- all custom accessories for Sloane.

Find it at UnderArmour.com

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.

Fila in bloom at Indian Wells.

Second in a series highlighting tennis tournament sponsors.

It's spring in the California desert and blooming alongside the bougainvillea and poppies was Fila, BNP Paribas Open sponsor, with color filled eye candy of their own. Take a look:

Top to bottom: the Fila shop at the tournament; ball kids on court; a selection of Indian Wells tournament apparel for men; and, women's Heritage collection including the Carwash dress. Below, a farewell from a few tourney volunteers.

Till next year... 

Jelena Jankovic debuts Fila's new Carwash dress.

©Getty Images

Jelena Jankovic debuted the new Fila Heritage Carwash tennis dress yesterday in Indian Wells. Sassy little drop skirt on this one. What look like pleats are really strips of fabric that sway and bounce as you move on court, just like the carwash before it went touch free. Unique place for a fashion brainstorm ehh?

Left is the dress in white without the sweater. It has a t-back and built in bra. Sleek, pretty and most of all fun to wear.

Jankovic popped the new Heritage Sweater on over a blue version of the dress above. The effect? Vintage varsity cheerleader, classic but very fresh and yes...peppy (haven't used that word in a while).

The dress is $90 and the sweater, $80. 

Find it at Fila.com and Fila retailers worldwide.

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?

 

 

Spring 2013 fashion from Tonic Tennis by Martina Hingis.

Tonic's Martina Hingis signature tennis collection continues to grow. Below is a quick video showcasing some of Hingis' newest Spring 2013 looks as well as a bit of history on the player's stellar career. 

 

The new Tonic Spring Flux Adjustable Tank, $69 (with built in soft cup bra) and Spring Swift Skort, $79, are among my favorites this season. The shirring on the tank is a flattering touch for those who don't like their performance tops tight around the mid section. Side drawcords can lengthen or shorten the body as well.

Find it online at Tennis-Warehouse and Tonic retailers.

Fila serves up a special BNP Paribas Open accessories collection.

Ready for desert tennis California style? Fila is with this special edition collection designed for the BNP Paribas Open. Included in the group are: a lined French terry backpack, $40; a lined canvas tote with removable matching wristlet, $49; French terry bucket hat, $24; and, comfy memory foam flip flops (great for after play) $30.

File this gear under tennis lifestyle. I love the punchy tournament colors on white and French terry fabric that stipulates lounging at a retro infused Palm Springs resort. Fab tournament mementos.

Only at the BNP Paribas Open.

Denise Cronwall, tennis fashion designer on the rise.

Floridians have kept activewear designer Denise Cronwall a tennis fashion secret too long. We want in. Girls, if you like your on-court look fitted, fun and kinda' flirty, take a look at this line.

"Guided by a feminine aesthetic and a love of elegant curves, textures and accentuating details, I design boutique style activewear for gracious women that like to express their elegance and style at all times,"  says Cronwall.

Sublimely soft, the fabrics are a dream to put on. The looks are edgy, a hint of Free People style here, but tennis-sensible and absolutely for the courts (the tops for example, have a lightly padded bra built in). Above is the Black Vintage Razor Back Top and Skirt, $85 USD each.

Cronwall's tennis presence is on the upswing and not just among those that play and lunch. Germany's Mona Barthel recently won her first premier title at the Open GDF Suez in Paris wearing the collection's Boho Dress, above, $136 USD, prompting the designer to rename the dress "Mona in Paris."

Italy's Camilla Giorgi wears the line as well.

 Above is the Royal Porcelain Top and Skort, also $85 each. All are part of the new 2013 Spring Collection which is in stores now and online soon.

Secret's out. More info at DeniseCronwall.com

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.

 

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.

Sloane Stephens and the look that downed Serena.

©Getty Images

This is what it took to down Serena Williams at the Australian Open: passion, conviction and poise. It's all here. There was a lot of D across the net, and likely in Stephen's head. I'm told she grew up idolizing Williams. Despite it all, the young gun dug deep and rose above. Next stop Victoria Azarenka.

Get the look (the passion is all DNA): Can't really because Stephen's kit is all custom Under Armour (UA) for her/by her. PIctured is the Sloane Sweet Spot Tank, Shadow Visor and Wristband. Her skort has custom detail as well and the shoes...sorry guys, no to these exclusive, custom-built UA MicroG tennis shoes too. Yes I did/do covet it all.

Similar items at retail are the UA Inner Intensity Tank and Basic Skort. The wristband and visor are available but not in the colors that served Sloane so very well.

A budding designer like Maria? So far so good but we want it too!

Find some of it at UnderArmour.com, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers selling UA.

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.

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.

Julia Goerges serves up Fila.

© Getty Images

Julia Goerges has jumped courts leaving Nike to wear Fila. Above in Australia, she looks powerful pretty in gorgeous ocean blue based separates from Fila's spring 2013 Center Court Collection. This is a big group that offers a variety of flattering tennis styles to suit every woman's fit/style/coverage needs.

Strategically placed color cutlines, above in white and black, actually help carve a waist for those that don't have the one they dream of. The group also comes in a white base.

Take a look at Goerges' digits. Coordinating manicures have become a big part of tennis kits. 

Find it soon (early February) at Fila.com, Tennis-Warehouse and Fila tennis retailers worldwide.

 

Maria Sharapova's Australian Open Dress + a look at her Spring 2013 line.

Yellow is a hot color in Australia this year. No emerald (Pantone's color of the year) in this Oz. The yellow and grey Nike Premier Maria Dress blends style, performance and glamour for a stand-out on court style that actually shimmers.

The ombre section of the dress features a new perforated stretch fabric (looks like tiny polka dots) for enhanced cooling and mobility; up top there's mesh as well and a racerback to increase range of motion. It has to be said that this dress will not provide the same coverage for the very amply chested even though it does have a built in bra.

Give it a go if you've go the bod and chest to match. 

I do like some of the other pieces in the Nike Spring 2013 Maria Sharapova group a lot. The separates ($65 each top and skort) come in white, anthracite and electric yellow. All offer the same performance features as the dress.

Being an uber pale one, I look pretty bad in yellow so will be opting for the grey and white separates or some of the purple Serena Williams or Li Na are wearing this year. 

Sharapova's shoes? The Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour, $130.

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

 

Maria Kirilenko back in again with Stella McCartney.

Surprise, surprise, Maria Kirilenko is back wearing Stella McCartney. The announcement was made today at the adidas Stella McCartney barricade line launch in Melbourne. 

Back in 2008 Kirilenko was the only WTA player wearing adidas by Stella. She was then moved to adidas' Barricade line. Have to say she looked snazz in both but her petite frame is perfect for the designer range.

Alas, adidas Barricade and adidas by Stella McCartney have merged and Maria is back. Lovely.

Nike pops purple at Australian Open 2013. Serena Williams, Li Na + Victoria Azarenka.

Girls, Nike tennis 2013 Australia is brought to you by the color purple:

Serena Williams wears Nike's new Pleated Knit Dress in Grand Purple. It's built with a 3-D mesh structure that keeps the fabric from clinging. A deep scoop in the neck, wide straps, built in bra (w cups!) and pleats around the upper thighs increase mobility; $90 USD. LOVE IT.

Li Na's Grand Pintuck Polo, $50 also come in purple and is made of a pique fabric that breathes. Special pintucks and contouring give this polo a more female-flattering fit than many boxy polos. The skort is $58 (also in melon and orange).

Victoria Azarenka wears Nike's new Grand Flouncy Dress in melon and accents with the season's hue. This dress features no chafe flatlock seams and a t-back, $75 and also comes in ultraviolet. 

Purple is hot in sportswear especially saturated brights like these. The color is flattering on everyone and adds playful energy to your look. Combine it with orange and...well, BAM.

Take your dose of purple big like Williams, as an accent like Azarenka here, or more traditionally like Li but be sure to add at least two elements, a skort and visor or headband and shoes as examples, to really make your look pop.

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

Barbora Zahlavova Strykova shines in new Spring 2013 by Wilson tennis.

Color becomes summer and the season is full on down under. The confident cyan/jade/white combos in Wilson's new Guts n Glamour tennis group are going to look refreshingly cool in the Aussie heat.

Find the set and coordinating pieces with a jade (as on Barbora Zahlavova Strykova here) or cyan base. Watch for the group in action at the Australian Open.

Wilson continues to put out thoughtful tennis styles. This set is lightweight and super comfy; even the bra elastic has a moisture absorbing, soft material to keep it from sticking and digging in. 

Liquid stretch, moisture management, anti microbial protection, decent built in bra...yup it's all there. And, the perforated fabric inserts bring one of spring's biggest trends to the court, florals (check out the back, left). Tip: Buy a size up in the top if you like a looser fit around your waist.

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

Sneak Peek: Spring 2013 adidas by Stella McCartney Barricade.

Pictured is a sampling from the adidas by Stella McCartney Barricade tennis collection announced Monday. "Running yellow" is featured here but the items also come in solid white with touches of grey.

McCartney's newest performance fabrics are buttery soft, breathable and very thin, suitable for the heat coming their way in Australia. Gorgeous stitching, and not just one style, create pretty, body defining seams. Panels of mesh keep heat prone areas well ventilated and soft pleats add femininity to the tailoring. I love the backs of both the skirts and tops.

The tennis dress, $120, is a fit/go if you are in fab firm shape. The separates are more forgiving; buy a size up to achieve a smooth (less hugging) line against your body. 

I'm going to go for the white cap sleeve top $60, long sleeve $70, skort $60, coordinating visor, $25, and adidas Barricade 7 shoes, $120. 

Kudos to Ms. McCartney for bringing more WTA players into her house of tennis fashion and for building shorties into her tennis skirts and bra into the dress. Next wish, pretty please, modesty inserts for all built in bras. 

Find the line at adidas.com, adidas sport performance stores, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis specialty retailers worldwide.

Announcing adidas by Stella McCartney Barricade; Wozniacki, Petkovic + Robson to wear new tennis collection in Australia.

adidas has just announced a new tennis fashion collection, adidas by Stella McCartney Barricade, a group that merges two formerly separate collections, adidas by Stella McCartney and adidas women's Barricade.

Pictured  are Caroline Woziacki (above top) and Andrea Petkovic wearing the new line. Laura Robson will also wear the label. Comprised of structured dresses, separates and tennis shoes, the new adidas line comes in a palette of pastel yellow, blue and white with accents of silver and grey. The line is inspired by Stella's own RTW collection which uses feminine lines that flatter and enhance the female form. 

I'm going to be checking out the styles in the next day or so and will report back on that fit/flatter. I'm particularly curious about that panel of color over the mid section on the dress (left). Love the looks of the warm up jacket and long sleeve though; these are absolute spring necessities and a nice way to arrive on court looking put together.  

Find the line at adidas.com, adidas sport performance stores, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis specialty retailers worldwide.

VIDEO HERE. Stay tuned; more to come... 

Pure Lime in black and white.

One of Spring 2013's biggest street fashion stories, black and white, won't miss the courts with Pure Lime's newest Scandinavian Tennis collection. I love the feel and coverage of this new performance group as well as fit that's not too clingy.

Pictured is the new V-Neck Tank (beautiful neckline!) and A Line Skort. Check out the black fitted warm up jacket and skipri (a skegging style) as well. Great looks; so sharp and fresh in a very classy way. The collection debuts in January 2013.

Find a retailer at PureLime.com or buy at Tennis-Warehouse.

Lululemon running skorts on courts.

If you keep tabs on tennis fashion, you've likely seen and coveted lululemon's Pacesetter Skirt (the back of what's really a skort is pictured left), $58.

I first spotted the rising brand a couple of years ago on the Junior USTA circuit. Today, despite the fact that lululemon still does not market to tennis players, full teams of all ages from Fairfield to Orange Counties are hitting match day decked out in the brand.

Made for runners, so designed to breathe and designed to breathe and move, what I like for tennis: the sleek fit (high quality lycra) with no extra flounce to get in the way of ball-tucking; the sticky elastic at the shortie hem which keeps them from creeping up; the wide adjustable waist band; and, the fact that they still look beautiful after each wash and dry.

I'm in love.

Find them at lululemon.com

 

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.

Taylor Townsend finishes 2012 as World #1. Next stop WTA Tour.

Congratulations to Taylor Townsend who just became the first American girl to hold the #1 year-end ITF junior position since Gretchen Rush in 1982. Townsend will turn pro in January 2013. Tennis dreams do come true.

Townsend wears Nike. Pictured she sports their Thunder Graphic Knit Tank, $55 in white and Flounce skort, $58 in thunder blue (a really pretty blue gray). She still wears a bow but it's gotten smaller as girl grows up.

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

 

Spring 2013 tennis fashion preview from Lija.

Lija's up-coming spring 2013 tennis line will release in three groups. Vivid on January 15, Reflex, February 15 and Tranquil, April 1. I can't wait.

The four shots here are from all three groups. Hover over each image for group and style.

The new collection plays with a springy palette of energetic solids, changing textures, new silhouettes, fabrics, straps, drape and back detail in whimsical ways. Some outfits incorporate compression, others are body skimming or totally relaxed. 

Compression garments, no longer reserved for under-wear, are made of a denser fabric than others. They still breathe and stretch but by nature are a heavier weight. Three reasons to like compression: no jiggle, a smooth look, and warm muscles. Whether or not you like tightish the feel, that's personal preference.

Check out the bustle on the back of the deuce skort left. Love it. This outfit is actually two pieces. With the Infinity Tank, also in tranquil (blue), this set is a good mix of fierce and foxy.

Inset below is a wrap tennis dress (it's a mock wrap). Diane Von Furstenberg took the lead with this flattering silhouette years ago. This version, cut for movement will give you a nice waistline while you carve up the court.

 

Buy or find a retailer at LijaStyle.com, Tennis-Warehouse also sells a selection from the line.

 

Serena and Maria stage a winter holiday...collection.

Serena Williams took the 2012 BNP Paribas WTA Championship Sunday in Istanbul. The finals was, of course, a show of tennis talent but, bonus for lovers of tennis fashion, a look at Nike's newest collections designed for winter play.

Above Serena continues with her winning red, white and blue theme and wore the new Nike Thunder Statement sleeveless top in sunburst, $60 USD,  and woven skort in thunder blue. The skort is a really fun twist on the traditional pleated skirt, $58. As Serena likes, the top is fitted but not skimpy-strapped. Great choice for those who want their sleeveless cool with coverage.

There are quite a few unique items in this Thunder Group so take a look around. Right, is the dri-fit cotton polo, a great looking top for those who like to keep their upper arms under cover.

Maria Sharapova gave it her all wearing the newest from her namesake Nike line. Pictured is the Maria Back Court Tank in Bright Peach with Hasta, $65 (moderate support bra included), and skort in Hasta with Seaweed, $65.

Both of these items, designed by Maria herself, come in a variety of colors. I love darker sophisticated colors, especially when playing indoors (no sun/heat issue) so the top, right, will be hitting my collection.

Look for very similar styles in Nike's Holiday group but done in black, white and white lime.

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

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

Early Spring 2013. Tennis Fashion from Tail.

Tail's November release tennis collections include Pretty Tough, pictured above, and Animal Instincts, two pieces of which are featured below.  Both Spring 2013 groups tie fashion to function in a way that continues to make Tail very popular on rec courts. The brand has a reputation for tennis style that  flatters a wide variety of body types (not that these models have issues, but you know what I mean).

Above radiant dahlia, and mélange gray combine with classic black in fun, color blocked patterns in a variety of cuts. 

Animal print junkies, can take their love to court with the playful zebra print in combination with soft bloom (pinky), optic white and classic black, as above in the Animal Instincts group. Such a fun skirt.

Use each group's separates to create the sleek line of a dress without the reveal problems that can arise when your top and bottom require different sizes. Price points: tops $49-$65, skirts $55-$65, and dress $85. All pieces are easy care with moisture management and sun protection built in.

Find a retailer or buy at TailActivewear.com or Tennis-Warehouse.

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. 

 

Victoria Azarenka U.S. Open Tennis 2012 fashion.

I wear a lot of solid separates on court primarily because I can generate so many court-drobe combinations  This set on Victoria Azarenka, pictured here at the U.S. Open, is a new fav. I love the faint yet flattering ribbon wrap print in the top and overall sleek simplicity of this Nike set.

The Fall Graphic Knit Tank in volt has a built in bra with molded cups, $58 and goes with the black Fall Athlete Knit Skort, $58. Both pieces can of course go with other brand blacks and whites you might already own. All brands play together on court. It's rare I see people in just one.

I do love Vika in this one and with the Nike Lunar Speed 3's in black and volt, it's deadly hot. Azarenka added her own volt laces.

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

A tennis kit with winning mojo? Robson, Kerber + Ivanovic move on.

The adidas kit, here on Laura Robson, has seen some good success in New York. Angelique Kerber wore the same look (albeit sleeveless) last night. Both players served BIG upsets. Kerber BTW accented her outfit with a different, but matching polish, on every finger. Details matter girls. Feel good, play well.

The tennis dress from the same fall adizero womens group is also making nice headway on Ana Ivanovic. 

Is this new kit infused with some kind of mojo? These players are rising above.  Yup, probably has more to do with the talent.

I have to be honest, although I prefer separates in more like color combinations for slimming reasons, this one is winning. I'm not going to argue.

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

 

Serena Williams' U.S. Open tennis fashion. Grace under pressure.

I really love Serena's newest tennis dress. Days at the U.S. Open Williams is wearing it in fireberry with obsidian navy and volt. Nights, it darkens to an obsidian base.

It feels like Serena has found her style and her comfort zone and looks quite refined in this curve-conscious, figure flattering Nike dress. There is something very ladylike about the silhoutte. The color blocked dashes of volt are symbolic though. Under pressure that grace comes with flashes of powerful grit (if you are Serena). The wild ponytail also sends a strong message (the pic above was not taken at the Open).

The Autumn statement knit dress, $90 USD is designed for complete range of motion with great coverage up top. Kick pleats keep the skirt from feeling tight. A support bra is built in. I personally love to wear dark colors so the night dress is on my current list of loves.

Volt shorties, wristbands and headband look hot hot with both of these dresses. 

Available at Nike, Tennis-Warehouse and Nike tennis retailers worldwide.