TennisIDENTITY

Cotton ON to this line from Under Armour.

Cotton t-shirts are well-loved but they are not great for tennis. Once a sweat sets in they get wet, stay wet and cling. Under Armour's line of performance cotton (UA Charged Cotton) which weaves hydrophobic and hydrophilic fibers together, solves the problem. 

Same soft, smooth feel as as old-friend tee, the new line really does wick and dry fast. I like them for the gym too. Basic tee for a guy but select women's tops have a loose but close fitted athletic cut (look for the words "semi fitted" on the label). Nice coverage up top and they are long, keeping that less-than-perfect zone under wraps while serving.

The t-back tank, right, is what I tried. 5% elastanane alongside 95% cotton adds stretch.

If you have been steering clear of cotton, check this line out which includes crew and v neck tees as well as shorts. Both tops pictured run $24.99 USD.

 Find the line at Under Armour, Tennis Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.

Taylor Townsend. Tennis dreams do come true.

I recall John McEnroe telling everyone to be patient on the subject of US tennis talent. Here we go.

With bow and bracelets befitting her 15 years, Taylor Townsend, out of Stockbridge, Ga., won the junior singles girls final at the Australian Open. 

There are kids grinding their young lives out on tennis courts worldwide and this girl made it big. Not many do. Imagine the smile under those hands. 

Andy Roddick and Donald Young once won this tournament. Lindsay Davenport was a finalist. That's the short list.

And if winning singles were not enough,  Townsend also won the girls doubles tournament with partner Gabrielle Andrews.

Townsend, one of Prince's team "Who's Next," uses the Prince EXO³ racquet and has for two years. “This technology allows me to do a lot more on shots that I am pulled out of position for –which is most of the time at our level" said Townsend. "[It] has allowed me to win the four to five more points per set that many times are the difference between winning and losing. Since switching, my game has gone to a whole new level."

You can see the trademark grommets on the racquet above. According to Prince, these allow all players, including those at the most elite level of the game, to do more on balls they hit off center because the strings have more freedom to respond.

Townsend's tennis apparel is Nike, separates (love them) from the '12 Spring Rally Statement line that Serena Williams wore in Australia, right (and at Fed Cup in Worcester this past weekend).

Congratulations Taylor, and all the best to you for a successful career.

P.S - Blue becomes you.

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

 

Vika victorious (and in gym shorts, OMG).

Congratulations to Victoria Azarenka who took home the 2012 Australian Open women's singles title and climbed into the #1 spot on the WTA tour...wearing track shorts (ha!).

Certainly there is much to say about Azarenka's game but what about those shorts people made such chat of? At an event where the latest in up-court dress is expected, track shorts and a tank are completely unexpected, something you'd wear on a practice court or just about anytime. Could there be a  little method to the "madness" here...usually is with Nike.

I rarely see anyone in a tennis dress. Far more wear separates/skorts and if young and buff, short shorts. Vika's are built for tennis with an interior compression short and a flip over waist band that states "Love Tennis." 

Azarenka also remarked that she was comfortable.  Ever heard it said, you've got to practice like you want to play? So why change it up and wear something unusual for match day? Smart thinking maybe.You can't argue with a win like OZ. 

Pictured is the Nike Tie Break Graphic Womens Tank in mega blue, $58 and white Tie-Break Knit Tennis Shorts, $55. Both are part of Nike's 2012 Spring Group.  Azarenka's racquet is the Wilson Juice 100.

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

 

 

Vera Zvonareva moves to Fila. Kim Clijsters and Svetlana Kuznetsova renew contracts.

You may have noticed. Vera Zvonareva has joined team Fila and she looks damn good in her inaugural choices in Australia. 

“I have admired the Fila brand since I was a young girl and I am thrilled to join the elite group of athletes that have worn Fila throughout the years,” said Zvonareva. “The...brand aligns so well with my personal style...”

Pictured on Vera is the Fila Winter Collezione Racer tank, $50 in a super flattering platinum color with black and white accents and coordinating Collezione Petal Skort, $48. The built in undershorts are platinum. 

Heavy sweaters, consider the white or black base in this top.

For those who love the look but want more upper leg coverage, go with the Flounce Skort (in black or white) which is an inch longer with no peek-a-boo.

Fila has also announced extended endorsement agreements with long-time WTA champions Kim Clijsters and Svetlana Kuznetsova, two of my favs!

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

 

New Nike Maria Sharapova collection dress packs a punch in Australia.

Neon accents pack a punch and are one of fashion's hottest looks for spring. This is one beautiful, on-trend and functional tennis dress. I love the fresh energy the electric green accents add to what truly is the most sensible color under the hot sun, white.

Slash like cuts have been made at each side of the dress and across the back with breathable mesh added underneath as functional contrast. The look is super fitted and somewhat futuristic. The dress is $130 and comes with a supportive (read useful) built in bra. You will need to buy shorties, $28 in the matching green.

If you prefer separates, check out the Sharapova collection Statement Slam tank and skort which also work the white and green but you will lose the cut outs and those I like.

Can't see them here but Sharapova is wearing the Nike Lunar Speed 3 womens shoe, $130, pictured below, lightweight flywire which ride close to the ground.

And FINALLY, for those who want the complete look, Nike has made and sent to market a visor to match Maria's dress! Not just for Maria anymore. It's a good one too, black under brim to cut glare. The only way to go with a visor or hat.

Find it at Nike, Tennis Warehouse or tennis retailers worldwide.

 

Serena Williams' special collection celebrates Black History Month at the Australian Open

Black History Month is February and Serena Williams is celebrating early with this on-court collection created by Nike.

"Black History Month, America celebrates the invaluable contributions that the African-American community has made to the culture and history of our nation." (NAACP.org). Serena, best know for her success on court, looks to be growing her presence as an ambassador in other areas. Most recently she was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF.

Pictured above the four items in this special group. Alas they are not available at retail. Too bad! Looks to me like a good fundraising opportunity. The stuff is fun.

Ana Ivanovic and Andrea Petkovic showcase select new adidas in Australia.

adidas has put out seven new womens tennis collections this season (go tennis!). We took a look at Stella on Caroline Wozniacki earlier this week. Below are two more, adizero and barricade, on Ana Ivanovic and Andrea Petkovic. 

Ivanovic wears, adizero collection, the fashion forward, more femininely styled of the two groups. The colors here, ultra bright and core energy are my favorites on this tennis dress (there are two others). The color blocked details carve out a female silhouette beautifully. A ruched, ruffled hemline adds to the pretty, $80. The all-performance dress has a t-back and comes with matching bra and shorties. Ivanovic's shoes? The adizero Tempaia, $125.

The barricade collection, above on Petkovic,  is also designed to be figure flattering, but has a more athletic cut and attitude, appealing to women who prefer a not-so-girly, more sporty look with good up-top coverage.

Petkovic will be wearing the adipower barricade capsleeve, $50 and skort, $45 in core energy and ultra green. Her shoes are the adipower barricade 7.0, $130.

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

Agnieszka Radwanska's look for Australian Open 2012. New from Lotto.

Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland wore her new tennis dress from Lotto's Muse line in Sydney this week. It's what's planned for her at the Australian Open as well. Love the geranium color (color left is best rep). 

The muse dress, as it is called, is characterized by performance material and cut, easy to wear lightness and a hint of fluorescence. The silky fabric, wide bottom ruffle, tucks under the bust and tonal jacquard inserts at neckline shoulders and back make a sport-savvy dress look feminine and elegant. I suggest a good t-back bra so as not to look saggy.

Other tennis players wearing items from Lotto's new Muse line will be Francesca Schiavone and Marion Bartoli. Included in the collection are a tank, shirt and skirt in geranium or white.

The players will all wear the new Lotto Ultra III shoe. New anatomically kind technology going on here: a Reactive Arch moves as your arch does, Syn-Pulse for cushioning and smart materials placement for breathability. I like them with the geranium laces best.

 

 

 

 

Find a retailer at Lottosport. Tennis-Warehouse and other US retailers will be carrying Lotto again apparel soon.

Caroline Wozniacki's Australian Open 2012 Tennis Fashion. New from adidas by Stella McCartney

WTA world number one Caroline Wozniacki (of Denmark) will hit the 2012 Australian Open in this new adidas by Stella McCartney tennis dress.

Check out the deep the mesh insert that runs down the middle of the chest and across the back and bodice; it's certainly one very selectively revealing and ventilated garment. A beautiful floral print runs through moisture wicking performance material where the dress is solid. The color? Tomato red and it's pretty without being brash (for the right complexion).

Curving seams emphasize the feminine shape although not in an overly clingy way. Shirred detail keeps it from lying totally flush in front. The flounce skirt adds fun movement to what would have been a much more provocative look had it had a straight skirt. The dress retails for $120 USD. A sports bra is a necessity. Stella wants you to buy hers with matching shorties,each around $50 and I think you really have to to make this look work properly.

Wozniacki's shoes are the new adidas Sebellica (also by Stella) and retail for $200.

Yes, it's a pricey tennis ensemble but I like it a lot better than last year's dress which had neckline no one seemed to love. Even Caroline didn't wear it as it went to market. This one looks really comfortable though, pretty and cool. She is going to look great.

Take a look at the dress in white on right, a much better color for me personally; I get a little red faced in the heat, tomato red to be exact, lol. No need to reinforce that so I'll be picking up the white one (which BTW I predict will be Caroline's Wimbledon frock).

Find it: shopadidas.com, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.

A fashion minded Jelena Jankovic JJumps to Fila.

Fila has announced an endorsement agreement with WTA player Jelena Jankovic, currently ranked #14 in the world. The Serb leaves ANTA and a lot of colorful tennis dresses that few could get their hands on -- well China, so few is a relative term.

“I have always been attracted to Fila’s fashion-forward designs and especially appreciate their commitment to infusing our sport with beauty and fashion,” said Jankovic. “Fila has such a rich tennis history and it is an honor to be wearing the same brand as the stars I admired as a child.”

It really is great news for the brand as Jelena's got quite a spicy personality as well as tennis talent. 

With an undeniable passion for glamorous fashion (her website is something akin to a look book) I'm looking forward to seeing what the Serb wears in Australia and beyond. Could a personal JJ Fila collection be coming? My bet is yes. There was one with her former sponsor but the world never knew and that's something Jankovic very likely wants to change. 

Pictured above Jelena wears the Fila 2011 Fall Center Court Dress in white, fuchsia and black. 

Later alligator. Samantha Stosur signs with ASICS.

Ok so it's a croc, not a gator...but Samantha Stosur is no longer wearing Lacoste. The Brisbane International courts were the first to show off Stosur's switch to ASICS tennis.

”I am really excited to join the ASICS team.," said Stosur. "I’ve actually worn their shoes for a couple of years, so now to be fully kitted out is really exciting for me and I am really looking forward to getting the year started.” Clearly the US Open champ found the pay-out was worth overcoming any superstitions. Le croc WAS good to her.

Stosur wears the ASICS Gel Resolution 4 tennis shoe. I haven't seen ASICS dresses in stock anywear yet but they are sure to be hitting retail shortly. I'm looking forward to seeing if they are as comfy as the shoes. Gel inserts maybe for the less endowed? Hah, just kidding ;)

Post after-note: Stosur's dress here is actually a custom colored version of the Court Dress now available in white or lapis (pretty close to Sam's dress here), $60. It's made of a soft moisture managing microfiber Motion+. It is now available online at ASICS.

A promo video of the announcement is below:

 

 

Switch it up girls. More tennis fashion for less.

If the price of tennis apparel stops you from amping your on-court wardrobe, consider Switch tennis. Switch makes tennis apparel for women and girls that is reversible.

How smart is this? For $67 (skirt at $35 + top at $32) you get a tennis outfit that turns into three additional looks -- very cool and for nice quality too (comfy 4 way stretch and speed dry).

 

 

Above, cute outfit #1 can turn into three other looks simply by turning the pieces inside out. Here's option #2  right. You can also wear the all-purple or all-black looks. (Math wiz says that's $16.75 per outfit)

Below, for girls, their soft and seriously cute white and pink ruffled reversible dress, $65. 

 Find it at Switch Tennis or at a handful of US tennis retailers (see store listing on Switch site). Tennis-Warehouse sells their girls line. Switch ships internationally.

Wilson serves up spring/summer '12. An interview with ace tennis designer Claire Ortiz.

Wilson has just released its third full tennis fashion collection, since its revitalization. "Future Modern," as it's called,  will be worn by the 18 players now wearing Wilson on tour. Anne Keothavong, Alex Kusnetsov, Jarkko Nieminen and those pictured here are just a handful.

Wilson's fashion growth can be credited to Claire Ortiz, Global Apparel Director, and her team:

What aspects of designing for tennis do you enjoy most? I love the beginning stages, the research that goes into the colors and designs. I hit trade shows, auto shows, fashion shows all over the world and spend a lot of time researching fabrics and colors. It's 3 to 4 months before designs are put to paper.

Where do you pull inspiration from? I pull trends from all over the world. I love looking at what designers like Alexander McQueen and Chanel do, for example. Their crafting, detailing, pleats, turn of a cuff, or use of color is always wonderful. I'm a stickler for beautifully crafted products.

Isn't it hard to incorporate these kinds of fashion details into performance products? It's challenging. Yes, we want our garments to be beautiful but the technical component to the pieces is critical. I want an athlete to put something on and never have to adjust it, no matter how hard they are working. A detail can be lovely but if it's going to irritate in any way it cannot be incorporated. I want my garments to feel as if they are not there. 

Has fabric technology changed the design process? I spend a lot of time choosing materials and do exhaustive fit testing. I'm always looking for new fabrics that will make the athlete more comfortable and the options are growing. New to our 2012 lines are liquid stretch and 3 color burnout which translates to ease of movement and seamless construction. When added to an already lightweight and breathable fabrication the technology makes a big difference to the athlete.

Do your athletes get to offer their input? Absolutely, and there are some that have more opinions than others. Philipp Kohlshreiber has some very specific ideas about what's cool and trendy and Melanie Oudin lends a young freshness to what we put together. 

Do you see big differences worldwide in what recreational players wear on court? Color is viewed differently in different regions. Latin America loves color as does Spain, Italy and France. In the US, color is accepted; women  enjoy it and it's growing on men. Car colors have always been most comfortable with American guys but as auto manufacturers move into brighter hues, so do US men.

Fit is a little different worldwide. US men tend to like their clothing looser than their European counterparts. Women are really the most progressive gender and have a broader acceptance within the women's range worldwide.

What about age? How do you design for the wide variety of ages playing tennis?10 -15 years ago the perception was that women were not young at age 35. That notion is gone and women are working harder to stay fit and they want to feel good about themselves. They want fashionable and fun and choose what feels and looks good no matter the style.

Check out the collection as it rolls out soon at tennis retailers worldwide including Tennis-Warehouse. Me? I'm getting that Sweet Spot set no question.

Find a retailer at Wilson. VIDEO of the line in action here.

 

Holiday in Istanbul.

There is a lot to like in Nike's Holiday tennis collection and it's getting play times-4 in Istanbul at the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships.

Pictured left Maria Sharapova wears the new Rival Knit Tennis Dress from her personal collection. It uses asymmetrical color blocks of blues and blue grays and has a cooling open t-back, $110. Built in modesty cups make finding a bra to work with the design unnecesssary.

Artistic, casual look for a tennis dress and beautiful colors together. Good length.

Victoria Azarenka, below, wears separates from the larger Nike holiday group not named after Ms. Maria.

Pictured is the Nike Holiday Set Point Graphic Tank, $55, in imperial purple with vivid grape. There is a light graphic woven into the fabric. Shelf bra only so those well endowed will likely have to find a bra. See the top in all pink inset right. The skort is a ruffled edge coordinating Set Point Skort, $55.

Other players wearing Nike holiday group in Istanbul include Petra Kvitova and Li Na; everyone in something different. It's a large group dominated by pink and purple hues. I prefer my pinks muted with heavy doses of deep sophisticated colors like black, navy and purple like Azarenka wears here, but there are those who adore full on pink. For you there is plenty here. 

Congrats to the players who made it to the finals. Great group. Good luck in 2012 to all.

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

 

 

Tough eco-friendly love for your tennis apparel.

The laundry detergent you use matters. If you read the care labels on your tennis apparel you've likely seen an increase in instructions designed to keep specially treated fabrics working the way they should. What you are using could be washing out a lot of what you've paid for.

An option to consider: Roux Maison makes a new eco-friendly Sport Detergent that eliminates dirt, odor and bacteria that can thrive and hang in technical workout wear. The synthetic-free biodegradable formula is gentle on performance fabrics, maintaining elasticity, breathing and wicking qualities. And yes, it truly does get that stink out.

The formula is available in Ambrosia and Sweet Tea scents as well as Fragrance Free; $16.99 USD for a 16 oz bottle that will do 40 loads of wash (.42 cents a load). Just two tiny capfuls per load? Believe me it's all you need. Don't add more.

Buy online at Roux Maison.

New for fall/winter tennis, a skort and legging in one.

A few years back, a small tennis apparel company that is no longer, hit upon the idea of a "skegging," a skort and legging in one. It was popular and is again now. Fueled by the growth of the look for yoga, the big guns in the tennis biz are taking notice.

What woman doesn't love the comfort and flexibility, not to mention warmth, of a legging come cooler temps? But on court with a close fitting top? Not a recommended look. Cover the top of the legging with an attached skirt however, and now you're talking.

For warmth or to cover their thighs, rear-end or knees, these skort/leggings are big on rec courts.

Pictured top left is Fila's version with full length leggings, $65 USD. All performance stretch fabric with an upside down ball pocket on each hip (no bulk added without the ball). Fila also offers item this as a capri which hits just below the knee, $60. With a low wide waist band and slit skirt, this is a slimming look. A great alternative to wearing sweats.

I haven't seen this one in person but Nike offers a similar design as a capri as well (see image right, $65), as does adidas (see left), who makes the combo in colors other than black, $30. 

Find them all at Fila, Nike, adidas, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.

 

 

Eliza Audley gets crafty with color blocking.

Color blocking in fashion is big, big, big and tennis designers are taking it to court in a myriad of colors this fall. A tennis fashion house doing really creative things with the trend is Eliza Audley.

Pictured left is the Line Tunic and Basic A Line Skirt in lime; sleek and tailored court couture. The bands of contrasting color are actually ribbons of lightly striped fabric sewn onto the top (click image right to see up close). No bra in this one. Top $64, skort $72.

Below the Selvedge Cami (with built in bra) and skirt for those who dig sophisticated tennis wear but shy away from color. Selvege is a sewing technique used to create the lines of banding across the dress. 

 

Audley, designer and brand namesake, turned  the seam allowance outwards to show the back of the fabric which creates the grey striping. Crafty cool. Very, very different for tennis wear.

Prices are not yet available for this just releasing look.

 Learn more and find a retailer at Eliza Audley. Much of the line is availble at Tennis-warehouse.

 

 

 

 

 

Agnieszka Radwanska signs herself an apparel contract with Lotto tennis.

Lotto has confirmed that Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland has signed with the Italian brand. The fast rising WTA talent had very quizzically been without an apparel contract for months. 

Currently in Tokyo at the Toray Pan Pacific Open (in the finals) Radwanska has been wearing the lightweight Lotto Dress Missy in irid cocktail (pictured here, left) or a gorgeous irid inchiostro (a dark blue, see inset below). The line is a pretty blend of technical features and femininity for women who really want both. The gown-like criss cross neck detail, ruffle hem and use of iridescent-effect colors, make these dresses unique in big brand tennis fashion.

As for shoes, Agnieszka is wearing the Raptor Ultra II W. It is a combination of technologies: a ReactiveArch which is said to be the the first dynamic sole to ensure maximum cushioning of impact forces, stability when planting the foot and reactivity during thrust.

The shoe is also enriched with a cushioning system called Syn-Pulse  that insures cushioning thanks to the extension of the cushioning structure up to the forefoot and provides excellent torsional stability during lateral movements. 

The dress is currently available in Lotto stores worldwide. Find a store at Lotto. The brand has very limited apparel distribution in the US. The shoes are available at Tennis-Warehouse.

 

 

New group from Loup. Tennis fashion with another life.

Loup's 2011 fall tennis line is out. Yes it is made for the court although it really doesn't look like it does it? 

"We really try to push the boundaries at Loup with athletic style and want to give customers other options when they are playing tennis," says designer Danielle Ribner.

"We make styles people can wear on the court, but also feel comfortable walking around in, taking on vacation and working with their wardrobe. We have always felt that there was only one type of very athletic style for women playing tennis, and we aim to give people another choice that is more feminine, easy, fresh and influenced by what is happening in fashion now."

Ribner's fourth fall season attests to the fact that there is a market for more "street wise" tennis fashion, especially for those who play our game more casually. 

Pictured is Loup's Autumn 2011 Floral Gathered Skirt Dress, $95 USD. The cut is loose fitting, a drop waist with gathered skirt; a real toss on and go. You'll need a bra and pair of shorties.

The pieces range in price from $25 - $101. All are made from poly/spandex woven fabrics that are quick dry, wrinkle resistant, washable and dryable. Everything feels silky and soft but is made to perform.

 View the full tennis line at the Loup store.

The black jacket above is special order only. It can be yours for $110.

Something sassy, something fresh. New for the court.

With the US Open over and done it's time to turn to some of the smaller but very competitive tennis fashion houses out there.

Still crankin' it out LA style is Fetch. New for them are some pro contracts.  Among them is one with Scarlett Werner of Germany, pictured left (currently WTA # 318 in the world) who has just signed with the brand.

Despite the marketing powers and stars touting tennis' biggest brands, the growing presence of "alternative" tennis fashions is noticeable.  A couple of options from Fetch:

Above, Werner wears Fetch's flowy Sassy Court skirt and Control Tank Top, $62 and $55 respectively. The blue carries over the shoulders down to the shoulder blades.

Right is the Duchess dress, $120,  a close fitting, short little number with unique horizontal pleating in the skirt; nothing short of attitude for svelte tennis nobility. No doubt them Dukes will be lookin' twice. The tops have a racer back design and a built in moderate support bra. All performance. 

Find a retailer or buy soon at Fetch.

 

Chris Evert re-launches Ellesse in the US. First up, fashion for tennis.

Chris Evert is back with Ellesse, the Italian brand she wore through her 18 Grand Slam titles. This time she's a shareholder, brand ambassador and designer for “Chris Evert for Ellesse.”

You may recall the brand on Boris Becker, Guillermo Vilas, Pat Cash, Arantxa Sanchez, Hana Mandlikova, and Anna Kournikova as well as Evert. Ellesse left the US market a few years back but has been going strong overseas.

Tennis will be the first category to come back to the States, followed by styles for fitness, skiing, golf and equestrian. 

Look for luxury level tennis whites in time for the holiday season at warm-clime pro shops. Colors will follow in early 2012.  Tennis shoes will drop in late 2012 along with Ellesse stores, the first of which will be sited on NYC's upper east side. An online shop is planned as well.

Designs have not been announced yet although I'll bet we'll see a bit of retro given the current love for it in the fashion world. 

The new focus will be on technologically advanced fabrics both synthetic and natural – cotton, wool, cashmere, linen, silk and blends that include them. 

“Function, Feel, Hand and Comfort will be the hallmarks of our fabric choices,” says Technical Designer Sue Kagan. “Ellesse has always been famous for its fit and fit will be a major focus – and I believe a real advantage – for our brand.”

“Looking good puts your mind at ease and gives you confidence," said Evert. "That’s a major on-court advantage.” 

Looking forward to seeing what she serves up. 

 

Melanie Oudin and Jack Sock BELIEVE in Wild Cards and having fun.

Sometimes it's best not to plan ahead. No expectations. Melanie Oudin may have found her groove again, in doubles...mixed doubles. Wildcards, Oudin and Jack Sock (ATP tour newcomer), won the 2011 US Open Mixed Doubles Championship Friday. Their most impressive win en route? Over defending champs Liezel Huber and Bob Bryan (both #1 dubs WTA and ATP).

Hugs and smiles all around. American tennis ain't so bad. 

It's been a tough few years since Miss Oudin rose up out of the juniors and into the spotlight. Remember BELIEVE? Apparently Mel does once again and on the very same stage no less. Sock helped for sure.

Mixed doubles is a tough game at the recreational level where many men in particular struggle to temper their serves and strokes so as not to appear rudely aggressive. No worries at higher levels where everyone just blasts away at their very best. Sock and Oudin say they were just having fun.

Their looks? Oudin wore the new Wilson Fall Village tank and skort in union gold, white and pool blue; both pieces are $45 USD each. Fresh and pretty, the ruched bodice and flirty skirt adds femininity to the a comfy athletic cut. Sock wore all adizero adidas -- same look as Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Find Oudin's look at Wilson, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers world wide.

A license to leave the US Open in good spirits.

Everyone needs a souvenir from the US Open and this New York plate adorned shirt is among my favs this year. Check out Lady Liberty who has discreetly traded torch for racquet.

The tee is from the Heineken Tennis Classics by Sol Angeles limited ed. collection available ONLY in the Heineken Lounge at the US Open 2011.

Fashionably distressed to look and feel super comfy, it's an absolute go-to for everyday cool-casual, $40 USD (yeah...I KNOW...but it's really nice).

It's a DMV free NY tennis license with spirits on the side.

V-neck not for you? There are 5 other pieces in the collection. 

 

 

Samantha Stosur wears sporty fresh Lacoste at US Open

I like this look, sleek and powerful. I am a fan, of the new dress, Stosur and her ever-present eyewear. 

PIctured here at the US Open, Stosur wears the new Sleeveless Stretch Pique Striped Dress in Eclipse Blue by Lacoste, $135. White and ultraviolet purple color blocking is added in discreet doses and in ways that don't add the illusion of weight to a body.

See ya drawstring dress. This one is a BIG improvement.

Extras. The jersey tennis panty is $40 in white. The visor does not appear to be available in the US and there is a cute fleece zip that goes with it.

Based on a sample I checked out the dress fabric is a performance poly blend (sewn in label says it is). Lacoste's site says it's mostly cotton* (but it doesn't feel like it). I like a made-for-action fabric better anyway.

That eyewear! Sam is wearing Oakley Enduring frames ($180 to start) with Positive Red Iridium lenses (available to public via custom order or by buying the accessory lenses). The lenses adjust to varied light conditions automatically. Sam's lenses are also polarized to cut glare by 99%.

Find this hot ticket shift at Lacoste, Tennis-Warehouse and other tennis retailers worldwide. Find the eyewear or a dealer at Oakley 

*9/13 Post update: Lacoste has confirmed that the fabrication of the dress is indeed 93% polyester/7%elastane.

 

 

Fila brings back Pierluigi Rolando, Italian master designer, and the wilder side of retro tennis.

Bring back the prints.There is a demand for the wilder side of retro. Target has just announced a new Missoni collection and Fila has brought back the designs of Pierluigi Rolando. Now Missoni didn't do much for tennis but Rolando was a game-changer, for Fila and for tennis fashion.

The Italian designed tennis apparel for the growing brand from 1970-1984 outfitting players such as Björn Borg, Boris Becker and Yvonne Goolagong. If you lived the day, you will certainly recall the prints that became his signature. 

Francine Candiotti, Fila's current senior designer, met with Rolando last year to create a new retro inspired line for the brand some of which is trotting out at the US Open. Rolando's leather bound notebooks and drawing pads have actually been an inspiration for other current Fila styles as well.

PIctured above is Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia who wore the new Pierluigi v neck top, $58 and skort, $60. Both performance pieces come with a white or peacoat base. The print is all-over. 

I personally like the Pierluigi dress, $70, with white base, scoop neck and t-back. It's really fun. The fact that the design is set to the side makes this large print wearable and not body enlarging.

Another fashion trend hits the courts in time for Fashion Week. Tennis is on it.

Find the Pierluigi line at Fila. The dress will be available after the Open.

 

 

Shahar Peer US Open 2011 Tennis Fashion by Reebok

Currently the only WTA athlete in Reebok tennis, Shahar Peer wore new Reebok Match Day ZigTech line separates at the US Open earlier this week. Too bad for Peer, but good for Sloane Stephens who got the best of the 23rd seed in the second round, that was the last we'll see of it.

Peer adores bright colors and has had a growing role in the design of her tennis apparel. I like the way she incorporates feminine detail (here, the mesh) into some fairly straightforward athletic silhouettes.

ZigTech apparel is Reebok's newest innovation, taking what they built into shoes, adding the concept to apparel. According to the company, the new fabrication incorporates special fibers called Celliant which are made with natural minerals that take energy emitted by the body and recycle it back through your skin. As the energy returns it increases body oxygen levels by an average of 7%. The result? More energy for the athlete. There isn't much of it in these styles (upper back) but it's interesting.

Pictured, Peer wears the Match Day ZigTech Long Bra Top and skort in redtastic. The style also comes as a dress, with flattering sweetheart neckline and sturdy built-in compression bra (not flimsy and useless like some). A ruched mesh overlay on bodice and straps is continued with touch of the same peeking out from under the skirt hem.

The dress runs $60 USD. The coordinating Match Day ZigTech Skirt and skort are each $45.00. They come in uber berry (gorgeous color), team purple, black and the redtastic Shahar wore. 

 If you haven't worn Reebok, they offer one of the coolest fabrics around (temp wise).

Find it at Reebok, Tennis-Warehouse or tennis retailers worldwide.

 

Marion Bartoli debuts an Under Armour contract at the New Haven Open

Marion Bartoli is wearing Under Armour tennis apparel for the first time at the New Haven Open. Formerly with Nike, Bartoli says the new contract is still very fresh.

"The clothes are very comfortable," she said. "I like them a lot." 

Bartoli hopes to grow a role with Under Armour designing fashionable, functional tennis apparel for the court. "I like colors, layers...We French," she smiled, "are very fashion concious people."

Marion says she enjoys both tennis dresses and separates but has been restricted to the latter over the past couple of years.

Her look for the Open? She'll be picking it out within the next few days. For the moment she will focus on winning in New Haven. She says she loves the tournament for the conditions prep it gives her prior to New York (just two hours away).

Pictured above Marion wears an Under Armour Slice Tank and Skort, $50 each.

Find similar styles at UnderArmour, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.

Day and Night. Serena Williams at US Open. New Nike for the court.

Serena Williams will look the powerful patriot this year at the US Open in two dresses, red for day (left) and blue for night.

Against the white lines on court the looks are a nod to that waving glory but in a decidedly non-kitchy way. 

This dress, $90 USD, has a built in shelf bra but the wider shoulder straps allow for a supplemental one (for those who need it) without it showing.

Below Janice Lucena of Nike presents the looks:

  

I like the unfussy, Godet pleats and framed sweetheart neckline, so flattering on someone with a strong looking upper body.

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

Nike tennis is in the customization game. Shoes for style, fit + surface.

 

Never one to be outdone Nike is now offering customized tennis kicks. U-pick durability, fit, traction, width, color and message. One surface tough to shop for in the US is grass. As they say, "there's an app for that" here $145.00 USD.

Zoom Breath 2K11 iD at NikeiD.com. Find them under mens or women's tennis.

Obsession: Maria Sharapova's new tennis racquet bag from HEAD.

Maria Sharapova has a hot new tennis bag. Gone is the racquet shaped bag she's been carrying (although you can still buy it). This one resembles a relaxed yet luxe quilted duffle with two sections.

Accented with gold hardware and lettering (MS and Head), leather tassels and sky blue interior it's pretty and sophisticated, a well thought-out user-friendly tennis bag that will appeal to the style conscious woman who never carries a mega branded bag (horrors!). The racquet section like the traditional racquet bag is thermo protected and holds 3 racquets.

One flattering color, black will go well with any tennis outfit. That interior BTW matches the HEAD Instinct S racquet Sharapova is swinging with. The bag retails for $100.00 USD.

Find a retailer at HEAD or buy at Tennis Warehouse or tennis retailers selling HEAD worldwide.

Here's more if you need it:

 

Polo Ralph Lauren returns with a winner at the US Open.

Applause for Polo Ralph Lauren who will once again dress the on-court staff at the US Open; there is something much cooler about some of their new color charged classics. I love the dashes of neon brights. Makes refined look a lot more fun.

Included is an array of sleek performance fashion with a vibrant, tri-color palette of navy, white, bright green and neon orange. Really interesting how a quick infusion of bright can make such a difference in energy. 

My picks in the group include, the US Open Big Pony Zip Jacket, $165 USD (poly/elastane blend, above left). Below, the women's US Open Big Pony Polo (97% cotton) which also comes in pink and white. The flounce microfiber skirt ($98) is very cute on.

The US Open Crosscourt Hat for $39.50, below, is the lowest priced item in the group, if you only want a little piece of the action.

As Official Apparel Sponsor of the 2011 Open, look for select PRL pieces on chair umpires, line umpires and ball persons. 

Find it at the US Open's Polo Ralph Lauren shop during the tournament, at select stores and online at Ralph Lauren. Type US Open Tennis into the search bar.

Ruffles and mesh style up Lija's Fall 2011 tennis collection. First up Neo.

Lija is releasing two fall groups this season. Up first, Neo. This collection brings on a few ruffles as well as some great mesh infused looks.

Seems women can't get enough of that most girly of accents, the ruffle. They're back again but here adding more texture than fluff. Sophisticated in black, pictured left is the Love Ruffle Tank, $70, racer back with ruffles down the front. It's paired here with the Compression Crush Skort, $85. There is a matching ruffle skort as well, $80 (both ruffle pieces are also available in white) 

Other pieces I love in this group are the hot looking black Balance Release jacket that looks almost like a wrap (see inset left), the EnergizeTank (not pictured here but offered in black and neo red) and the Mesh Skort. All pieces are body "hugging" (aka supporting) but breathable.

   

Mesh is hot in bodywear right now, most often used in a very revealing fashion. Lija has done a nice job working it in without the tart factor. Yes, they have an all-over mesh tank but layered over a full coverage tank in the same color it's simply fun (and a little dressier) for apres-court.

Find the group at Lija. Tennis-Warehouse carries much of the line.

 

 

Ana Ivanovic. Tennis Fashion for the US Open 2011 from adidas.

As predicted this will be Ana Ivanovic's tennis dress for the US Open. It's the adidas adizero Feather dress, $70 USD in sharp red with turbo orange accents. The color is off in this image (too pink) so use the inset below for true color. The accompanying bra and shorties for this one come in turbo and white respectively.

This is the same dress Ana wore at Wimbledon in white and most recently at the Mercury Insurance Open in blue. Check those posts for all the dets. Suffice to say, great tennis dress.

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-C-E Keep it coming girl! Best of luck at the Open.

Find the dress at adidas and Tennis-Warehouse.

 

Agnieszka Radwanska grabs a trophy and an apparel contract?

 

Congrats to Agnieszka (Aga) Radwanska of Poland on her singles win at the Mercury Insurance Open in Carlsbad CA. This is Radwanska's 5th career title, won with impressive, crafty shot-making. Aga's is not a power game but one of calm variety, placement and intellect. 

Radwanska plays with a Babolat Pure Drive lite GT and is currently wearing Babolat tennis shoes as well.

Her look: Radwanska appears to like close-fitting unfussy, athletic separates to match her all-business on-court personality. Her tennis apparel is unmarked/branded barring the labels of the many businesses that have sponsored her game so far (see two on her top in pic above). Unless these contracts are paying mega bucks and Aga's got something great going on, this woman needs an apparel contract; she's ranked #12 in the world! Here's hoping Sunday's win will push a change. 

Off-court: Aga's off-court personality is quite different from on. Here's a fun pic of her shopping. Get to know her on Twitter @ARadwanska or on her and her sister Ursula's (Ula) website, Radwanska Sisters.com. That on-court serious is a tactic and it's working.

Image from Indian Wells by Getty Images.

 

Not for baby. Ana Ivanovic and Ayumi Morita. Powerful pinks and blues.

Ana Ivanovic is in renewed form tearing through the rounds (so far) at the Mercury Insurance Open in Carlsbad, CA. Perhaps the addition of Coach Nigel Sears has helped. Here Ivanovic wears the intense blue version of her adizero collection Wimbledon dress ($70). Bold color does good things for Ana.

Other pieces I love in this vibrant adizero group are the Feather Skort (right, $48) and jacket ($65). Both are feminine and artsy in a sporty way. The jacket has great detail. Click the pic to expand it.

Ayumi Morita of Japan (above) wore more from the palette in her recent matchup against Ivanovic in Carlsbad.

This is a pink and blue cap sleeve tee ($48) that's definitely not for baby or any shrinking violet for that matter; Morita's outfit hails from the fall adidas barricade collection which has more of an athletic feel to it than the adizero collection. Here's a closer look at the top, inset left. Pretty intense. 

Find it at adidas and Tennis-Warehouse.

Caroline Wozniacki's Look for the US Open + Fall/Winter 2011 adidas by Stella McCartney for tennis.

And here it is, the eagerly awaited new FW 2011 tennis line from Ms. Stella McCartney for adidas. What to choose? There are so many great pieces. Look for it all on Caroline Wozniacki over the next few months. 

"It's work out wear with attitude..." says McCartney. The group combines touches of both feminine and masculine detailing to give off a strong air of confidence. 

The "flavors" to choose from in the group are chalk white, universe grey (top on Caroline below), continental grey (darker grey top below), simple beige and calvi yellow (more of a pastel).

Wozniacki's dress for the US Open 2011 is in chalk white ($130 USD). It is currently my pick as the Porshe of tennis dresses for a lot of reasons. Is this the kind of detail and construction I miss by never buying couture? Probably.

Pictured above right is a section of the bodice. "Stella McCartney" is knit right into the horizontal elastic under the bust (enlarge pic with a click). The mesh side insets keep the body cool.

A very unusual, modern neckline contrasts with the empire waist, a smooth front ending in a tidy row of crisp, tux shirt-like pleats on front only that ride just higher than the back which drops a bit. On, it looks like you are wearing two layers of closely fitted men's tanks; the fabric is as light as thin silk but is stretchy climalite as any adidas performance garment. Note that the white is distinctly creamy, not bright at all (the images are deceiving). 

You will absolutely need the Seamless Performance Bra under the dress. Any other bra is going to wreck the look of the neckline. Add $45 for the bra and shorties.

Fit: To be honest, the dress is for the super-fit. It is not forgiving to a less than perfect midsection at all, neither is the lycra tank, above (which has marvelous detail too - see inset left in calvi).

As a lover of looser tops I will turn my purchasing attention to the pleated Tennis Skirt ($85), Easy Tank, ($75, left) , Clima Polo ($85), Tennis Shorts ($65, right) and Tennis Sleeveless Hoodie in universe grey ($100).  All have the looser fit and look I personally breathe easier in. But if you've got the pecs (and no extras), definitively give the tighter looks a try.

Check out the zip warm up jacket too, $150. It's lightweight and super cozy in a flattering pale beige.

Find it all at shop adidas and Tennis-Warehouse.

Serena Williams plays and wins her first US WTA tournament since 2009.

She's baaaack! On just her third tournament back after a year-long break from the game, Serena Williams took the title at the Bank of the West Classic in Stanford, CA This was her first WTA tourney in the US since 2009.

With this win Serena jumps from Number 169 to Number 79 in the world, moving up 90 spots. The new ranking, which will likely continue to improve, lends some reprieve to the top players on tour who might have faced Williams early on at the US Open has she hovered around the lower ranking.

Congratulations Serena and also to Marion Bartoli who played impressively all the way through the tournament.  

Both Williams and Bartoli wear Nike and selected outfits from the brand's Fall group. Serena's top is the Smash Classic 3/4 top in hyper verde, $60 and smash pleated skort in black, $55.00. Bartoli wore the blue glow set point tank, $50 (with built in shelf bra) and skort in the same color, $50 giving the look of a dress with the comfort and versatility of separates. Pretty colors on both.

Find the looks at Nike and Tennis-Warehouse.

 

Round-Up: Headbands for tennis

There are two kinds of headbands for tennis, those designed to keep sweat out of your eyes and those that keep hair out of your face.

First, the sweat managers:

Nike's swoosh bandanas are 100% cotton (stays wet while sweating), $12. If you've got the face and hair, these look darn good (case in point on left). adidas, K-Swiss and Fila, also make a tie variety (all are poly blend).

Right, by adidas, are the more traditional cotton terry variety, 75% cotton with stretch, $5.99 for two. Let's just say it's a very functional style. I see a lot of these on men. Fila, Nike, K-Swiss and Lacoste also make them.

bondiband makes a thin sweat wicking headband in multiple colors and fun/motivational prints, $8.00. All are meant to be worn across the forehead or at the hairline (as pictured here). They are attractive and very quick-drying (so you are never wearing a soaking band). Look for the one with crossed tennis racquets in the sport section. They carry quite a few men's styles as well. 

Second, the hair managers:

Women who wear these do not feel comfortable with a headband across their forehead. Problem is, comfortable, functional, hair-taming bands are hard to find because most slip unless sitting at the hairline or forehead. Many wear hard u shaped plastic bands.

What you need to look for are headbands with strips of silicone gripper tape on the side against your hair. Yoga manufacturers like Lululemon sell these. Their Slipless Headband, $12, is pictured here. I've also seen silicone lined bands at Athleta. I am not finding them yet in branded tennis apparel.

Find adidas, Nike, Fila, K-Swiss and Lacoste headbands at Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.

 

Cortiglia introduces the Tahoe.

No I'm not talking SUVs, but a tennis bag by Cortiglia, maker of some seriously sophisticated looking tennis totes. Just out, the Tahoe. Tennistas will love, love the sleek, elite, contemporary style of this new racquet bag. 

Resembling a fine, yet sporty handbag, with convenient over-the-shoulder or cross-body strap, the Cortiglia Tahoe Messenger bag is a well thought out, easy access tennis bag. The orange lining for example, just one of the many details, makes finding small items easy.

Right now the Tahoe comes in only one color scheme, grey and white as shown here. It's 16" high x 12" wide, has two interior pockets and one large exterior pocket for beverage and balls. The white portions are leather and the grey are nylon. The bag can hold up to 3 tennis racquets. Metal feet on the bottom protect from the court.

Smart bag, smart look.

The Tahoe retails for $395.00 USD at Cortiglia.

 

Martina Hingis has the Tonic for tennis fashion. Unique in her new line, wool.

Tonic Lifestyle Apparel has announced an agreement with Martina Hingis to produce tennis apparel branded with her name. To date the brand is best known for its hot yoga apparel.

The new fifteen-piece tennis line will include bras, tanks, shorts, skorts, a sleeveless tee, t-shirt, dresses and a warm-up. Hingis has worked with lead Tonic tennis designer Jenny Grad to create a line that Grad says offers "subtle yet distinguishable details and elegant movement while maintaining traditional tennis culture.”  Tonic says it likes to take some influence from lines such as Prada, building classically elegant apparel that lasts.

Martina spotted the Canadian brand while shopping and approached the company to create a tennis line. She played a intrinsic role in designing the new line including offering tennis specific advice on styling and fit details such as strap placement, gusset design and support features. 

Unique to this line (and modern day tennis) will be the use of machine washable Merino (wool) as a performance fabric. Merino keeps you cool when it’s warm and warm when it’s cool. It is also sustainable, biodegradable and renewable while offering the comforts of being soft, lightweight and thermo-regulating. “We are introducing luxurious Merino as a non-traditional performance tennis fabric," said Grad. "Merino allows for maximum level performance properties while prolonging utmost comfort.” Interesting. I really would never have thought of wool for the court.

The line's Merino based tennis styles will be looser and more flowing, Supplex styles will be closer fitting (like the top on Hingis pictured here). Tonic's yoga line is well-known for its performance and for staying odor free even after heavy sweating. The tennis line is expected to be the same. 

“When you go out to play tennis, you want to feel nice,” says Hingis on the company site. “You want to feel like a woman and know that your clothes won’t let you down.”  

Tonic Tennis by Martina Hingis will be priced moderate to high-end. Find it beginning March 2012 at Tonic Tennis, retail and pro shops, specialty shops and department stores in Asia, North America and Europe.

Good luck Martina! Looking forward to checking it out.

 

 

Petra Kvitova. Tennis fashion at Wimbledon.

Petra Kvitova is into Saturday's Wimbledon women's 2011 finals. Everyone knows her opponent, Maria Sharapova; fewer know the young Czech. The blond southpaw is definitely one to watch.

Kvitova has been wearing the two piece Smash Classic tank and pleated skort by Nike. Both are $55 USD. Classic white and deep obsidian navy. This set is part of the beautiful group that includes Serena William's dress for Wimbledon.

Check out Kvitova's manicure that matches the navy in the outfit. Pretty total-picture pull-together.

The top does not include a bra and finding one that will stay hidden with this beautifully open neckline is a challenge. If you find one, please leave a comment below.

I'm hoping for a good battle between the statuesque 6 footers. If you are watching on tv, you might want to turn down the volume. This should be a loud one either way.

Kvitova's racquet? It's the Wilson Tour BLX

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

 

 

Fila celebrates 100 years. Newport joins the party.

Fila has been around since 1911. Pictured are select pieces from their 100 year commemorative collection. The group, for both men and women, includes the 100 year zip jacket, pique polo shirt, reversible bucket hat, tennis shoe and duffle bag. All are adorned with the Fila F and 100 year logo.

Classic ehh? Only cut and fabrication have been modified from original designs to reflect modern tastes. I'm filing much of it under tennis lifestyle, great looking stuff to get you to and from the courts and in between.

Rolling out over the course of 2011 however are a few special Fila reincarnations definitively designed for the surface of your choice. They are called  "Champion's Collections" and hail from Fila's rich fashion archives. Kim Clijsters won AO in a special Yvonne Goolagong look in Australia and played in a pink and purple Monica Seles look-alike at Roland Garros. More to come. 

Headed to Newport? Just opened is a special Fila exhibit at The International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHOF).

"...Our mission is to preserve and showcase the history of tennis, with the goal of honoring the legends and inspiring tennis fans," said Mark Stennig, CEO of the ITHOF. From Borg's Wimbledon victories to Seles'  French Open title, Fila has been an integral partner in great moments in tennis history and we are pleased to celebrate their milestone anniversary by showcasing [Fila's] rich history to our visitors," 

The first exhibit in a rotating display is White Line, Fila's original white tennis collection. All exhibits, photography, films and memorabilia come from Fila's 100th Anniversary Museum, recently opening in the Province of Biella, Italy. Although I am drinkin' the kool aid, Newport is as close as this tenista is going to get for now. Ciao.

Find the 100 year collection at Fila and Tennis-Warehouse. Champions Collection pieces are also available at Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.

 

 

Ana Ivanovic's Wimbledon whites by adidas.

Ana Ivanovic won a spirit boosting - for her-  first round at Wimbledon  (6-0, 6-1) yesterday. Her tennis dress was the new and equally clean adiZero Feather dress.

Take a look at the inset shot above to see the pattern that runs through the lightweight fabric. It's a beautiful tonal graphic, soft and holistic, a little arts and crafts era , and very reflective of the person I talked with last summer before the Open.

The pleats in the front of the skirt add interest and release any tightness around the thighs while moving. The back is also motion friendly, designed with a unique t-back. I love the square neckline and sleek styling. 

adidas continues to offer its performance tennis dresses with sports bra and shorties included in the price, Total for all, $70.00 USD. I love this. Keep it up adidas! Makes getting dressed so simple and the outfits always look great.

Ivanovic's shoes are the adiZero Tempaia, $120.

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

Let's go girl!

 

Venus Williams' Wimbledon whites. Round 1, the jumper.

Venus Williams hit her first Wimbledon match in the fashion must-have of the summer season, a jumper/romper/playsuit. Whatever YOU call it, walk the hot streets of any US city and you will indeed notice, that this one-piece shorts-top combo is hot. Williams pulled hers together with a gold belt, necklace and shorties/bra-top which peeked out from the zip-up v-neck. I have to say she did a nice job making this traditionally little girls item look nicely grown up. Some elements of it would have bothered me on court (namely the loose sleeves) but they didn't hinder Venus that's for sure.

Quoting Venus via Wimbledon.com: "The shoulders have a lot of draping, which is also in the moment,...It's just kind of like a trendy dress. It's fun. I'm really into zippers, so it has like a focal point of a zipper in the front. It's just fun. The back is like a cut-out or like a peek‑a‑boo. I'm always trying to do something different and fun. But more lately now I'm really trending towards simplicity. I'm not sure why. It's just how I feel right now. Everything is getting more simple."

And there it is, the sassy little number that was Venus' look of choice for a commanding 1st round victory. I expect, if the past is any indicator, that we will see another look second round. A year is a lot of time to think and create. Can't wait to see what's next on her grass court-walk. 

Finding EleVen by Venus Williams: Last year Williams had an agreement with online retailer Gilt.com. No word yet on 2011. Her focus has always been making great tennis fashion affordable. How about H&M? Seems a good fit ehh?

Maria Sharapova's tennis whites. Fashion at Wimbledon 2011.

Maria Sharapova's tennis designs continue to impress me with their clean lines and unfussy detail. This tennis dress, designed for Wimbledon, is close in style to Sharapova's Miami dress although she has removed some of the laser cut bronze art-deco detail, and added a tiny collar and bronze embroidered pleating at the bodice. If you've got the figure, flaunt it (very short waisted women, the bodice may be long on you). The all performance dress has that lovely feminine corset-like detail without any of of the constriction. The Nike Maria Ace Lawn Dress, as it is called, will run you $125 USD.

Seamless design means nothing distract or irritate the skin. The racer back allows free shoulder movement and the built in bra works well for the not-so-endowed. Check out the dress detail images. Sharapova's shoes are the Nike Lunarlon Speed3. Bronze highlights pop in classy fashion against the bright white. 

 

If separates are more your thing, check out the pretty top and skort in this group. The tank has the bronze detail ($65) but the corset detail is gone. The gold stitching instead runs across the skort, $65.

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

 

Serena Williams' Wimbledon whites. Tennis fashion 2011.

Serena is back and Nike has this tennis dress ready for her return to Wimbledon. The classic style is reminiscent of old-world style tennis dresses (a play on the sporty sailor in white and obsidian navy) though far, far shorter and fully updated for movement and breathability. According to Nike Serena wanted a style that respected Wimby's tennis heritage.

The Smash Lawn dress will cover a full support bra but leave you open enough to stay cool. It is part of a collection of four pieces all in the same theme. If you've got a little going on around the belly you may want to look at the separates. Although designed to be very slimming, the dress is going to hug those more "un-toned" areas at the waist. The skirt will not constrict or cling however; the special pleats open up and create a skirt that moves with you without hugging. The skort and sleeved top are each $50 USD. The dress runs $85.

The Nike Air Max Mirabella 3 Serena wears is $85. All in all a very pretty welcome back to Slam tennis for Ms. Williams.

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

For a video on Serena's London look check out TennisIDENTITY's video page.

 

 

Yonex releases enhanced line of Power Cushion Tennis shoes.

Leveraging the success of its previous models, the newly released Yonex tennis shoes retain the cushioning characteristics and lightweight feel synonymous with past Power Cushion Tennis shoes and add a lot more.

Yonex says that the new 3-Layer Power Cushion now absorbs 30% more shock and provides 5% more repulsion than the original Power Cushion. In addition, Tough Brid Technology provides greater elasticity and shape retention. As a result the shoe continues to provide a high level of cushioning performance even under the stress of high impact footwork.

Complementing the cushioning of the shoe are technological enhancements that improve breathability, flexibility, stability, durability and lightness.

There are 7 new tennis shoes in the line-up. The Power Cushion 307, $125 USD is above left (also in black and yellow, below, special for clay surfaces) and Power Cushion 108, $90, right.

I really like the gold and black model. Really sharp without too much flash.

There are mens and women's shoes in the new range. All of the above pictured are men's.

Find more info at Yonex or buy at Tennis-Warehouse or tennis retailers worldwide.

 

 

Kim Clijsters revisits the 80s with vintage tennis fashion at Roland Garros.

There is a reason why Kim Clijsters' on-court fashion at Roland Garros looks a bit 80's. It is inspired by a Monica Seles outfit Clijsters was given as a junior at that time. With it Fila introduces its second in a series of 100th anniversary commemorative tennis apparel worn exclusively by Kim. AO 2011 was the first. A special F-box and hang-tag mark the anniversary brand.

Kim's outfit blends old with new by integrating the latest in performance fabrics and cuts with nostalgic retro designs and colors. This fushia, purple, white and blue collection includes a crew-neck short sleeve top, skort, jacket and adjustable visor. I'll bet daughter Jada is happy about it too as I hear she LOVES pink. 

Clijsters' monica vintage top $52 USD, jacket $65 and visor $22 include the signature spatter print design that decorated Clijsters' favorite childhood outfit. I remember it myself. Kind of a cool idea with all the vintage lovin' going on. Fila did a nice job making it work. Good thing Kim didn't revisit the big hair of the time as well. 

Seriously though,  I did get to check out this outfit and it's really nice performance stuff. The lined jacket has that kind of thin and shiny crinkle fabric (Taslon) that the 80's jackets had but it's a lot softer and not noisy at all (remember when you could hear people coming and going in that stuff?!). Fun collection of separates. 

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

Ana Ivanovic adidas Tennis Fashion Roland Garros 2011.

It's just a quick color change for Ana Ivanovic at Roland Garros. Pictured is the pink remake of her Australian Open adiZero dress. It screams summer with its full dose of fresh pink juiced with vibrant orange and intense green.

REALLY nice price at $65 USD (considering that it includes dress, shorties and a bra).

Underthings are becoming a big part of the total look in women's tennis apparel; Stella McCartney designs full on-court looks working them in. I like that adidas is selling them here as part of a set not as pricey a la carte options that push the outfit ticket sky high.

Ivanovic's shoes are the adiZero feather, $120. Click on the smaller true to color images to get a closer look.

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

Serena Williams will miss Paris but (sniff) her tennis dress was going to be nice.

Just a quick look here at what Nike had planned for Ms. Serena at Roland Garros. It's a fitted and very pretty pink number with flirty asymmetrical ruffled tiered bottom, $90 USD; another good mix of power and pretty. Even the colors contrast that way, gridiron and cerise pink. Shoes are the Nike Mirabella.

Aww. I miss Serena. 

Her Twitter feed indicates she's working on coming back to the game. No official word at the moment though.

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