Anyone going to tennis? This summer, as the tennis court trend heads towards the Grand Slam, even the most racquet-averse among us are ready to be coaxed into a match – or at least it looks like we’re ready for one.
It looks like Zendaya and her upcoming tennis-themed Challengers The film responsible for court-worthy outfits that threaten to become as common as strawberries and cream at Wimbledon. She’s currently touring the world in a series of tennis-themed looks that rival the style of clothing promoted by Margot Robbie. Barbie in a series of pink ensembles.
On Monday it was custom Loewe stilettos with (branded) tennis balls nailed through the heels, while on the weekend it was a green and white checkered Louis Vuitton coat, an archival piece from the spring/summer 2013 collection, reminiscent of perfectly manicured lawns. On the tennis court in Australia last month, the star went even more down-to-earth in a sequined dress adorned with a tennis racket motif. Curated by Zendaya’s “Image architect” (turned-stylist) Law Roach, the collection also includes optical tennis white tailoring, neatly pleated tennis skirts, and tailored Lacoste looks.
Inside ChallengersIt was directed by Luca Guadagnino, who is also responsible for aesthetically inspiring films. Call Me Your Name (Oliver’s cool vibe and Elio’s mom’s Max Mara vacation vibe are key references) and A Bigger Bounce (See Tilda Swinton’s ultra-chic summer wardrobe) – Zendaya plays a professional tennis coach-turned-tennis player who looks with all the sporty chic of a devotee at the sport’s highest levels. But what the film really does is offer an excuse to roll out a genteel version of the tennis outfit, a reminder of the old money’s status as a sport beloved by the golf club elite.
“If it’s done well, there’s no more stylish activewear,” says Laura Ward, founder and CEO of Exeat, a luxury tennis brand that specializes in clothing that’s made to be seen and then worn on the court. She describes it as “Coffee on Kings Road”. “Tennis dress codes are the perfect combination of elegance, fun and timelessly flattering fits – which is what makes it the most sartorially renowned sport in the world,” he adds.
Ward says interest in tennis has increased over the past few years. Pinterest has seen an increase in tennis-related activity in the UK over the last three months; Searches for “tennis outfit” increased by 75 percent, and searches for “tennis skirt outfit” increased by 50 percent. There has been a significant increase in tennis action on trainers marketplace StockX, with a 35 percent increase in trading of the Nike Mac Attack, a one-time favorite of tennis coaches, particularly John McEnroe.
Tennis has long been fashion’s favorite sport. “The core silhouettes are extremely aesthetically pleasing and signal quiet luxury,” says Ward. The passion for tennis fashion is evidenced by more than a century; “The best sellers of Gabrielle Chanel’s first clothing line were tennis dresses, and it was the Chanel tennis dress that received the first transatlantic mention in America. Vogue“Then there was legendary Parisian couturier Jean Patou, who caused a stir with shorter legs and bare arms, dressing tennis’ first female icon Suzanne Lenglen for the court in the 1920s,” says Ward. It’s probably no coincidence that Anna Wintour chose tennis as her sport of choice long ago and remains one of tennis’ best-known amateurs and fans, with a particular soft spot for Roger Federer.
The way to pull off the current look is to channel a 1950s socialite, royal, or Ivy League enthusiast wearing tennis attire from Ralph Lauren. There are this variety of tennis-themed collections at all price points this season.
Mango’s Tennis Club collection is available now from a dedicated club store in the Hamptons and includes logo zip-up jackets, visors and a stylish referee vest, with prices starting from £17.99. Parisian brand Casablanca took advantage of this trend with retro tracksuits, a white T-shirt and a pleated skirt set. Naturally, Lacoste, co-founded by legendary stylish tennis player René Lacoste, is also in the action with its delightful pastel tones and grass green tennis skirts, polo t-shirts and cardigans. For a less obvious but still distinctly sporty approach, Serena Bute’s “speed stripes” capsule collection makes a beautiful nod to tennis chic in a way she describes as “effortless and comfortable.”
Varley’s Club collection reflects the laid-back, moneyed sophistication you might witness at an elite sports facility on a Saturday morning. “Tennis style has a timeless elegance thanks to its classic colors and styles. “A hat is stylish and can easily be incorporated into everyday outfits,” says Lara Mead, co-founder of the brand, who has chosen the hat as her personal must-have, “completing a look and hiding many sins.” Like many of the current tennis-themed offerings, he emphasizes that “you can wear this both on and off the court.”
If you really want to channel the look in a high-performance way, you should check out Exeat’s new Marie Antoinette-inspired collection (a tribute to the Paris Olympics), which includes the chic “Liaisons” dress adorned with roses and rackets. Print; Vuori’s “Set” dress or “Volley” skirt; and Alo’s pleated skirt and chic accessories, like bright white ribbed socks and a reflective visor. Footwear-wise, Superga’s Cotu classics, Tretorn’s Nylite 67s (a tennis staple, re-released April 18) or Anine Bing’s Freestyle Hi from her collaboration with Reebok should all deliver the polished originality desired.
You’ll also need gems. Tennis may be the only sport that has its own unique type of jewelry. What better way to adorn your serve than with a simple diamond tennis bracelet? Rachel Boston has a beautiful £4,000 version, while Edge of Ember offers an elegant £1,550 option with necklace (£465) and earrings (£550) for play, set and matching.
Prepare the court…
Collared sweatshirt, £150, Lacoste; ‘Tennis’ T-Shirt, £30, Alex Kartal Sports Club; Tennis dress, £100, in Vuori
Bodysuit, £320, Exeat; Cover, £59, Anine Bing; Lace-up trainers, £65, Superga
Socks, £25, Hello; Tennis earrings, £550, ember edge; Tennis bracelet, £4000, Rachel Boston