Naomi Osaka’s Wimbledon Opening Look Is a Loving Tribute to Japan

All eyes are on Wimbledon. Tennis season continues, with pro athletes taking to the courts in London today for the first day of the Wimbledon Championships. The performances are already explosive, with stars including Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Aryna Sabalenka having won their matches today to advance to the next round. But for us here at Harper’s Bazaar, the biggest win of the day was Naomi Osaka’s fashion.

Known for her inventive, bold, and overall fantastic on-the-court style, the Japanese tennis player outdid even herself today, as she showed up for her match against Elsa Jacquemot of France in a kimono-style look inspired by Japanese ceremonial dress, and created by Tokyo-based independent designer Hana Yagi.

A meaningful, high-fashion take on Wimbledon’s strict all-white dress code, the robe was embroidered with beautiful cherry blossoms and cranes all over, and cinched by an obi featuring chunky ropes tied into elaborate knots and bows (Osaka loves a bow).

The designer constructed the garment by upcycling traditional Japanese garments, including a vintage shiromuku (a classic white kimono worn by brides), and blending it with elements of Western bridal wear.

The artist called the ensemble “Evolving Ceremony.”

Osaka walked onto the court at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in the grand look, worn with a neat top knot. She even shot some practice balls in the robe before revealing her white Nike kit underneath. The athletic minidress kept a bit of the magic thanks to the pleated floral rosettes that adorned it.

Wimbledon will conclude on Sunday, July 12.