Wimbledon has just begun, and it has already given us moments that are sure to be remembered. Naomi Osaka is a prime example of this; she’s now one of the tournament’s most anticipated stars, not only for her performance on the court—as confirmed by her two-set victory in her opening match against France’s Jacquemot—but also for her outfits, which never fail to make headlines. For her debut on the London grass, Osaka put her own spin on the strict all-white dress code with a nod to her Japanese heritage, while also paying homage to the iconic aesthetic of Quentin Tarantino’s *Kill Bill*, specifically the character of O-Ren Ishii, played by Lucy Liu.
The athlete made her entrance wearing a kimono inspired by traditional Japanese ceremonies, designed by Hana Yagi, who created the garment for the occasion using upcycled archival materials sourced from the silk of antique wedding kimonos. The entire surface is embroidered with cherry blossoms and cranes: the former symbolize the fleeting beauty and continuous renewal of life, while cranes represent longevity, good fortune, peace, and prosperity in Japanese tradition. Rounding out the look is a layered skirt in pleated tulle and a delicate chignon embellished with a cascade of white floral decorations.
As is tradition, when she “took off” her outer layer, Naomi revealed her on-court outfit: a custom Nike ensemble, embellished with floral accents and jeweled details. This element creates a perfect stylistic continuity between the solemnity of her entrance onto the court and the technical demands of the match.
[📸 Getty Images; IPA]
