“Maria Sharapova’s Historic Little Black Dress with Swarovski for the 2017 US Open”
When Maria Sharapova graced the Arthur Ashe Stadium for her evening matches at the 2017 US Open, it wasn’t just her tennis prowess that captured the attention of fans and fashion enthusiasts. The Russian tennis sensation sported a truly remarkable outfit, making history in both tennis and fashion. It marked the first time an athlete had donned a tennis dress adorned with Swarovski crystals on the court.
Sharapova, an ambassador for Nike, collaborated with fashion designer Riccardo Tisci, known for his 12-year stint as the creative director of Givenchy. The inspiration for her outfit was drawn from an iconic Givenchy creation, the little black dress famously worn by Audrey Hepburn in the classic film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” This choice resonated perfectly with the New York setting of the US Open.
Maria Sharapova’s “Little Black Tennis Dress” was accompanied by a stylish bomber jacket that she wore to and from the court. Tisci and Sharapova meticulously designed both pieces, holding numerous meetings to ensure perfection.
Tisci revealed, “I presented four or five proposals, and she immediately chose the black one. The addition of Swarovski crystals came later during another meeting when I suggested it would be fantastic to incorporate them into the dress. This marked the first time crystals adorned a tennis player’s attire.”
While elegance played a significant role in the choice of the Little Black Dress, Sharapova had an additional, superstitious reason for selecting black. It was the color she wore when she clinched her US Open victory in 2006, making it a sentimental and lucky choice. This decision further connected her to the world of athletes, despite her model-like physique, which effortlessly bridges both worlds.
Riccardo Tisci emphasized that despite the outfit’s focus on originality and elegance, it remains a piece of athletic wear. Nike and Tisci worked diligently to make it practical and beautiful. Tisci highlighted the outfit’s modern, geometric, and minimalistic design, featuring lace resembling the classic fishnet texture often used in tennis apparel. He described it as both elegant and strong.
Sharapova’s Little Black Dress and bomber jacket were made available for purchase on August 26 in Nike stores, though their price tags were on the higher side, with the Little Black Dress priced at $500 and the bomber jacket at $700.
In conclusion, Maria Sharapova’s 2017 US Open outfit wasn’t just about style; it represented a groundbreaking moment in the convergence of sports and fashion. With the blend of tradition, elegance, and innovation, this iconic outfit left an indelible mark on the tennis world and beyond.