The world of sports has always influenced fashion trends. From vintage baseball jackets to tennis dresses and skirts, and other details, sports-inspired pieces are always in the spotlight. For 2024, this sporty vibe is dominating the scene, especially with the start of the Olympic Games in Paris, the French capital.
The term Athleisure refers to comfortable and stylish clothing designed for exercise or physical activity, which can also be worn in other casual settings. Think yoga pants, joggers, leggings, sweatshirts, and lightweight jackets. Many brands have led the emergence of high-performance sportswear and fashion for women.
The Elegant World of Tennis
All eyes were on this year's Wimbledon, which turned its stands into a runway showcasing sports fashion signed by global houses. This event is a crucial point in setting trends for classic and elegant sportswear. It also highlights the importance of sustainability and inclusivity in sportswear, reflecting broader societal trends and consumer preferences. Many designers have shown tennis-inspired styles in their collections, with Zendaya wearing dresses inspired by tennis players while promoting her film “Challengers,” which revolves around the game.
This trend quickly spread to street fashion. Tennis has long been a significant player in fashion, with designers gaining influence from the game and designing outfits for players. Brands like Stella McCartney and Ralph Lauren have designed sportswear that can be worn on and off the court, achieving great success with fashion enthusiasts.
The Iconic Tennis Bracelet
The world of jewelry and watchmaking has always intersected with sports. One of the most famous designs is the tennis bracelet, an elegant bracelet consisting of a line of evenly spaced diamonds or gemstones linked by a fine gold or platinum chain. The diamonds or gemstones used in tennis bracelets are typically of the same color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. The history of diamond tennis bracelets dates back to the summer of 1978, when Chris Evert, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, inadvertently made jewelry history during a round of the US Open tennis tournament.
It happened when her delicate diamond and gold bracelet broke and fell to the ground; she requested a brief suspension of play to find it. However, the creation of the first tennis bracelet is not attributed to any specific brand or jewelry designer. The concept of the flexible line bracelet with diamonds or other gemstones existed before the term “tennis bracelet” was coined. Many high-end jewelry brands, such as Harry Winston, Tiffany & Co., and Cartier, have long designed similar styles of diamond bracelets. Following Chris Evert's incident, these brands ensured a more secure design to guarantee the clasp's stability.
The Impact of the Olympics on Fashion
The influence of fashion on the Olympics is profound and multifaceted. From fashion shows in Paris to athletes' official uniforms, fashion plays a crucial role in how the Olympics are perceived globally. Collaborations between designers and Olympic teams elevate sportswear and inspire millions worldwide, demonstrating that fashion and sports can indeed go hand in hand.
Throughout history, fashion houses have designed official uniforms for athletes, from Ralph Lauren, who has designed the official uniforms for the US team since 2008, bringing classic American style, to Giorgio Armani, who designed the official uniforms for the Italian team for the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games. Lacoste, known for its elegant sporty style, was responsible for the official uniforms of the French team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, characterized by elegant simplicity and the traditional crocodile logo.
