Tenniscore – a style that emphasizes comfort, performance, and style, embracing the idea that players can look good while giving their best on the court, without compromising on functionality – has soared in popularity over the last few years as the world sought a socially-distanced athletic outlet (and, of course, a new wardrobe packed with sporty, prep-forward ensembles).
As Fashionista reports, the trend had waned a bit before Zendaya embarked on her latest press tour — and, now, we can partly credit her for breathing new life into it. The actor and legit fashion icon is reinvigorating the tennis aesthetic with her method-dressing for “Challengers“, which has included tennis-ball Loewe heels and sequined Thom Browne racket gowns, courtesy of stylist Law Roach’s unparalleled eye for fashion and devotion to a theme.
Trend forecasting agency WGSN reports that, as a result of the chatter surrounding Zendaya and her recent style streak, as well as campaigns from the US Tennis Association (USTA) and tailored launches from fashion brands, styles tagged “tennis” have increased by 7% year-over-year, compared to 2023. Pleated skirts, meanwhile, have grown 2% year-over-year, now making up 24% of the skirts mix.
Sports and fashion are intertwining more than ever, with luxury brands tapping athletes for campaigns (as with Gucci with Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner and Louis Vuitton with Brazilian skater Rayssa Leal) and releasing their own riffs on sport-specific wear. In fact, just this week, Brunello Cucinelli launched a Tennis Sets capsule. WGSN predicts this investment in sports will only continue.
And remember, the Paris Olympics are coming this summer — with LVMH as a sponsor.
—
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com