читать дальшеDesigned in Collaboration with the Tennis Star, the Custom Dress and Warm-Up Offers the Best in Performance Innovation While Reflecting Sharapova's Classic Style
Maria Sharapova, always fashionable, always fierce, will have a collection this spring that includes everything from a dress to her warm-ups. At the first round of the Australian Open, she will debut her custom dress, in a unique color for Maria that is inspired by her classic on-court style as well as Australia's natural landscape.
Maria's classic and feminine style led to the vibrant but natural colors and patterns that comprise her Australian Open apparel. With the extreme heat that often-times characterizes the tournament, Nike designers wanted to create a custom look that would feel high energy, but keep Maria cool when the heat is on.
Building from these insights, Nike designer Colleen Sandieson collaborated with Maria to design an outfit that was a pure reflection of Maria's style and character. "Maria's participation is an integral part of the process," said Sandieson. "As an athlete she has a definitive vision of how she'd like to look on court, and the final design is truly a testament to Maria's insight and Nike's design."
Sandieson expressed that the collection infuses both organic and modern elements. "The colors that we chose to use for Maria are fresh, but neutral because the Australian Open works with a laid back, subtle feel," said Sandieson. "The clothing draws out energy with really tropical colors." Pulling inspiration from the flora and fauna, Maria's opening day dress in the color "Sail" will bring a feminine touch to the tournament's Australian connection.
Re-design Focuses on Quality and Performance
When it came to the design of Maria's 2008 tennis apparel, the Nike design team chose to keep it simple. Her dress uses a neutral pallet that is heavily influenced by a modern off-white color, which also calls out to the natural and organic look that was derived from the Australian countryside. Maria wanted something that was young and funky but had very definitive detailing. To accomplish this, Nike had to first look back to the function of the game and the environment. Maria's dress combines a lightweight polyester jersey with mesh. Symmetrically placed mesh inlays are in the center front and center back of her dress so that she has zone cooling. As for Maria's interest in fine detailing, the mesh gives the garment a 360-degree texture. The front panels are pleated and tucked and the hem of the dress is also meshed and pleated. This gives a contrast in fabrication, but provides depth, movement and texture.
Function and Style
For her warm-up, Maria's classic style will be enhanced by the simple and lightweight design. The main goal of the design was to ensure that all of her custom pieces remained as lightweight as possible. To accomplish this, the warm-up jacket is an ultra-lightweight woven synthetic Dri-FIT. By weaving the fabric together it keeps it looser and allows for more breathing room. Elevating this lightweight breathability even further is the garment's strategically placed mesh lining. The silhouette is loose and short, once again optimizing mobility and breathing room.
In keeping with the feminine, organic and classic style that Maria brings to her game, the colors and designs of the warm-up mimic these qualities. In her warm-up there are subtle hints of the rich red plum color that will be reflected in Nike's spring '08 women's tennis collection as well. A soft and cool contrast between the main "Sail" and plum colors can be seen on all of the hemlines and in the stitching as well.
Accessories to Refine
To complete the look, accessories are key. From the red plum banana bag to her visor, Maria's look highlights the Australian foliage and loops together all of the outfit's thematic components. The bag is embossed with the emblematic floral print of the season, which was designed to represent the stunning flowers of the Australian terrain. Nike kept the design and functionality elements very simple this season, but Maria can always impress with some custom-designed surprises. This year, her banana bag has a surfboard key ring. Maria's stylistic charms have always been created with key moments and personalized elements in mind. Nike has designed charms for Maria in the likeness of her dog Dolce, and the red New York apple for last year's U.S. Open. Finally, as an added bonus to her attire, Maria will be wearing a visor that is designed for both function and fashion. The rich, dark plum color that is utilized on many of the spring '08 garments ads depth to the floral print that is embossed on the underside of the visor. Using the graphic detailing to darken the visor's bill actually produces an added bonus, aside from the visual element, because the shaded underside reacts as a sun deflector.
Court Couture
Maria feels most comfortable in classical looks that appear luxurious, so color choice and comfort are very important to her. Keeping these details in mind, Nike created a maximum impact performance and visual outfit without losing any feminine qualities. Maria will certainly have a strong court presence thanks to the "court couture" elements of the spring '08 collection.