[ot-caption title=”Roger Federer playing Leonardo Mayer at the US Open. (via Juan Andres Rodriquez)”]
The only thing hotter than the players running back and forth under the scorching sun are the styles and brands draped on the US Open attendees. True tennis fans are probably vigorously searching ESPN Sports Center for the latest match updates, while fashion addicts survey the crowds and the courts for the best dressed players and guests. Similar to the elite sports of polo and horse racing, tennis tournaments, especially the US Open, tend to attract fashion-forward audiences, which has increased its essence of exclusivity and class over the years. Whether these outfits were being flaunted on or off the courts, this year was not a let down.
From preppy to sophisticated, both the players and the audience put their best fashion foot forward these past two weeks, August 31st to September 13th, at the US Open in New York City. While the players were sporting top-of-the-line gear such as Nike, Adidas, and Babolat, they were battled against designers Ralph Lauren, Hermes, Michael Kors, Lacoste, and Tommy Hilfiger worn by the crowd.
This year, Ralph Lauren left their mark on the US Open by introducing their new Polo Tech shirts; they marketed the product on several ball boys and many players were seen sporting the new tee during practices. The shirt, starting at $295, has sensors woven into the fibers of the fabric that have the ability to track heart rate, steps taken, calories burned, and so much more through an app on the iPhone. While the product may require a little more effort and publicity to make a full launch, it will definitely attract crowds inclined to exercise, technology, and, of course, the latest US Open trends.
Whether they shine on the stage or behind the camera, there was a variety of celebrity guests who attended matches during the world-renowned two week tournament. Joe Jonas, Oprah Winfrey, Amanda Seyfried, Kendrick Lamar, Nial Horan, and Chloe Grace Moretz attended this exclusive tournament wearing some of the most distinguished names in fashion such as Hermes, Balmain, and Versace. Even more controversial celebrities made a point of making an appearance such as Donald Trump, Tiger Woods, and Kim Kardashian.
The dynamic fashion-model duo, Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid, stole the spot light at the US Open this weekend when they met up at their front row seats. Kendall Jenner broke a fashion rule by wearing white after Labor Day. She rocked a fuzzy white crop top, a white skater skirt, and a white coat to top it off. Hadid sported a cowgirl look with a button down denim shirt, jeans, and a red handkerchief.
Let’s not take away all the attention from the players though. Since the US Open only holds the finest of all tennis players, they are obviously sponsored by the finest brands in the sport industry. While Scottish player Andy Murray wore a more traditional look with Under Armour, Czech Tomas Berdych sported a more trendy style by his sponsor H&M. Rafael Nadal wore a neon green Nike outfit and after his loss to Fognini, he truly showed that it’s not easy being green. Both Federer and Serena Williams took a fashion risk, wearing coral Nike outfits, but they proved that as long as you have the skill, the color will look good no matter what.
From Adidas to Lacoste to Hermes, the US Open sealed the summer fashion season with style and poise. Even though some of the fashions were aces and others were faults, all the players gave their all on the court and that is what truly what counts at this grand tournament. Onto fall now!
Sources: Market Watch, Ralph Lauren, Time, Bleach Report, Bustle