Naomi Osaka celebrates her Culture at Wimbledon
Naomi Osaka made one of the biggest fashion statements on the opening day of Wimbledon after walking onto court in a custom kimono-inspired outfit that immediately caught the attention of fans.
The four-time Grand Slam champion wore an all-white outfit designed by Japanese designer Hana Yagi. Called “Evolving Ceremony,” the design featured upcycled vintage kimonos embroidered with cranes and cherry blossoms, celebrating Osaka’s Japanese heritage.
Sharing the look on social media, Osaka simply wrote:
“文化.”
The Japanese word translates to “Culture.”
The designer said the look was created using vintage kimonos and drew inspiration from Japanese tradition as well as the iconic white kimono worn in Kill Bill.
The outfit quickly became one of the biggest talking points of the day. Many fans praised Osaka for proudly showcasing her culture on one of tennis’s biggest stages, while others felt the dramatic entrance was unnecessary.
The attention, however, did not distract Osaka from her tennis.
Just days after retiring from her Bad Homburg semi-final with a foot injury, the former world No. 1 recovered from an early deficit to defeat Elsa Jacquemot 6-1, 7-5 in the first round.
