Naomi Osaka Debuts All-White Kimono Gown at Wimbledon as 10,000 Fans Jam Opening Day
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 29
Naomi Osaka Debuts All-White Kimono Gown at Wimbledon as 10,000 Fans Jam Opening Day
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 29
Summary
Naomi Osaka, 28, walked onto Centre Court in a floor-length, all-white gown inspired by Japanese ceremonial dress, satisfying Wimbledon’s strict dress code while drawing cheers and locker-room curiosity.
Hana Yagi co-created the look with embroidered cranes, cherry blossoms and a kanzashi ornament after Osaka said Wimbledon’s tradition pushed her to reflect on her own heritage and on an all-white Kill Bill kimono image.
Osaka, the No. 14 seed, removed the gown before playing Elsa Jacquemot in a Nike dress with seven 3D flowers; that outfit sold out within hours of its release last week.
Wimbledon officials signaled no issue with the fashion statement so long as it stayed all white, even as the tournament’s opening day was hit by British withdrawals and early exits.
10,000 people were already in the Wimbledon queue by 8:30 a.m., prompting organizers to tell later arrivals not to travel and underscoring how the Championships’ tradition-heavy appeal still pulls huge crowds.