After opening my 2018 Fashion Retrospections with new Nike player Simona Halep, I’m excited to give Naomi Osaka her debut in my yearly fashion overviews. Not only did the Japanese crack the Top 5 in 2018 and won her maiden Grand Slam at the US Open, but she’s also my favorite representative of Adidas, because of her appealing character and photogenic locks.
The 21-year-old Osaka kicked off the season in Hobart, wearing her last year’s US Open apparel, the famous 70’s-inspired collection designed by musician Pharrell Williams.
The Australian Open look was characteristic for its braided details at chest and back, and Osaka’s flying hair.
The Adidas Melbourne Tank has a beach vibe that reflects the atmosphere of the Grand Slam’s host city. The light yellow Adidas Melbourne Hosenrock is a 2-in-1 flowy design featuring exposed elastic waistband.
Sporting Melbourne’s relaxed apparel, Osaka lifted her first WTA champion’s trophy at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
In Miami, Osaka introduced this black and red kit consisting of the Adidas Spring Barricade Tank and a simple matching skirt.
At Roland Garros, Adidas-sponsored WTA stars stood out with a pleated overlay of the Paris-clay-colored tank, which gave the top a very dynamic movement. The noble indigo skirt features darted pleats at hem for elegant sportiness.
Osaka’s Wimbledon outfit was basic to the core, but the absolutely simple short-sleeved top and shorts actually stood out from the crowd, as we’re used to seeing dresses with a lot of details, textures and cutouts. The collection was created in cooperation with UK’s skateboard brand Palace.
The Adidas Fall RULE#9 Tank is my favorite from the 2018 season, with its mock collar, drawcord at waist and bold graphic knit into the fabric. Its pair is the Adidas Fall Rule#9 Skirt, enhanced by side pockets and pink inner ball short for a modern twist. Osaka rocked this outfit in Washington DC, Montreal and Cincinnati.
Osaka’s biggest career successes happened in this Adidas Fall Barricade Tank and Skirt. This ultra soft outfit nurtures a simple sporty look, aiming to seduce with pleasant feel, sweat-wicking performance features and design details such as this T-back with triangular hardware connecting thick straps.
In these dark separates Osaka beat Serena Williams in the US Open final, finished runner-up in Tokyo and ran to the semifinals in Beijing.
During the trophy ceremony in New York, the Japanese exposed her lightweight Adidas Fall Barricade Jacket that features subtle embossed diamond graphic.
Playing the WTA Finals for the first time in her career, Osaka wore the Climacool-equipped Adidas Fall Barricade Dress, a design that is all about texture. You can’t see it in this photo, but this black 3-in-1 dress has diamond-shaped mesh all over.
Is Naomi Osaka currently your favorite Adidas representative as well? Which 2018 outfit is your No.1? My favorite tank is the blue and pink one from the US Open Series, while my favorite dress is the one Osaka wore in Singapore.
Not a good year for Adidas I’m afraid. In an attempt to make their gear look interesting or different, they just made it look fussy. Until the last outfit, which is just boring. Their Stella Macartney stuff is good though.
I agree with CLT. A bad year for Adidas. Wimbledon outfit is probably my favourite. No wow factor of any of the designs though
CLT, I’ll also review aSMC, probably on the example of Wozniacki. My next retorspection, though, is Venus Williams.
I actually felt Adidas was very flat this year although I love some designs. It may work or not work with certain players. I love how the Ana Ivanovic (Adidas barricade and adizero line) dresses fits perfectly for Andrea Petkovic and Anett Kontaveit. Naomi is more sporty and very refreshing. I have to agree, she is very photogenic. She works perfectly with lighter colors. I think the designs are not too suited for her but I hope Adidas can do a line for her. Can’t wait for the aSMC line.