Just as I revealed in my November’s preview of Venus Williams‘ 2019 collections, at the BNP Paribas Open the American is launching the EleVen Ikat collection and today the sports clothing company posted on Instagram a photo of the tennis legend in her new apparel.
Above we can see Venus in the Ikat Stripe Unbound Jacket and a dark blue pleated skirt, or it could well be the EleVen Essential Outskirt Capri, a skirt + leggings combo.
Every single EleVen collection since the brand’s revival in 2012 has been all about prints and for her Indian Wells appearance Venus chose the Ikat Stripe pattern, combined with colors blue knights, coral and white. But what is Ikat? According to A Little Design Help:
Ikat fabrics are made by dying the threads before the fabric is woven. The threads are tied tightly together and dipped into dye. This creates an uneven, mottled appearance on the threads, allowing the pattern to have a “hazy” look when the fabric is woven. The method is similar to tie-dying, except tie-dying is done after the fabric is woven.
A standout piece from the Ikat range is the Volley Dress, characteristic for its scoop neck and back, as well as a waist-defining blue inset. Pleated skirts are the most common skirt design in women’s tennis nowadays and for a good reason — they are comfortable and have flattering movement.
When it comes to performance, the dress provides superior breathability, four-way stretch, and UPF 50 sun protection, blocking up to 98% of harmful ultraviolet rays.
When our photographer Jimmie48 spotted Venus practicing on Monday ahead of the BNP Paribas Open, the American was wearing the EleVen Ikat Tangle Long Sleeve Top, EleVen Ikat Wrap Up Tight, and a matching visor.
Offering maximum protection from the sun, the crew-neck shirt includes side tie shirring, back power mesh panel and contrast binding.
Venus’ leggings include a lattice mesh detail on the sides, a higher waist for increased coverage and mesh hip pockets.
Let’s see which outfit Venus will pick for her opening match against Andrea Petkovic at the BNP Paribas Open. The collection also offers a variety of tanks and printed skirts.
Doesn’t look anything like real Ikat.
If Eleven can invest these many lines in a year, I really think Eleven should start investing their money on shoes!
Tbh i find it very unflattering when I see players wear diff clothing brand with different brand of shoes!
Ric, I agree, it would be good that she invests in shoes. Making shoes must be way more complex than clothes, so she’s reluctant to join that market, but I believe she would be successful in it as well.
I like all of these pieces, especially the crew-neck shirt w/side ties and the leggings. Venus has the perfect body type to wear them both and look classy while doing so. Looks as if Serena’s lost some weight. I certainly hope so. Go get ’em, Williams Sisters!