Naomi Osaka's US Open Return Included A Basketball-Inspired Gown Styled By Law Roach
Our take
Naomi Osaka’s return to the US Open wasn’t just a moment for tennis enthusiasts; it was a powerful statement on style, identity, and the evolving intersection of sport and high fashion. Her choice of a custom Who Decides War gown, styled by the inimitable Law Roach, immediately sparked conversation, largely due to its unconventional inspiration – Allen Iverson’s iconic Philadelphia 76ers practice outfits. This isn’t the first time Osaka has used her court presence to make a statement; she's consistently delivered standout looks that challenge traditional tennis aesthetics, and this latest appearance feels like a natural progression of that ethos. The deliberate nod to Iverson, a figure celebrated for his individuality and defiance of norms, resonates deeply with Osaka’s own public persona and her willingness to use her platform to express herself authentically. It’s a fascinating parallel to how celebrities are now embracing nostalgic styles, as seen with Nicole Kidman’s recent embrace of a ‘90s blowout Nicole Kidman Wore A '90s Blowout To The ‘Practical Magic 2’ Premiere – a testament to the cyclical nature of fashion and the enduring appeal of moments that felt truly *of* their time.
The genius of the look lies not just in the reference itself, but in the execution. The gray French terry fabric, overlaid with newspaper headlines, creates a compelling textural contrast and a subtle commentary on media scrutiny – a familiar theme in Osaka's career. Who Decides War, a brand known for its politically charged and avant-garde designs, is a perfect partner for Osaka, aligning with her commitment to using fashion as a vehicle for social commentary. This isn’t simply about wearing a beautiful dress; it’s about curating a narrative, weaving together athletic prowess, personal style, and a broader cultural context. The intentionality behind the pairing speaks volumes about the growing power of athletes to dictate trends and challenge conventional notions of what’s acceptable – or even desirable – within the traditionally conservative world of professional sports. It’s a far cry from the days when athletes were expected to blend into the background, and underscores the rise of the athlete as a fully realized cultural figure, capable of commanding attention and influencing style in profound ways. This shift is mirrored in other realms, such as the celebration of individuals like Misty Copeland, who transcends her athletic achievements to become a symbol of grace and empowerment, embodying a luxurious and aspirational lifestyle Misty Copeland on Life After Ballet, Her New Hobbies, and the Stuart Weitzman Shoes She Recommends to First-Time Luxury Buyers (Exclusive).
The broader significance of Osaka’s look extends beyond the immediate fashion buzz. It signals a shift in how we perceive athletic attire, moving away from purely functional garments towards pieces that are both performance-driven and aesthetically expressive. This is a trend we’ve been observing for some time, as brands increasingly collaborate with designers to create collections that blur the lines between sportswear and high fashion. Osaka's choice demonstrates a confidence in embracing individuality, even within the confines of a highly regulated sport. The subtlety of the message – the quiet power of a gown inspired by a basketball legend, rendered in a luxurious and considered way – perfectly encapsulates the ethos of quiet luxury. It’s not about shouting for attention; it’s about commanding respect through understated elegance and a clear point of view. This approach resonates strongly with a consumer base increasingly seeking authenticity and meaningful connections, rejecting the overt displays of wealth in favor of timeless style and conscious consumption.
Ultimately, Osaka's US Open return, and specifically her choice of attire, begs the question: how will other athletes leverage their platforms to express themselves through fashion in the coming years? Will we see a further blurring of the lines between sport and style, with athletes becoming increasingly influential tastemakers? The trend toward personalized athletic wear, driven by both performance needs and self-expression, feels poised to accelerate, potentially reshaping the landscape of both the fashion and sports industries. The power of the visual narrative, as demonstrated so effectively by Osaka and Law Roach, is undeniable, and its impact on the broader cultural conversation is only just beginning to be fully realized.
Naomi Osaka has always delivered standout looks on the tennis court. At this year’s US Open, she continued that streak with a hooded Who Decides War gown. The custom design featured a gray French terry bodice covered in patches of newspaper headlines and photos featuring Osaka over the years, paying tribute to her career’s highs and lows. A long white tulle skirt finished the piece, which Osaka wore on the court while winning her first match against Anastasia Zakharova.
In addition to her own past, Osaka’s gown was a powerful tribute to basketball star Allen Iverson. During his career, the NBA athlete was known for his matching sweatsuits and cargo sweatpants. The late Virgil Abloh, a mentor of Who Decides War’s designers, also inspired the look, with references made to the Arc'teryx windbreaker dresses he created for Off-White’s Fall 2020 collection. Law Roach styled Osaka’s gown with black pumps for photos before her match, which she later swapped for black narrow-toed Nike sneakers.
“The look references Allen Iverson, more specifically, his gray sweats and the nonconformist cadence with which he moved through the world as an athlete. Naomi and Law sent two images our way of Iverson wearing a headband — head only — and from there, we had roughly 30 hours to figure out the rest,” said Who Decides War Founders Téla D’Amore and Ev Bravado in a press release. “This was a piece that was controversial when it debuted, but remains one of our favorites he ever created. It felt important to nod to a hero of ours whose own path to success was similarly defined by a refusal to move within the expected current.”
Like her past innovative competition outfits, Osaka completed her dress with coordinating accessories. Another nod to Iverson came from her red-and-black sweatband — a piece he also wore on the basketball court. Roach finished the tennis star’s look with a black Nike arm sleeve, red elbow sleeve, and a red leather Who Decides War ring, plus diamond stud earrings.
Once it was time for her match, the 28-year-old shed the voluminous design to reveal a black tank top and metallic silver mini skirt. “I just get really nervous during the first round of this tournament because I wanna do well...and I wanna show you guys some more outfits,” Osaka said in a post-game interview.
For the rest of the tennis tournament, Osaka will compete in her second women’s singles round against Kateřina Siniaková on Wednesday. She’ll surely wear another bold look at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for the Open, whose 2026 participants include stylish athletes Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, and Jessica Pegula. The event will also feature stylish looks off the court, which have already seen outings by Kaia Gerber, Brandy, Alexandra Daddario, and more celebrity guests.
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