The outfit, a custom-made all-white gown designed by Téla D'Amore and Ev Bravado of Who Decides War, featured intricate details including news clippings documenting key moments from Osaka’s own career. To complete the look, Osaka donned a headband over cornrows, paired with a sweatband and sleeve—a direct nod to the signature aesthetic Iverson popularized during his 14-year professional basketball career. The choice of black and red accents mirrored the colors frequently worn by the former Philadelphia 76ers star.
A Tribute to a Trailblazer
The inspiration behind the look was confirmed by the designers, who noted that the concept was developed in a rapid 30-hour window after receiving reference images of Iverson from Osaka and her stylist, Law Roach. The design aimed to capture the nonconformist spirit and unique cadence that defined Iverson’s presence in the sporting world. Osaka herself had previously signaled her admiration for the 2000-01 NBA MVP, wearing a shirt featuring an Iverson Slam Magazine cover to a pre-tournament press conference.
Reflecting on Iverson’s impact, Osaka described him as a “trailblazer” who fundamentally shifted the landscape of athlete fashion. She noted that she looks up to him not only for his contributions to style but also for his role in normalizing self-expression through clothing in professional sports. While Osaka admitted she had not spoken to Iverson directly prior to the match, the tribute reached its target. Iverson later shared Osaka’s comments on his personal social media, expressing his gratitude and stating that he was a “big fan” who looked forward to meeting the tennis star.
This latest fashion statement continues a trend of elaborate court-side appearances for Osaka, who has previously showcased distinctive looks at major tournaments, including a gold sequined dress at the French Open and a traditional kimono at Wimbledon earlier this year. Following her ceremonial entrance, Osaka transitioned into her match attire—a black sleeveless top and skirt—before successfully navigating her opening round at the New York tournament.
