Nike unveils NikeCourt Autumn/Winter 2018 collection
NIKE recently revealed its latest NikeCourt collection, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the US Open.
Taking place Aug 27 to Sept 9 in New York, Nike has taken inspiration from the long-standing event for its Autumn/Winter 2018 collection, looking back into tennis archives to create a contemporary collection with a retro edge.
“When tennis began, people wore long-pleated skirts and sweaters, and sweater-knit polos,” says Abby Swancutt, Apparel Design Director for NikeCourt. “For the collection, we took this classic nod, but we gave it a retro feel, all while using some of our most innovative materials.”
The collection includes small design details which nod to the past, such as the pleated skirt on the NikeCourt Zonal Cooling Slam Dress, which is combined with a more modern, sporty racerback top for extra freedom of movement.
Other performance-led features for the modern player include ventilation areas to keep players cool in the New York heat, strategically-placed side slits for a dynamic range of motion on the court, DriFIT fabrics, and the inclusion of a full-length, curved Zoom Air bag in the NikeCourt Air Zoom Zero tennis shoe.
The throwback colour scheme is based on classic navy and bold orange, with accents of soft peach and classic white for a unique and expressive look that will stand out on the tournament’s blue courts.
“We look at New York City as a stage,” says Swancutt. “It’s not like other tournaments, where you sit there and you’re silent. At Flushing Meadows, it’s loud, it’s fun, and there’s a lot of energy. Day or night, the players want to put on a show.” – AFP Relaxnews