Naomi Osaka celebrated Basketball Hall of Famer Allen Iverson with her outfit ahead of her US Open first-round win against Anastasia Zakharova on Monday night.
Osaka walked on the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York with a custom Who Decides War all-white gown that featured news clippings of her career highlights. She rocked a headband over cornrows and wore a sweatband on one arm and a sleeve on the other, similar to Iverson's trademark look from his 14-year career. The black and red colors matched those of Iverson's headbands with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The four-time Grand Slam winner posted her outfit on Instagram just before her match with a simple caption: "The Answer," referencing Iverson's nickname.
Osaka then took off the dress for a black sleeveless top and skirt. Designers Téla D'Amore and Ev Bravado told Vogue that Osaka's look was inspired by Iverson.
"The look references Allen Iverson, more specifically, his gray sweats and the nonconformist cadence with which he moved through the world as an athlete," they said. "Naomi and [stylist Law Roach] 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."
Before the tournament began, Osaka wore a shirt with an Iverson Slam Magazine cover on it to a news conference. When asked for her thoughts on 2000-01 NBA MVP, Osaka called him a "trailblazer."
"I think he's also someone that I look up to a lot because he's kind of done a lot in fashion, whether it's on purpose or not, but he's shifted the way that NBA players dress," she said. "I also think the whole conversation around clothes in sports and also just expressing yourself through style, I feel like he's someone that I look up to in that regard."
Naturally, a reporter followed up to ask Osaka whether she had communicated with Iverson. She said she hadn't but that "hopefully he'll see this."
Iverson, indeed, did see it. He shared Osaka's quote on his own Instagram with the caption: "Wow, what a honor!! BIG FAN can't wait to meet you."
Osaka, like Iverson, is known for her style. She has worn elaborate outfits through the years, including an all-white kimono at Wimbledon in June and a sequined gold playing dress at the French Open in May. Now, she has found the answer for her latest look.
