Indian designer, Anand Bhushan, who has for the past three seasons been alternating between white and black in his creations, says, “it’s nice to see players experimenting and adding their personal touch, keeping in mind the all-white restriction at Wimbledon.” While tennis lovers have been keenly watching volleys, shots and serves, fashionistas have been taking a cue from these aces on how to stand out in white. “Some players like to keep it plain and simple, but there are many who go in for trendy cuts, a little lace here and some mesh there, subtle prints, cords at the back and more. They know to express themselves through their sartorial choices,” says Bhushan about the style drama across the nets.
The designer, whose all-white Mulmul line created quite a buzz in the fashion world, does not like to describe white as merely elegant. “It’s about going back to the basics. It’s about malleability of designs and versatility of thoughts,” points out Bhushan, adding that white can be both trendy as well as have a luxury grunge appeal. So over to Centre Court to see who is making a statement with racquets and outfits. Sisters, Venus and Serena Williams, continue to turn heads not only with their fierce backhands but also their own unique spins to the monotone colour palette. They have cleverly played around with Wimbledon’s old-school dress code and won matches in haute frocks. This year, Venus has been spotted in a dress from her eponymous label EleVen by Venus, whose front deceived the stylish play of cords at the back. While Serena preferred a minimalist lacy effect, Camila Giorgi went overboard with a full lace attire. Then there was Andrea Petkovic with mesh on her skirt and Caroline Wozniacki with a cut-out midriff and a bit of mesh on her hemline. Maria Sharapova as usual was elegance personified in an outfit with delicate prints. Bethanie Mattek- Sands, known as the ‘Lady Gaga of tennis’, appeared in knee-high socks, with colourful tattoos of lilies running down her right bicep lending a quirky quotient to her game. As for men, there is not much to be written about, except that Andy Murray was seen wearing his wedding band on his shoe lace.