As our main man Andy Murray is safely through to the second round, we’ve become obsessed with all things Wimbledon. Today, Wimbledon is as much about the fashion and style as it is the actual tennis and over the years, the women’s fashion has become something of an inspiration for today’s all white stars.
With huge brand names such as Nike, Adidas and even Ralph Lauren taking to centre court, the style stakes have increased year after year and the competition between player’s outfits has never been as high. However, it’s not only the players that can cause quite a stir with their ensembles, a fine collection of A-List celebrities and Royalty (who can forget Kate Middleton’s white Temperley pleated dress?) have also turned plenty of heads.
With this in mind and our heads buzzing with all things tennis, we’ve spied these great images on the Telegraph website that takes us back through the fashion ages of tennis.
1924’s Wimbledon champion Mlle Suzanna Lenglen looks in the spirit of the tournament in a white pleated skirt and plimsolls with Tarzan actress Maureen O’Sullivan taking on a masculine style in high-waisted shorts and a polo in 1935.
Ginger Rogers proves that tennis style can ooze elegance in a black top and shorts with ankle socks and plimsolls back in 1939, whilst Ava Gardner shows her tennis whites in a blouse and midi-skirt in 1941.
Gone With The Wind leading lady Olivia De Havilland looks fit for the catwalk in a knee length pleated dress and matching head scarf in 1930 whereas the gorgeous ‘Charlie’s Angel’ Farrah Fawcett opts for traditional sportswear in an Adidas tee & shorts combo with a hint of glam in 1977.
Our very own Sue Barker causes a riot in 1977 sporting very short hem lines and a dash of pink at the All-England tennis club. Disaster then struck in 1985 as Ann White took to centre court in an all-in-one-lycra ensemble... we’re so glad this hasn’t been repeated
Then in 2008, Maria Sharapova upped the style stakes in a white Nike tuxedo outfit, closely followed by Venus Williams in 2011 opting for a gold & white Nike jumpsuit. The Princess however stole the show in 2011 wearing a gorgeous Temperley pleated dress for the occasion.
We can’t wait to see what 2013 will bring and who will be victorious on top of the fashion podium.