Indian Wells, CA – Naomi Osaka is making a statement both on and off the court as she returns to competitive tennis. The four-time Grand Slam champion, currently seeded 16th at the BNP Paribas Open, is turning heads with a bold modern fashion aesthetic, a collaboration with Filipino-American designer Chris Habana, and a commitment to expressing herself through style. This isn’t just about clothing; it’s about crafting a narrative and sparking conversation, Osaka says.
Osaka’s return to Indian Wells marks her first tournament since withdrawing from the Australian Open in January due to a persistent abdominal injury. Despite the setback, she expressed feeling “really inspired” by the energy of the California desert tournament, describing it as “cinematic.” But her focus extends beyond the game itself, embracing fashion as a powerful tool for self-expression. The collaboration with Habana is central to this vision, extending beyond performance attire to create a complete visual story. Osaka’s approach to fashion is evolving, moving from softer, jellyfish-inspired looks at the Australian Open to a more assertive, desert-inspired aesthetic for Indian Wells and the upcoming Miami Open.
From Ear Cuffs to “Armor”: The Design Process
The partnership with Habana began with a practical need: a functional ear cuff to hold earbuds during warmups that still looked stylish. “That piece became a little anchor for the collection,” Osaka explained. For Habana, known for his striking jewelry adorning stars like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, designing for an athlete presented a new challenge. However, he quickly recognized parallels between his work and the demands of the tennis court. “Naomi’s walk onto the court isn’t that different from a model walking a runway,” Habana said. “The look has to create instant impact, tell a story, and intrigue people.”
The resulting pieces are designed to be both visually striking and functionally seamless, allowing for quick transitions during a match. Osaka and Habana developed a range of accessories, including gloves and grills, intended to help Osaka get into a focused, game-ready headspace. “The pieces will keep evolving through the tournaments. You’ll see different combinations depending on how I’m feeling that day,” Osaka stated. She particularly enjoys the finger gloves with claw details, describing the collection as “playful but still powerful,” and a “little layer of armor.”
Habana’s design philosophy centers around the idea of protection, and he sees a natural connection between his jewelry and the competitive spirit of athletes. “Our jewelry has always carried an armor-like quality to it,” he explained. “In sports, there’s an aggression and a competitive energy that athletes bring to the arena, and the shapes in our jewelry reflect that same sense of fight—balancing both offensive and defensive elements.”
Desert Inspiration and a Bold Aesthetic
The look unveiled at Indian Wells draws inspiration from the surrounding desert landscape, with a “Mad Max return to the desert” vibe, as described by Osaka’s creative director, Marty Harper. The centerpiece of the ensemble is a custom Nike dress featuring a dramatic cheetah print, paired with a matching track jacket and footwear. Images of Osaka in the outfit quickly circulated on social media, generating buzz among fans and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Osaka hopes the unique pieces will spark curiosity and conversation. “I can’t control how people interpret things, but I hope the pieces spark curiosity,” she said. “Maybe someone sees them and wonders about the designer, or about why they exist on a tennis court. I like when fashion creates that little moment of intrigue.” The collaboration represents a growing trend of athletes using fashion to express their individuality and tell their stories.
Following Indian Wells, Osaka will continue to showcase the collection at the Miami Open, which begins on March 15. As she progresses through the tournaments, fans can expect to see evolving combinations of the pieces, reflecting Osaka’s mood and mindset. The ongoing collaboration between Osaka and Habana promises to continue pushing boundaries and blurring the lines between athletics and high fashion.
What comes next for Osaka will be closely watched as she continues her return to form and further develops her unique style on the court. Share your thoughts on Osaka’s fashion choices in the comments below.
