News feed
Over the years, the symbiotic rapport between fashion and sports has shared in mutual inspiration, with collaborations and trends cementing the connection and proving that there’s no better place to show off one’s style than courtside. More than ever, major fashion houses are working with athletes, non-sports fans are being converted, and social accounts like @LeagueFits garner millions of eyes for documenting the personal style of pro ballers. Last year, the FIFA Women’s World Cup saw unprecedented viewership, and even our most anti-sports friends were rendered tearful at miracle goals, cheering for their team.
It figured that after a year of divisive news headlines, the comradery of sports proved a welcome balm for troubled times. And as fashion dutifully reflects the world around us, sports have become a key pillar of this expression. But across a history of croquette, the NBA’s frow and even recent football fanfare, few sports have captivated the industry quite like tennis, thanks to the strides of Ralph Lauren.
For nearly two decades, the brand has integrated its timeless approach to design within the world of tennis, elevating aesthetics for players and spectators around the world with its heritage signatures and classic takes on modern sophistication. And for the fourth consecutive year, Ralph Lauren is once again the proud official outfitter of the 2024 Australian Open, serving style both on and off the court.
This year sees the iconic label realise its partnership with a bold colour palette and fresh summer silhouettes. From polo shirts and varsity jackets to button-ups and polished sweatshirts, the range plays on the brand’s timeless DNA, reimagined in striking aqua hues, bright orange, navy blue and cool white for the buzzy occasion.
If history has taught us anything, it’s that the public arena of sporting matches never ceases to provide a runway for the fashion-focused. So, naturally, the brand has carved out a space for the viewers set to descend on Melbourne Park this month. Forming the wider ‘World of Tennis’ campaign that includes the AO24 capsule, Ralph Lauren has not only crafted the uniforms but curated an honorary edit across womenswear, menswear, childrenswear and accessories as an ode to courtside style.
Bringing together bold striped separates, breezy linen dresses and preppy knits, all paired with washed denim and retro athleisure, the collection wholly embodies the vibrant spirit of the Australian summer. It offers fans the chance to riff off traditional sportswear aesthetics and spectator fashion of the past, all the while making styling a game of their own. After all, matches may keep us on the edge of our seats, poring over rulebooks, but fashion has no such limits.
Tweed blazers can effortlessly layer over chambray, and pinstripes instil a refined elegance to relaxed fit chinos or denim dungarees while woven leathers are elevated by crisp shirting. The possibilities for spectator style this year are endless, and with Ralph Lauren’s dedicated edit, the ball is entirely in your court.
The Ralph Lauren AO24 Capsule Collection is currently available in Ralph Lauren and Polo Ralph Lauren stores across Australia, on the official Ralph Lauren site, and in select wholesale stores, including David Jones and Myer. Excitingly, a pop-up retail experience is also now open to those wishing to relish the tennis fever and will run across the full duration of the tournament as an on-site shop outside Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park.
For those looking to gather their spectator style inspiration ahead of the momentous event, you can find Ralph Lauren’s edit of pieces in stores and via their website across womenswear and menswear to ace courtside attire.
DISCOVER THE FULL RALPH LAUREN AUSTRALIA OPEN CAPSULE COLLECTION HERE.
CREATIVE DIRECTION: MARNE SCHWARTZ
PHOTOGRAPHY: ARLO PYNE
FASHION DIRECTION: KIM PAYNE
HAIR: DARREN SUMMORS
MAKEUP: JAQUE DI CONDIO
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT: EMERSON ADCOCK
MODELS: ASTRID HOLLER / PRISCILLAS & MATTHEW LEE / KULT
TOP BANNER IMAGE: AUSTRALIAN OPEN PLEATED WRAP SKORT, SHOP NOW, MASTERS COURT LEATHER TRAINERS, SHOP SIMILAR, POLO RALPH LAUREN
