How Naomi Osaka’s Nike Partnership Has Evolved Over The Years

Following a number of recent fashion collaborations, from swimwear to denim, Naomi Osaka is back with Nike for another apparel collection (and sneaker release) that’s available to shop online now.

Following her debut capsule in November 2020, Nike revealed Osaka’s latest collection on Monday, featuring an assortment of tops, hoodies, shorts, and cropped leggings that combine sport with fashion-forward details, like camo print and mixed fabrics. Plus, for the first time ever, Osaka’s own French Open tennis dress and sneakers — a tie-dyed pair of Air Zoom GP Turbo sneakers with a Swarovski-crystal swoosh — will be available for purchase.

Osaka has been working with Nike since 2019, and her partnership has evolved both on a design and performance level over the past two years. “From the start I observed that Naomi’s style is a spectrum — wearing a floral ruffled maxi dress one day, and a hardcore street-inspired look the next. With Naomi, the only constant is change,” Carly Ellis, Senior Apparel Designer for NikeCourt, tells NYLON. “This fluidity and experimentation still exists today, and her apparel continues to evolve. We’ll continue to follow her lead as she explores and grows.”

“Nike is a place where I can just go and explore,” says Osaka in an official statement. “Sometimes I feel like it’s like a playground for designers. What’s fun is our conversations start with just an idea, and lead to really fun, creative designs that reflect who I am as an athlete and woman.”

Ellis has been working closely with Osaka since she signed with the global sports brand, and she says that the tennis champ has become more vocal with her hands-on design process. For this particular collection, every piece has something that Osaka has always incorporated into her own style: For example, the crop top uses rib material that she likes and incorporates Dri-FIT performance technology, while the utility short features her favorite Nike waistband style. Ellis also notes that Osaka loves a halter neckline, so it was built into the bodysuit.

“Getting to know Naomi on a deeper level has given us the ability to serve her with product that is uniquely hers,” adds Ellis. “She’s incredibly dynamic and her collection reflects this with just six pieces that can be layered and styled into over 30 looks. It’s as multifaceted as she is.”

See more of the pieces in detail, below, and visit Nike’s website to shop the collection.