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The Conversation
The Conversation
Andrew Ibi, Programme Leader BA Fashion: Design & Communication, School of Art and Creative Industries, Liverpool John Moores University

‘My heritage is my power’: how young Black women like Naomi Osaka are using fashion in sport

Naomi Osaka’s appearance at this May’s Met Gala in New York – which she wittily dubbed “the grand slam of fashion” – was a whirlwind business engagement jammed between two of tennis’s major tournaments. With stacked schedules, tennis superstars are usually found taking ice baths between events. Not Osaka, who donned a 9kg Robert Wun couture gown in response to the Met’s “fashion is art” theme.

Her presence at the Met Ball was more than a celebrity detour. Osaka is not just a professional tennis player – she has moved beyond the limiting boundaries of the sport.

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