Australian Open highlights fashion’s growing role in sport

Australian Open highlights fashion’s growing role in sport

The outfit worn on court by Naomi Osaka at the 2026 Australian Open has made global headlines, sparking discussion about athletes who express their identity through personal style. An RMIT expert unpacks the influence and public perceptions, particularly around gender and race, of fashion’s increasing prominence in the sporting world.

Dr Harriette Richards, Senior Lecturer, School of Fashion and Textiles 

"Naomi Osaka’s remarkable, jellyfish-inspired fashion statement at the Australian Open (AO) this week has garnered enormous global media attention. 

"The AO, which is more accepting of experimental on-court style than other high-profile events such as the French Open or Wimbledon, has been called a 'barometer' for tennis fashion by New York Times fashion columnist Vanessa Friedman. Despite this relative freedom of expression, Osaka’s choice of high-fashion outfit nevertheless received plenty of criticism, with commentators saying fashion should be left on the catwalk. 

"The furore tells us a lot about public perceptions and expectations about athletes, particularly in terms of the gender and racial identity of players.  

"Female athletes tend to be far more progressive in terms of their clothing choices (and tend to receive more criticism in the process, especially if they are women of colour), while menswear has advanced technically more than stylistically.  

"Tennis, primarily played by individuals rather than teams, is a sport in which fashion is especially prominent. However, in this age of increased competition for media attention, bold fashion statements remain a key way for athletes to achieve headlines, in whatever sport they might play."

Dr Harriette Richards is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Fashion and Textiles at RMIT University, and a co-founder of the Critical Fashion Studies Research Group. 

***

General media enquiries: RMIT External Affairs and Media, 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au

22 January 2026

Share

Return to RMIT News
22 January 2026

Share

Engage

Related News

Howard Raggatt and Chancellor Peggy O’Neal AO

Renowned Australian architects presented with RMIT honorary doctorates

Two of Australia’s most eminent and pioneering architects have been awarded with honorary doctorates at RMIT University’s Doctoral Degrees Graduation Ceremony this week.

RMIT student winners (L-R) Madeleine Graham, Lydie Taylor, Harrison Spunner and Tianyin Yang.

RMIT and EVERAU announce winners of the 2026 student design award for sheepskin shoemaking

RMIT has partnered with Australian premium sheepskin footwear brand EVERAU to announce the winners of its 2026 Student Design Award for Sheepskin Shoemaking. 

Music production

How hate speech legislation changes can influence artistic expression

New hate‑speech laws introduced in Queensland have raised questions about how legislation designed to limit harm may extend into artistic expression. An RMIT expert explains what the changes could mean for musicians and freedom of expression.

shopping online

AI shopping to shake up pricing in fashion retail

Artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to reshape fashion retail by changing not only how consumers shop, but how prices are set and adjusted in real time. An RMIT expert explains how data‑driven pricing systems and AI‑powered shopping tools are transforming retail experiences.

Show more
aboriginal flag float-starttorres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information