She’s conquered the tennis court and paved a name as one of the world’s most influential activists, and now Naomi Osaka is looking to dominate another arena: fashion.
Louis Vuitton has named Osaka as their newest house ambassador, revealing the tennis champ will make her debut in the luxury label’s Spring/Summer 2021 campaign, photographed by Louis Vuitton’s Artistic Director of Women’s Collections, Nicolas Ghesquière.
”Aside from tennis, my most treasured passion is fashion; and there is no brand more iconic than Louis Vuitton. It is such an honour to work with Nicolas—he’s a designer I admire so much and we share a mutual love of Japanese culture and style. To become a global brand ambassador is truly a dream come true for me,” said Osaka.
The announcement comes after an incredible few years for Osaka, winning the 2020 U.S. Open, as well as holding the titles of the highest-paid female athlete by Forbes and Sportsperson of the Year by Sports Illustrated.
Osaka, whose parents are Japanese and Haitian, has also been a vocal advocate of the Black Lives Matter movement, wearing face masks emblazoned with the names of Trayvon Martin, Elijah McClain, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and more at some of her most high-profile matches.
She also spoke out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, expressing, “Before I am an athlete, I am a Black woman.”
“Naomi is an exceptional woman who represents her generation and is also a role model for everyone. Her career and convictions are inspiring. I am in awe of Naomi, she stays true to herself and doesn’t compromise on her values,” said Ghesquière.
Celebrating the launch of the campaign, Osaka wrote on Instagram: “Funny story: I first bought my mom a LV bag when I was 16 as a birthday present and it’s kinda been a tradition since. Do I call this a full circle moment? Yes.”
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