Nike honors Li Na with "Be the Bird that Sticks Out" campaign

Nike has announced a brand campaign to honor Li Na called "Be the Bird that Sticks Out." The image is of a phoenix spreading its wings and it captures "Li’s pioneering spirit of daring to stand out, and encourages young people to have the courage to follow their dreams." She referenced the phrase in the Facebook post announcing her retirement earlier today.

Here's what Nike said about the campaign and its meaning:

The campaign, "Be the Bird that Sticks Out," derives from the Chinese proverb, "The bird that sticks out always gets shot,” a stern reminder to keep in line, follow the rules and be aware of the perils of resisting convention. Li boldly provided an example of someone who stood for what she believed in. She chose her own path outside of the traditional system and soared to a level of success that few Chinese athletes have reached. By following her instincts, Li became one of the best tennis players in the world and forever changed the game in China. Li’s strong will and determination deliver a clear message: History and records are often rewritten by birds that dare to stand out.

It's a beautiful image and tribute. Very fitting for Li. 

[Photo(s) credit: Nike]

FASHION FIX: Nike and fragment design introduce Nike Court collection

Nike Tennis and Hiroshi Fujiwara’s fragment design label have collaborated on Nike Court, a new capsule collection debuting today during a pre-US Open event in Tribeca, New York. The streetwear designs are inspired by some of Nike's classic tennis styles with modern updates.

The Herrington Jacket is constructed from lightweight fabric and features white zips, stitched detailing, and a mock neck.

The Polo features blue accents on white cotton, as well as ergonomic seams for ease of movement.

The Tennis Classic features a crisp white leather upper and sole is accented with a contrasting heel patch in either blue suede or grey snakeskin embossed leather, while a perforated Swoosh adds a fresh detail to the minimal sneaker.

The Half-Zip features a zip-off adjustable hood, drawstring hem, and large center pocket. A mesh lining and mock-neck collar offer breathability and lightweight warmth.

Personally, I love this collection. Clean, sleek, classic styles with a streetwise sensibility. Plus, Rafa is in the ad. You really can't go wrong.

All the styles are available at NikeLab.com. 

[Photo(s) credit: Nike Tennis]

FASHION FIX: Nike US Open looks for Serena, Sharapova, and Azarenka

Along with the duds Nike unveiled for their boys, the sportswear giant released images and information on what their lady ballers will be wearing at the US Open. It seems like they're trying to go for some eye-catching, chatter-inducing styles for Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, and Victoria Azarenka this year. If that's the case, then it's working.

Yes, you're looking at leopard print for the Serena Dress, the choice for her day matches. They've been teasing the print during the hard-court tune-ups but in a tank-top version. I didn't mind it so much as a one piece of a total kit, but as an entire dress and in THAT color? Hmmmm.

We all know Maria likes to push the on-court fashion envelope from time to time. See Exhibits A, B, and C. I could go on and on but I'll just stop there. She started teasing the idea of making the biker shorts a more prominent part of her kit during her championship run at Roland Garros this year. You could tell the dress' hemline was taken up so they would show better. The Maria Day Tunic takes it to the extreme, ditching the dress style completely for a tunic. Usually, tunics are a bit more roomy to give the silhouette volume on top paired with a slim look on the bottom. Because the top of this kit is skin tight for performance purposes, the Russian just looks like she decided to wear an apron to the court. Perhaps Forbes' highest-paid female athlete on the planet will be taking drink orders on the changeovers.

I won't go too much into Vika's US Open kit because it's very similar to the one she wore in Stanford. The only difference in this particular image, and it's a major one for me, is that they've dropped the MAGICAL SHORTS for the Printed Pleated Woven Skirt. I much prefer the shorts Vika's wearing in the top photo of this post; they've become her trademark. Hopefully she'll bust them out and not this skirt (although on its own I like it).

Here are the duds Maria (left) and ReRe (right) will be wearing for their night matches. Unfortunately, from what I can tell, there's nothing shiny, shimmery, or eye-catching here. Too bad. These kits really could have used some pops of color or something to make them special. I mean, they are for the US Open night matches.

[Photo(s) credit: Nike]

FASHION FIX: Nike US Open looks for Nadal, Federer, and Dimitrov

The season's final major, the US Open, is less than two weeks away and Nike just officially released the duds for their top ballers. Here's a run down of what their boys will be wearing, including Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Grigor Dimitrov.

The status of Rafa and the defense of his title at Flushing Meadows is still up in the air (we should all reportedly know something by end of week) but what he'll be working isn't anymore. There were rumors about the Spaniard going back to sleeveless a while ago and I had a few things to say and so did others (see comments). Well, it's confirmed #TeamSleeveless. He'll be working the Advantage Premier Rafa Sleeveless, classic Premier Rafa Jacket, the Premier Gladiator Shorts, and the Lunar Ballistec. I'm really loving the varsity-style Premiere Rafa Jacket. Must. Purch.

Fed will be going for his sixth US Open title while wearing the Nike Advantage Premier RF Polo, Nike Premier RF Sweater, Nike Gladiator Premier Shorts and the Nike Zoom Vapor 9.5 Tour. This color combo is much better than the green-on-green polo and grey shorts he's been wearing during the hard-court swing. The blue contrast gives the polo some pop.

After reaching his first major semifinal at Wimbledon, Grisha will look to go a couple of steps further in his Advantage Polo, Nike Freestyle Short, and Nike Sphere Tennis Jacket. I've been a fan of how they've outfitted Grisha this season, especially the Touch Stripe Tennis Henleys he wore in the spring. You could say I'm a sucker for stripes. But I'm going to take a wait-and-see approach on this polo with the mismatched sleeves. It's fun and a bit off-beat. The Bulgarian just might be able to pull it off. I wonder if Maria Sharapova had to sign off on this look.

Here are the looks for Federer's and Nadal's night matches. They're dark. Because night.

[Photo(s) credit: Nike]

FASHION FIX: Victoria Azarenka loses to Venus Williams but wins in Nike

Last night we were treated to an all out battle of WTA titans when former top lady ballers Venus Williams and Victoria Azarenka faced off in the Stanford second round. There was much anticipation for this match up and it didn't disappoint. They both hit stinging groundies and created acute angles as they ran each other to all parts of the court.

The pair had played three times before this match with the American winning all in straights sets. During the match, you could see why. Vika's favorite pattern is to go cross court with her backhand to open up her opponent's forehand side for her down-the-line shot. But Venus' backhand is also her favorite and she holds her own, and then some, against the Belarusians' play. In fact, Venus' all-around game, when at her best, is superior to Vika's. And last night it was again. Since Wimbledon her game has been on point. Vintage, I dare say.

It was Vika's 25th birthday yesterday and, unfortunately, she was hit with another loss to Venus, this time 6-4, 7-6 (1), and a fall out of the top 10 to number 11 in the WTA rankings (switch places with Ana Ivanovic). It's not a surprise since she has tons of ranking points to defend after her great summer last season. She's still shaking off the rust from her injury layoff and should be back to full form soon.

Vika did get some new Nike duds for her birthday match. The now 25-year old was working the Fall Premier Sleeveless Polo in fuchsia and grey and the Fall Victory Short in grey. It's a very sporty look with the classic sleeveless polo getting a severe update. The shorts, of course, are MAGICAL for Vika. If you remember, she first starting wearing shorts for matches during her victorious run to the 2012 Australian Open title. Even though other lady ballers have worn shorts, they've become something of a trademark for her. Sadly, the MAGIC didn't rub off last night.

There was plenty of grumbling on Twitter about this kit. Some liked it while others just hated on it (try "horrid" and "terrible"). Personally, I liked the look for her. It's bold and she prefers to be a little out of the box (think: RedFoo). It certainly doesn't resemble anything else out there right now and that's a good thing. When Nike tries to put her in uber-feminine looks, it never works. Vika has the body type and attitude to pull this look off. One thing: She did seem to be fiddling with the top a little bit which could mean a fit issue or something. Otherwise, it's a winner for me.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

FASHION FIX: Nike or adidas kicks?

It pays to be a baller. Check out the swag Nike sent Grigor Dimitrov and adidas gave to Fernando Verdasco recently. They're similar in style but which one is better? I'll take the Nikes, pleeeeease.



Grisha: "Fortunate to have @nike supporting me with only the best and the most unique products! Always keeping me fresh! Nike Air Force 1! #SpecialEditionRio"



Fer: "Special delivery from Adidas"

FASHION FIX: Betterer isn't just for Federer anymore

Now you can be Betterer, too. This Nike RF V-Neck tee ($40) is also available in heather grey. Git it.

[Photo(s) credit: Tennis Warehouse]

FASHION FIX: Welcome to a Nike Wimbledon

Hiya. Yes, it’s been a long break but certainly not as long as a Maria Sharapova mid-match dress change, no? It feels good to be back and right before my fave Grand Slam of the year, Wimbledon.

First, let me catch you up on what’s been going on. Let’s see. Well, we’re moving to LA in September, which is pretty insane. I love NYC and it will always have a place in my heart, but sometimes a change is in order. Now I’m California dreamin’ as it were. Think about it – I’ll be getting to play tennis all year long. Why yes, I’ll take it.

We also began the adoption process. Raising children has always been a dream and this year we finally started to make it happen. I would say by this time next year we could be PARENTS. Cray. There were some smaller things that have happened, but those are the significant ones.

I still kept up with the on- and off-court happenings in the tennis world, including the best women's major final in FOREVAH at Roland Garros. Pretty exhilarating stuff from Sharapova and Simona Halep. The men's final had its share of drama, but at long last it didn't outshine the quality and fierceness of the ladies'. But seeing Rafael Nadal capture 9 French Open titles and tie Pete Sampras with 14 was something special. Wait, isn't someone supposedly getting married this weekend? Speaking of marriage, you're better of without him, Woz. TRUST.

Anyway, what's more fitting than a fashion post to kick things off? Nike just released the Wimby duds for their top ballers, although Li Na is mysteriously absent. Your guess is as good as mine. You can click on each image for a closer look.

Rafael Nadal. The men’s top baller will be attempting to win his third Wimbledon title while working the 2014 Premier Rafa Crew, redesigned Nike Premier Rafa Jacket, and the Nike Gladiator Premier 7-inch Shorts.

Roger Federer. The Swiss will be hoping to add to his record 17 major titles at SW19 while showcasing the Nike Premier RF Polo, Nike Premier RF Cover-Up, Nike Gladiator Premier 9-inch Shorts and the Nike Zoom Vapor 9.5 Tour.

According to Fed, "The goal for my footwear and apparel is always lightness, comfort and style. What I'm wearing has to look good, be as breathable as possible and let me be faster to the ball. You can see in what I'm wearing for London that we've honored the tradition and elegance of this tournament, but that there is still real innovation in the fabrics and tailoring of my apparel that reflects my personal style and gives me the best chance of winning."

Grigor Dimitrov. He may have fallen at the first hurdle of Roland Garros, but Grisha will be feeling good with the grass finally under his Nike-clad feet. The Bulgarian will be styling the Nike Advantage UV Crew made from Dri-FIT UV fabric and the Nike Gladiator 2-in-1 Shorts.

Serena Williams. Wanna bet ReRe is gearing up for an all-out assault on the slick stuff after her humiliating defeat in Paris? She’ll take on pretenders for the crown wearing the all-white unique Nike Novelty Knit Dress that features a front bodice crafted from sweat-wicking Dri-FIT jersey fabric.

The world’s top lady baller has this to say about her partnership with Nike: "It's always a fun challenge when I work with Nike Tennis to create looks and clothing that let me express myself and my unique style while respecting the tournament. What I wear on-court is a key part of my advantage out there, so we focus on making my dress lightweight and allowing for full movement while not compromising on style."

Maria Sharapova. After capturing her second title in the City of Light, Sharapova will be looking to do the same in London where she will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of her run to the title as a scrawny but feisty 17-year old. The Russian will be working the unique Nike Premier Maria Dress “specially designed for superior ergonomics while projecting a luxurious silhouette.” Her kicks will be a white and gold NikeiD version of the iconic Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour. Additionally, Eugenie Bouchard and Madison Keys will be showcasing the Maria Team Collection that features the Nike Premier Maria Skirt paired with the Nike Premier Maria Tank.

Victoria Azarenka. The Belarussian basher has been hobbled by a niggling foot injury for the last three months, but she plans to return to action at Eastbourne. Vika will mark her arrival on the pristine lawns of the All England Club wearing the Nike Advantage Solid Tank, Nike Printed Pleated Woven Skirt combination and Nike Lunar Ballistec footwear.

All the styles are available at Nike.com.

(via NikeInc.com)

FASHION FIX: Nike spring looks for Serena, Sharapova, Azarenka, and Li

It's spring, right?! Uh, not quite. Winter is still hanging on here in NYC, clinging to life with its frozen talons (can you tell I hate winter?). At least there are parts of the world and this country where it's bright, warm, and people are half dressed. Miami is one of those places, and it's where the ATP and WTA tours are heading for the second Masters 1000 and Premier tourneys, respectively, at the Sony Open. You can see the draws here.

It's also where Nike is debuting some of their spring looks for their lady ballers. Check 'em out:

Top seed Serena Williams will be wearing the Force Pleated Knit Dress. The spring-esque color blocking, which I love, reminds me that spring is officially starting tomorrow. BUT YOU WOULDN'T KNOW IT BECAUSE IT WAS SNOWING HERE. YEAH, SNOWING.

Indian Wells champ and third seed Maria Sharapova will be, of course, working duds from her eponymous collection for Nike including the Premier Maria Tank paired with the Premier Maria Skort. Nice green.

Why does it always seem Victoria Azarenka, the No. 2 seed, always gets the short end of the fashion stick with Nike? Her Australian Open dress was a flop, and this outfit - the Force Printed Tank with the Force Flouncy Woven Skort - isn't going to blind you with its incredibly fashionable design. And that includes the disco print on the straps.

Here's the plus and it's a big one: SHE'S BACK. It will be fantastic to see fifth seed Li Na in action after being out since rehabbing the ankle she injured during her run to the Australian Open final. She'll be working the Force Pure Tennis Top paired with the Pleated Knit Skirt. Pretty basic and typical for her. I'm just excited she's showing up at all.

[Photo(s) credit: Nike Tennis Facebook Page]

PHOTO OP: This hand is making its comeback

That's what almost eight months out looks like? Good grief.

[Photo(s) credit: Nike Tennis]

VIDEO VAULT: Nadal + Ronaldo + Nike = BRILLIANT

Footennis is SO very.

[Via Nike Football]

FASHION FIX: Nike puts Nadal in bold berry

I haven't really liked much of what Nike has given Rafael Nadal this season. It's not that any of it was full-on fug or anything. The duds just didn't make an impression. This week in Tokyo, the Spaniard broke out the Men's Winter Rafa Ace Masters Crew ($65) in bold berry that features a funky graphic on the bottom front and back. While it's still pretty basic I'm LOVING this color - it's deep, rich and looks really good against his skin tone. Plus, it feels fresh next to all the red that's been littering the ATP World Tour - major points.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

US OPEN FASHION PREVIEW: Nike styles for Nadal, Federer, Serena, Sharapova, Li and Azarenka

This time of year always fills me with joy mixed with a bit of sadness. The US Open is coming and the excitement builds inside me as I walk around New York City confronted by signs it's almost here. The "It Must Be (fill in the blank)" ads are all over the place with graffiti scribbled on, ballers' eyes scratched out and penises drawn into their wide open mouths with marker. It's like a rite of passage in these parts AND I LOVE IT.

But the arrival of the US Open also means we're entering the end of the Grand Slam tennis season and it makes me sad. Don't get me wrong. The fall indoor season is nice and the end of year tourneys are important. But nothing does me as good as a knock down, bare knuckle fifth set bruiser or a ladies' 3-set epic with everything on the line. You'd think I'd be used to the feeling of the majors passing but every year it's the same.

Something that always tickles me in my happy place (no, not Nole sweaty and shirtless this time), though, is Grand Slam tennis fashion. So let's take a look at what Nike has for their boys and girls starting with defending champ Rafael Nadal. He's wearing the Fall Rafa Ace Court Crew in white with sonic yellow ($65) paired with the Fall Woven Short ($65) in black for the day. For his night matches he'll be wearing the same top but in treasure blue with sonic yellow paired with the same short in obsidian navy with white.

Check out the US Open duds for Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Li Na and Victoria Azarenka after the jump!

FASHION FIX: The polo returns in red for Federer in Paris

No one would have blamed Roger Federer for feeling a little nervous today. For his first round match at Roland Garros the former top baller was facing the man who almost took him out in Madrid, Feliciano Lopez, a few weeks ago. But today was a different day as a focused Fed dispatched of the Spaniard in straights sets 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (3). It wasn't the cleanest match by either baller (shanktastic!) but you can be sure the Swiss was happy to get that one out of the way. He next faces French eye candy Maxime Teixeira for a spot in the third round. 

Fed also returned to form with his on-court fashion. Since March Madness Nike had been outfitting the Swiss in collarless, high-V neck shirts that seemed, oh, a bit off somehow. Like he was out for a practice or his neck was naked. But, alas, the collars have returned in the shape of a polo - the Trophy Stripe Polo ($80) to be exact! Here it is in sport red:

The polo is paired with the Trophy Woven Shorts (about $48) in white which features cute contrast piping on the pocket:

Rounding out the RG kit I give you the Lunar Vapor 8 Tour ($120) in sport red + white:

Look, it was a nice change to see him in something other than a polo since that's what he wears 99.9999% of the time on court. But if you were to ask me what I thought he looked best in I'd still say the polo. It works well on him. He's all about classic design with pops of color here and there (and this red is a strong choice) and not the technotronic trends that are so popular right now. He's a bit of throwback as we all know.

So, I don't know about you but I'm happy it's back.

[Photo(s): Nike, Alex Livesey/Getty Images]

VIDEO VAULT: Roland Garros Nike preview for Nadal, Federer and Sharapova

Nike Tennis recently released videos featuring Creative Director Janice Lucena and Footwear Development Director Gary McCourt discussing the inspiration and design for the kits Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova will be wearing during their Roland Garros campaigns. I'll have a review, including links for "where to buy", once play begins since you can never tell how the duds will fit until they're actually on the ballers.

In the meantime, enjoy these sneak peeks!

CHECK IT:



Baller: Rafael Nadal
Inspiration: Earth (derived from the four elements of air, fire, earth, water)



Baller: Roger Federer
Inspiration: Speed, racing



Baller: Maria Sharapova
Inspiration: Paris, The Eiffel Tower

[Via: NIKE TENNIS]

FASHION FIX: Li beats Benesova in Madrid, wears Nike Gridiron

Don't look now but Li Na is on a mini roll! Yes, I cheer for small favors. She ousted Czech Iveta Benesova 6-1 6-4 from the Madrid second round today, the first time the Chinese lady baller has won back-to-back matches since reaching the Australian Open final in January. Li took out Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez in her opening round match.

So what brought about this small turnaround? Well, Li's either missing that credit card badly (you know it's on severe lock down right now) or new coach Michael Mortensen is starting to make an impact. My guess? COMBO PLATTER.

Anyway, I'm really liking these Nike duds she's been wearing from the Gridiron Group this clay court swing. Obviously, we haven't seen much of it since she hasn't been winning but maybe we will now. Li's working the Smash Classic Top ($50) in white with gym pink and gridiron:

The top is paired with the Smash Classic Skort ($55) in gridiron with gym pink and white:

The combination of the gridiron, which seems to be similar to gun metal grey, and the pink gives a nice contrast. The accents of pink on the v of the tee, the bold stripe on the skort and the pops of it peeking out from the slits are pretty cool, too.

BONUS: Check out some of the stuff Li + Coach Morty have been focusing on during their practice sessions in this behind-the-scenes video. Look deeply into her eyes. You can really see how badly she wants it back. The credit card, I mean:

[Photo(s): Reuters, Tennis Warehouse]

FASHION FIX: Federer lets the polo go in Miami - sign o' the times?

Is it just me or did it jolt anyone else to see Roger Federer playing his opening round match at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami sans polo? Okay, 'jolt' is a strong word so how about 'supremely surprised'? He showed up working the Federer Trophy Men's Tennis Shirt ($70) in tech grey, gridiron, peach cream and white and proceeded to dismiss Radek Stepanek 6-3, 6-3 tying Pete Sampras with 762 career match wins. 

The last time I can recall seeing the Swiss stylist wearing something other than his fave polo look in a match was back in 2009 at Indian Wells where he reached the semifinals. This outfit definitely gives him a fresh feel but at the same time it's reminiscent of all the techno trends dominating both tours at the moment.

Now I wouldn't have thought too much about it, but earlier in the week I noticed another polo-loving baller, Ryan Harrison, stripped of his button front and collars and dressed in the Nike Men's Spring Challenger Gradated UV Crew ($50) in vibrant blue:

I, of course, had to let my thoughts known to those who may have been responsible i.e. Nike Tennis.

So is this a new trend for the sports apparel brand and/or on the tour or just a quick change up for these two ballers in Miami? Not sure. Listen, I'm all for switching things up but it's also nice to have throwback styles showcased on ballers like Fed, Ryan and even Milos Raonic + Richard Gasquet in Lacoste mixed in with these modern looks with their bright, sometimes acidic colorways. The balance, to me, is what's most important.

I guess we'll have to just wait and see.

[Photo(s): Federer via Al Bello/Getty Images; Harrison via Matthew Stockman/Getty Images]

FASHION FIX: Sharapova makes a "Statement" in her return to Miami

I'm not kidding when I say this: Her arm in that top right shot looks as long as my leg. Good GAWD woman.

Anyway, Maria Sharapova played her first match at the Sony Ericsson Open in three years last night defeating Croat Petra Martic 6-3, 6-2 in 66 minutes. The 3-time Grand Slammer had missed the tourney due to injuries but was thrilled to be back:

It has been way too long. This is one of my favorite events. It's crazy I've missed it this many years. I'm just so happy to be back. I love playing in front of this crowd, they're so enthusiastic. They love their sports and have that Latin flavor. It's fun.

Smart girl. She loves the chorizo, too.

Shrieka also busted out a new Nike dress for her return to Miami: the Maria Sharapova Cross Court Statement Dress ($110) in chlorine blue, copa and bronze. It features a side split hem for increased ventilation, Nike's Dri-FIT technology to help wick away sweat keeping those who wear it comfortable and bronze screen printing on the front and back for texture and contrast:

I'm liking this chlorine blue color on Shrieka. It works well against her fair complexion and softens her up a bit. However, the best part about this dress is the simplicity of the design. There's nothing tricky or complicated in the execution like we've witnessed in her more recent attempts - just a tank dress with a beautiful racer back. The tonal color palette is also a nice change from the color blocking they were using previously. It's a bit ironic they've named it the "Statement" dress when really it's the subtlety that makes it work well.

In any case, let's hope her game and not her fashion starts doing the talking. And soon, please.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

FASHION FIX: Azarenka ousts Niculescu, debuts Serena's Nike dress

With Serena Williams pulling out of the US Open with injury someone needed to step up and wear the dress designed for her by Nike. You know they weren't going to let it go to waste. And now we know who got it: Victoria Azarenka.

The Belarussian basher debuted the Women's NYC Control Court Dress ($90) in black during her topsy-turvy 6-0, 5-7, 6-1 first round victory over Romania's Monica Niculescu.

My first thought after seeing Vika in the dress? It's really not her style. This dress is def better than what she wore at the Nike event last week (which seemed like two unrelated pieces thrown together) but it feels older and not as fun and bright as her usual duds. The other colorway - blue laquer - would've been a better choice particularly for the day matches.

But, hey, maybe ReRe's Grand Slam magic will rub off on Vika and she'll finally break through. A happy accident, perhaps (and what lady baller couldn't use that?)


[Photo(s): Nick Laham/Getty Images]