Friday 8 July 2011

Wimbledon Fashion Through The Ages

Tennis Fashion: Maud Watson defeated her sister Lilian in the championship final in 1884
Maud Watson [left] defeated her sister Lillian [right] in the inaugural ladies championship final in 1884. White clothing was worn as it helped mask perspiration.

Tennis Fashion: 15-year-old British tennis player Lottie Dod
Fifteen-year old British tennis player Lottie Dod in 1890, who won Wimbledon in a calf-length skirt. The shorter length was allowed as she was still a schoolgirl.

Tennis Fashion: May Sutton Bundy won the Women's Tennis Single's championship
May Sutton Bundy, the first American to win the women's single's championship, pictured in action. She caused a stir in 1905 by rolling back the cuffs of her dress, revealing her wrists. The sleeves, she complained, were "too long and too hot"


Tennis Fashion: Daring French tennis player Suzanne Lenglen competing at Wimbledon in 1926
Daring French tennis player Suzanne Lenglen, competing at Wimbledon in 1926. Elizabeth Ryan, winner of 19 Wimbledon titles, said of Lenglen, "All women players should go on their knees in thankfulness to Suzanne for delivering them from the tyranny of corsets." Lenglen wore a flimsy, revealing calf-length cotton frock with short sleeves


Tennis Fashion: Californian tennis player Helen Wills Moody
Californian tennis player Helen Wills Moody during a semi-final match at Wimbledon in 1933. Wills Moody made the golf-style eyeshade fashionable and played in a white blouse and pleated skirt


Tennis Fashion: American tennis player Alice Marble at Wimbledon in June 1937
American tennis player Alice Marble at Wimbledon in 1937. Marble favoured tailored flannel shorts and 
crewneck T-shirts in a more masculine fashion statement


Ladies of Wimbledon: Dan Maskall Coaches Women Players at Wimbledon
Dan Maskell coaches nine of Britain's leading women tennis players at Wimbledon in December 1946. Left to right: Kay Menzies, Jean Quertier, Joy Gannon, Molly Lincoln Blair, PJ Halford and Betty Passingham


Ladies of Wimbledon: American tennis player Billie Jean Moffitt in 1965
American tennis player Billie Jean King, seen here in 1965, made the headlines for her performance, not her outfits


Ladies of Wimbledon: Australian tennis player Margaret Court in 1971
Outfits became shorter and tighter in the 70s, as seen on Australian player Margaret Court in 1971


Wimbledon fashion: Steffi Graf in 1999
In the 80s and 90s, breathable and lightweight fabrics were developed, as seen on Steffi Graf in 1999


Ladies of Wimbledon: Anna Kournikova in 2002
The focus switched to looks, with Anna Kournikova [seen here in 2002] and others wearing ever-short outfits.


Ladies of Wimbledon: Maria Sharapova celebrates a point during the women's singles in 2008
More fashion-focused elements were introduced, such as Maria Sharapova's tuxedo style top in 2008.


Ladies of Wimbledon: Serena Williams returns in the women's grand final, July 2010
Last year, Serena managed to sneak some hot pink into her Wimbledon outfit.

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