Naomi Osaka stepped onto the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium with a look that pulled straight from Allen Iverson’s influence. The custom outfit brought basketball style into the US Open before Osaka went on to win her match and move into the second round.
The Iverson influence was easy to spot. Osaka wore braids with a black-and-red headband, along with mismatched red and black arm sleeves, pulling from the same look Iverson made famous during his years with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Who Decides War took those references and gave them a completely different feel. Osaka’s outfit paired an oversized distressed grey hooded top with raw edges, patchwork, and layered details with a flowing white tulle skirt. It was more of a nod to Iverson’s style than a direct copy of anything he wore on the court.
Law Roach styled the look, while Ev Bravado and Téla D’Amore of Who Decides War created the custom design. Osaka has used the US Open plenty of times to show more of her personality through fashion, and this time she chose someone who has had a real influence on her.
Osaka has spoken about Iverson as a trailblazer, especially when it comes to the way athletes dress and express themselves. She also credited him with helping change how fashion is viewed in sports, even if that was never something he set out to do.
The tribute stayed with her after the walkout. Osaka kept the black-and-red headband and arm sleeves on during the match, carrying the Iverson reference onto the court as she secured her place in the second round.
