Even Brunello Cucinelli, the notoriously fad-averse label known for pioneering "quiet luxury," isn't immune to the recent buzz around tennis-inspired fashion.
The Italian clothier, founded in 1978 by Mr. Brunello Cucinelli himself, just unveiled a collection of ultra-luxe tennis whites, from pleated mini-skirts to crisp polo shirts.
Cucinelli's timing is spot-on. The range — which starts at $290 for striped sweatbands and climbs to $3,895 for a sporty, cable-knit dress — comes as buzz builds for Challengers, Luca Guadagnino's upcoming drama set against the tennis court.
Starring Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy-turned coach who enters a messy love triangle with two fellow athletes, the film is costumed by Jonathan Anderson of LOEWE, who is also supplying custom red carpet looks for its press tour.
Thanks to Anderson's forward-thinking twist on tennis dressing — not to mention Zendaya's sartorial clout — "tenniscore" is becoming one of 2024's top-of-mind trends.
Brunello Cucinelli's new collection might not feature tennis ball stilettos or sequined tennis dresses (eye-catching statement pieces Zendaya has donned at recent Challengers premieres), but it is filled with classics fit for the court and the country club.
A boxy, cropped polo can be paired with slouchy poplin trousers, or French terry shorts trimmed in navy blue. White Bermuda shorts, knit cardigans, and ventilated caps are all emblazoned with Brunello Cucinelli's sleek tennis racquet crest.
It's enough to make you want to hit the court and enter a high-stakes affair of your own.
