honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Tennis serves fashion, beauty tips

By Samantha Critchell
Associated Press

Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova models Nike's new take on the little black dress. Inspired by Givenchy, the sporty number is made of patented Dri-Fit fabric, and has slits and an open back. The neckline is embellished by crystals. Sharapova will wear the dress during evening matches at the U.S. Open.

Nike

spacer spacer

NEW YORK — These days, a good sense of style seems just as important a tool for tennis stars as good racquets and sneakers.

The U.S. Open, which runs through Sept. 10 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, N.Y., is an opportunity for the Maria Sharapovas and Andy Roddicks of the world — and their sponsors — to show off what they think is the latest and greatest in athletic wear and beauty products.

Maybe it's no coincidence that the U.S. Open crosses its calendar with New York Fashion Week. Roddick even was on the sidelines of the catwalk last year at the Lacoste show. Here are some tennis tidbits:

  • People say a little black dress is right for every occasion. Sharapova puts that to the test during the U.S. Open, when she'll wear one during her evening matches. The Nike dress, inspired by Givenchy, takes some artistic — or athletic — liberties.

    It's made from a patented Dri-Fit fabric, with slits to allow for mobility, and the back is open to keep her cooler. Otherwise, it's more "Breakfast at Tiffany's" than center court. The dress has a neckline with crystal embellishment and an empire waistline with a black belt and bow.

    For her daytime matches, Sharapova, who is seeded third, will wear a more classic white tennis dress.

    Sharapova works with Nike to design her outfits, providing photos and commentary on her likes and dislikes. She describes her style as she does her personality — feminine and competitive.

  • It's so tempting to head into the clubhouse for a cool drink after a match, but what to do if all that running around took its toll on hair and makeup? Experts from the Warren-Tricomi Salons, which will have a temporary on-site salon catering to players and VIPs at the National Tennis Center, have some suggestions:

    Co-owner Edward Tricomi suggests using a cloth headband to pull hair back while playing instead of a ponytail holder, which will leave a dent. He also urges use of a leave-in conditioner to protect hair from UV rays. The heat from the sun also helps provide a deep conditioning treatment, so when you head inside, you'll have a soft, tousled look.

    If you do choose a ponytail, then slick hair back first and wear the ponytail low. Wrap the hair with an elastic band. Then take the ponytail, twist it and pin it for a classic chignon, Tricomi says.

    When you come off the court, shake hair loose, and use a volumizing spray at the roots.

    For the face, a tinted moisturizer with SPF is a good tennis partner, says makeup artist Kristie Streicher. These lightweight and sometimes oil-free formulas can have better wearability than regular foundations, she says, and because they're sheer, they won't leave sweat lines.

    Setting powder will help keep makeup from dripping and help it last longer. And, Streicher adds, waterproof mascara also means sweatproof mascara.

    Between the courts and the clubhouse, dab concealer and setting powder, which will erase shine. Swipe a sheer wash of color over the lids, cheeks and lips.