Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk has captured the attention of fans and media alike at Wimbledon, not only for her strong performance on the court but also for her striking, bridal-inspired tennis attire. Building on the success of a similar design last year, Kostyuk debuted a new “Marta Dress 2.0” for the current tournament, featuring a performance-ready lace pattern reminiscent of a wedding veil.
A Viral Sensation: The Evolution of the Marta Dress
Kostyuk’s foray into bridal-inspired tennis fashion began at the 2024 Madrid Open, where she wore a replica of her own wedding gown, designed by her kit sponsor Wilson. This initial design, featuring a sheer white overlay atop a sleeveless dress, quickly gained traction online. For Wimbledon 2024, Wilson and Kostyuk collaborated again to create the “Marta Dress 2.0,” a refined version that maintains the elegant aesthetic while prioritizing athletic functionality.
According to Wilson, the new design is a “sophisticated two-piece construction consisting of a bra, vest and skirt system.” The outfit is accented with technical lace detailing, which the brand states “elevates the look while maintaining the functionality required at the highest levels of the sport.” Despite its delicate appearance, the material is engineered with a four-way stretch performance weave, designed to be durable and allow for unrestricted movement.
Kostyuk’s Vision and Collaboration
The limited-edition “Marta Dress 2.0” was a personal project for Kostyuk. “To have a dress named after me, that was envisioned by me, feels absolutely surreal,” she shared following the design’s launch. She expressed her satisfaction with the collaborative process, stating, “Working with the Wilson team, especially Joelle, has been nothing short of amazing- I am able to help create looks that not only look beautiful, but are meant to perform on-court.”
The dress, priced at £150, was made available for purchase, but its popularity led to a rapid sell-out, underscoring the strong fan reception to the unique design. The blend of high fashion and athletic wear proved to be a winning combination, resonating with spectators.
Fan Reaction and On-Court Presence
The elegant design of the “Marta 2.0” dress has drawn widespread praise from fans. Following her opening-round victory against Nadia Podoroska, Kostyuk shared a video of herself twirling on court, showcasing the skirt’s fluidity. She captioned the post, “first dance complete,” a nod to the bridal inspiration. Fans responded enthusiastically, with comments flooding in, calling the dress “beautiful” and “the best outfit on tour.” One supporter declared it “the dress of my dreams.”
The double-layer skirt, in particular, has been noted for its graceful movement, drawing comparisons to both ballet tutus and traditional wedding gowns in motion. The lightness and elegance of the outfit were further acknowledged by sponsor Wilson, which posted tennis ball and ballet shoe emojis in response to Kostyuk’s “first dance” post.
A Legacy in Tennis Fashion
Kostyuk’s 2024 Wimbledon ensemble is not just a fleeting fashion statement; it has the potential to become a significant piece in tennis history. Her previous bridal-inspired kit from 2024 has already been acquired by the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, located at the All England Club, securing its place in the sport’s archival collection.
The 24-year-old’s stylish attire has complemented her impressive performance on grass courts this season. Coming off a highly successful clay-court season, which included a title win in Madrid and a semi-final appearance at the French Open, Kostyuk has continued her strong run at Wimbledon. She advanced through the initial rounds with victories over Nadia Podoroska and Anna Blinkova, demonstrating her readiness for the challenges ahead.
Wimbledon’s Fashion Landscape
Marta Kostyuk’s distinctive outfit is part of a broader trend of players investing more attention into their on-court presentation at this year’s Championships. Other notable fashion moments include Naomi Osaka’s ensemble, inspired by traditional Japanese ceremonial dress, and the men’s side of the draw featuring players like Taylor Fritz and Novak Djokovic who have adopted more formal looks, drawing inspiration from Roger Federer’s iconic 2006 blazer style.
As Kostyuk prepares for her third-round match against American player Emma Navarro, her unique blend of athletic prowess and fashion-forward design continues to make her a standout figure at Wimbledon, captivating audiences both on and off the court.
Looking Ahead
Marta Kostyuk’s journey at Wimbledon is proving to be a highlight reel of both athletic achievement and sartorial innovation. The “Marta Dress 2.0” has not only garnered significant fan admiration but also solidified her reputation as a player who brings a unique flair to the game. Her ability to combine personal style with the demands of professional tennis, all while performing at a high level, makes her a compelling figure in the sport. As the tournament progresses, fans will undoubtedly be watching to see how her performance and fashion choices continue to evolve.
