The U.S. Open: Afterpay Celebrates Tennis Legends with Custom Capsule Collection
The U.S. Open is in full swing as the world’s top players gather at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for the final Grand Slam tournament of the year. But it’s not just the players making headlines – Afterpay has joined in on the fun with a custom capsule collection honoring trailblazers who have left their mark on the sport.
Capturing the excitement of the tennis fever currently sweeping through Flushing Meadows, New York, Afterpay has teamed up with the estate of Arthur Ashe to create a unique collection that pays tribute to the legendary tennis player. The collection includes a hoodie, t-shirt, headwear, and smaller accessories like a water bottle and tennis balls for avid fans of the sport.
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Honoring the Legacy of Arthur Ashe
This time, Afterpay is celebrating the career of Arthur Ashe, a tennis star and passionate advocate for civil rights and social justice issues such as education, public health, and youth access to sports. The Arthur Ashe brand carries on the torch and legacy of the late athlete, who remains the only Black American male to win the U.S. Open Championship and singles titles at Wimbledon.
The Arthur Ashe x Afterpay capsule collection is a collaboration between photographer and graphic artist Jeanne Moutoussamy, the Arthur Ashe estate, Rowing Blazers’ creative director and founder Jack Carlson, and art director Karl-Raphael Blanchard. Together, they are ensuring that Arthur Ashe’s legacy continues to inspire new generations.
A Nostalgic and Whimsical Aesthetic
From an aesthetic standpoint, the Arthur Ashe x Afterpay collection also pays homage to the iconic fashion identity of Ashe in the ’70s. Bold color palettes, funky detailing, and contemporary graphical designs subvert classic tennis silhouettes, creating a nostalgic and whimsical feel.
Highlights of the Collection
The Arthur Ashe x Afterpay capsule collection features a co-branded hoodie with the classic Arthur Ashe logo on the front and custom chenille patches on the back commemorating Ashe’s Grand Slam titles in 1968, 1970, and 1975. The collection also includes a t-shirt with blue lettering and Afterpay’s signature Bondi Mint tone on the interior tags.
Lifestyle essentials round out the collection, including a classic snapback hat, a monochromatic tote bag, and on-the-go items like a reusable water bottle and tennis balls for those hitting the court.
Experience the Collection in Person
To fully immerse in NYC’s tennis culture, Afterpay is hosting an experiential event at 41 Division St. on September 4 and 5. Open to the public, shoppers will have the opportunity to view the Arthur Ashe x Afterpay capsule collection in person and celebrate the legacy of this iconic tennis legend.
