Tennis Balls with Bling

The United States Tennis Association is a Client that I always think about in mid-August + when I frequently drive by the new stadium.  I was a consultant with the USTA for 5 years, responsible for designing the merchandising throughout the venue.  I determined how all the t-shirts, hats, towels + assorted paraphernalia would be displayed in all their signature retail venues.  That means I was on the ground weeks prior to the tournament with all the crews (camera, lighting, press room, food service, etc.)  That reminds me I need to find my most favorite pics of me on center court - with nobody in the stands. Mannequins, light boxes, hundreds of sku's, signage, etc.  Lots of last minute, rush orders, change orders, etc.  It was exciting for the young, but a seriously exhausting project with lots of people to oversee + answer to.  I guess it was great prep for a busy interior design business!

I am so glad those days are behind me but was inspired for joy of the event when I saw this feature in Vogue:

Taking inspiration from a classic tennis bracelet, Peter Som injected

“a little bling to the Har-Tru” with his glimmering, floral creation.

Drawing on the signature tangle of pearls and brass chains of her line

(an homage to both the nineties supermodel and Christian Lacroix), it’s

no wonder that Dana Lorenz’s tennis ball radiates an ultra-luxe punch.

Pamela Love’s rendition plays its own game of doubles with a

monogramed tennis ball pierced with the brand’s signature arrow.

“I have four arrow tattoos,” says Love, “so I thought, Why not?”

Says Karen Erickson: “When a ball has razzle-dazzle, it’s

easier to hit. When a girl plays tennis, she might as well sparkle.”

To celebrate her recently launched line of candy (aptly called Sugarpova),

the tennis pro applied her signature lip logo to a tennis ball and served up

a few edible mini versions to go with it.

 The boys behind Warby Parker must be Wes Anderson fans.

Dressed in a retro red sweatband and classic shades, their

design is clearly channeling Richie Tenenbaum's style.

Chris Peters and Shane Gabier’s tennis ball, wrapped in winding

flora, seems to have blossomed from the eclectic duo’s fall prints.

At first glance, Marcus Wainwright and David Neville’s ball

looks like the star of another field. But in leather and yarn accents,

this baseball-meets-tennis fusion scores a home run of its own.

For this, Tory Burch looked back on her opening serve in fashion and re-created

her first bugle beaded and crochet stitched, cotton-voile print from 2004.

Bolder than your average tennis ball, Eddie Borgo strikes a winning ace

with his characteristic cones and spikes.  Players, proceed at your own risk.

A classic print for a classic sport. Talk about love-all.

Covered in black lace and underlaid in snow-white felt, Lhuillier’s creation appears to

wear its own wedding dress. If only the game’s net and rackets were as delicate.

So which is your favorite?  Ball is in your court so let us know.....

Images John Manno for Vogue