Swedish chain H&M’s first collection developed with Czech tennis star Tomas Berdych brings together style and performance for the heat of competition. And yes, the athlete acts as a brand ambassador and co-designs its first ever line of tennis wear.
The company has signed a long-term partnership with Czech-born tennis player Tomas Berdych, who is currently ranked 6th in the world. The 27 year-old will act as an H&M ambassador both on and off the court, and work closely with H&M design team on a tennis collection which will launch in stores later this year.
“I love fashion, and it’s great to now have H&M to help me develop my tennis and off-court apparel” said Berdych. He added: “I’m sure we will do great things together”. H&M’s CEO Karl-Johan Persson said he was “so happy to welcome Tomas to the H&M family,” calling him an “exciting player”.
The pieces, which Tomas Berdych will wear for the first time at the US Open in August, have all had input from the Czech-born player, with whom H&M recently signed a long-term partnership. Inspiration has come from utility, bringing khakis and light greys to the tennis court, with bomber jacket ribbed detailing on the T-shirts. A graded honeycomb print adds pattern to T-shirts, shorts as well as caps to keep out the sun. Mesh panels are added to competition pieces to allow the body to breathe, while the technical smart fabric is breathable, quick drying, and feels cool and easy.
Tomas has had input at every level of design, from the initial sketches, right through to testing the function of the garments: pockets, for example, are deep enough so that balls stay in place. Accessories include grass cap, and cuffs too.
Do note that the on-court pieces will be sold in selected H&M stores worldwide from August 5th.
