At a Glance
- Naomi Osaka debuted a jellyfish-inspired look at the Australian Open on Jan. 20, 2026.
- The design was created by Robert Wun, inspired by Osaka’s 2-year-old daughter, Shai.
- A butterfly motif from Osaka’s 2021 match was woven into the ensemble.
- The outfit underscores Osaka’s growing role as a fashion icon beyond the tennis court.
Naomi Osaka surprised fans at the 2026 Australian Open by wearing a striking jellyfish-themed outfit. The look, designed by Robert Wun, drew inspiration from her daughter and a memorable butterfly moment from a previous tournament. The ensemble highlights Osaka’s continued influence in both sports and style.
Design Inspiration
Osaka’s daughter, Shai, sparked the idea. While reading a marine-themed story to her, Osaka noted, “There was an image of a jellyfish, and when I showed it to her she got so excited.” This moment became the seed for the entire collection.
The design process also revisited a viral butterfly scene from Osaka’s 2021 Australian Open match. After sending moodboards, Osaka recalled, “After we sent over our moodboards, Robert came back with a reference that really touched me: the butterfly moment from Australian Open 2021.”
Robert Wun explained his intent: “I wanted to revisit that story and weave it into this design and collaboration.” He aimed to merge the exoskeletal feel of jellyfish with the delicate symbolism of the butterfly.
The Outfit Details
The ensemble blends aquatic and athletic aesthetics:
- Top: Tie-dye turquoise and green zip-up with organic tendrils dripping from the sleeves.
- Layer: Coordinating racerback beneath the zip-up.
- Bottoms: Pleated miniskirt over wide-leg white pants.
- Hat: Oversized brim with a gauzy white veil and butterflies perched on top.
The hat’s butterfly detail was a nod to the 2021 moment, a simple yet powerful image that went viral when Osaka gently brushed a butterfly off her face.
> “One of the looks from my fall 2024 collection was inspired by her moment at court, when a butterfly landed on her face mid-match. A simple, beautiful scene that went viral as she gently placed it aside,” Wun added.
Collaboration with Robert Wun
Robert Wun, known for work with Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, and Cardi B, brought a fantastical vision to the project. He described the collaboration as “the birth of something new,” adding that the design felt “symbolic of energy, transformation, and excitement.”
The partnership exemplifies how Osaka blends high fashion with athletic performance, turning pre-match attire into a storytelling medium.
Personal Reflections
Osaka’s journey into motherhood reshaped her outlook on tennis. In an interview with News Of Los Angeles in August 2025, she said, “I was one of those people that thought when I had a kid I would stop playing tennis.”
She continued, “While I was pregnant, I was kind of very inspired. I also wanted my daughter to be able to see me play tennis. It was such a big part of my life and I feel like she doesn’t know it, but she definitely inspired me to continue.”
Osaka welcomed Shai with rapper Cordae, 28, in July 2023, and has been open about how the experience altered her priorities and fueled her determination on the court.
Timeline of Key Moments
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Butterfly moment at Australian Open |
| 2024 | Fall collection inspired by the butterfly |
| 2025 | Debut of crystal-encrusted Labubu at US Open |
| 2026 | Jellyfish-inspired outfit at Australian Open |
Key Takeaways
- Osaka’s jellyfish look demonstrates her evolution from athlete to fashion icon.
- The design is a homage to her daughter’s fascination with marine life and a viral butterfly moment.
- Robert Wun’s creative direction merges the fluidity of jellyfish with the elegance of a butterfly.
- Osaka’s motherhood has deepened her connection to tennis, driving her to continue competing.
The 2026 Australian Open outfit is more than a costume; it’s a narrative about family, inspiration, and the transformative power of sport and style.
