Naomi Osaka keeps up with surprises this time around announcing she is Victoria’s Secret Vs Collective new face.
Osaka announced to her fans via Instagram the new deal which she has signed officially. Secret Vs Collective is an initiative by the fashion brand to women from diverse backgrounds to collaborate and work on corporate partnerships.
“Happy to finally share that I am joining the @victoriassecret #VSCollective Very excited and proud to join an incredible group of women. Wouldn’t have thought this was possible as a child and I’m so glad there’s more representation in the world now. Can’t wait to share/show you guys how I’ll be partnering with VS.”
Naomi Osaka. Photo/The Independent
The four-time Grand Slam champion joins globally acclaimed models Paloma Elsesser, Hailey Beiber and Valentino Sampaio at Victoria’s Secret.
Osaka, a former world No.1 told WWD that she was always inspired by VS’ work when she was little. Nonetheless, she wondered why none of the women on the store’s walls had a woman look like her.
“I remember going into stores when I was a kid and wondering why none of the women on the wall looked like me. Now, as a collective, we can inspire the next generation from all different backgrounds, cultures, and sizes. That represents such progress to me.”
Victoria’s Secret chief design officer chief design officer Janie Schaffer said their choice for Osaka was by default because she a natural. Thus she adds to the impact of Victoria’s Secret Vs Collective.
Schaffer said the enterprise loves Osaka’s positivity and the role she plays in inspiring women across the world.
“We are honoured to be partnering with Naomi to help drive positive change,” she said.
This couldn’t have come at a better time than now when Osaka is back to practice readying to 2022 WTA Tour. She is expected to star in the Australian Open 2022 after a hiatus.
Osaka took an indefinite leave after being elbowed out of the U.S Open in September. She went on vacation in Greece.
A few weeks ago, she posted several photos while she was in practice and went ahead to thank her fans for their kindness.
“Kinda rusty but feels good to be back. I really want to say thank you everyone for all the kind messages, I really appreciate it,” Osaka captioned the photo of her on a tennis court holding a racket.
For the 2021 season, Osaka has not had it easy on the court. It’s been a trying time for her. It has been a rollercoaster of a season for her and a sabbatical from the court was needed.
Osaka pulled off from the French Open and the Wimbledon citing her mental health was at stake.
Naomi Osaka in Greece. Photo: Naomi Osaka
At the U.S Open, her resilience was pushed even harder when she lost to World number 73 Canadian tennis player Leylah Fernandez, she was devastated.
The 18-year-old Canadian thrashed Osaka despite never having played in the Grand Slam.
Her thrashing by Fernandez – 5-7, 7-6 (2), 6-4 – at Flushing Meadows in the U.S Open pushed her to more pain.
The third-round defeat in the U.S Open came with a barrage of mixed feelings for Osaka. And this compounded her decision to take a break from tennis.
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