Sharapova launches her own designer collection

BANGALORE: A year ago, Maria Sharapova sketched a layered-look on her notebook. It was a tennis dress, a classic, with a touch of the bohemian. That was how it began.Nike designers workedwith the glamorous 22-year-old to give life to the sketch. The result was alightweight, blue slip dress, with a mesh overlay. The printed mesh, high neck,with ruffled edges, provides a nice contrast to the yellow detailing in thefront and back of the dress. The outfit also complements the sun-kissed, blueMelbourne Park courts.The seasons opening Grand Slam, the AustralianOpen, starting on Monday, will launch the Maria Sharapova Collection. Thehigh-performance collection will see tennis power player model seven dresses anda number of two-piece outfits that promise to stud the 2010 tenniscalendar.Sharapova, who was closely involved with the process ofdesigning, detailing and development of her performance apparel and accessoriessaid, "It's really incredible to be able to bring these looks that I love, to somany women. I am equally excited about working with the design team at Nike tosee how much more innovative we can get crossing fashion-forward designs withhigh performance fabrics and silhouettes."The Maria SharapovaCollection extends beyond what the superstar player will wear on-court. It alsoincludes pieces that she has provided input for. The collection will beavailable at exclusive retail outlets and tennis specialty shops throughoutEurope, the United States and parts of Asia as well as for shoppingonline.The costs will vary by piece and by region. Sharapova’sAustralian Open dress will have a suggested retail price of $110 while the skirtand tank (top) will be priced at $60 (each). Sharapova has long shown aninterest in fashion, both on and off court. In almost everything she has beenassociated with, since breaking though on the manicured lawns of Wimbledon as a17-year-old, style has been a constant. Fittingly, she'll now have her own lineof attire.