Luca Guadagnino’s highly anticipated film “Challengers” has finally hit theaters this week, after being delayed by an actor’s strike last fall. The movie, which explores themes of love, lust, and tennis, stars Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist as racket prodigies reunited by fate and tournaments. What sets this film apart is the collaboration with fashion designer Jonathan Anderson, known for his work with Loewe and JW Anderson.
The Styles crew couldn’t help but have feelings about the fashion in the film. Vanessa Friedman noted that while the pop-art aesthetic was striking, the clothes didn’t necessarily scream “JWA” to her. Guy Trebay likened Anderson’s role in the film to Givenchy’s collaboration with Blake Edwards.
Despite the mixed reviews on the fashion, there is no doubt that “Challengers” is generating buzz, especially with Zendaya’s cosplay press tour. The film is expected to be a cultural hit, if not a box office one, and the fashion choices are sure to spark conversation.
As the film explores themes of sensuality and touch, it will be interesting to see if the fashion choices influence summer trends. Law Roach, Zendaya’s “image architect,” has been pushing for fans to embrace “tenniscore” fashion for screenings, adding an extra layer of excitement to the promotional circuit.
Whether audiences will embrace the tennis-inspired fashion remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure – “Challengers” is making a splash both on and off the screen.
