Fashions Conjure Thoughts Of Catwalk, Not Catgut

FLUSHING MEADOWS, N.Y., Aug. 28 -- Perhaps it's a response to performing on the highest-wattage stage in tennis. Or perhaps it's a reaction to Wimbledon's stringent dress code.

Whatever the reason, the U.S. Open seems to bring out the plumage in female tennis players like no other tournament. And this year is no exception.

Defending champion Maria Sharapova strode onto the Arthur Ashe Stadium court for her first-round match Tuesday night in a vivid red shift that shimmered with 600 Swarovski crystals. The dress was the Russian fashion maven's tribute to New York, with the jewels dotting the neckline intended to evoke the city skyline. Over her broad shoulders she carried two bags she helped design to complement the outfit -- a black, patent-leather racket bag with fuchsia print, and a black sequined handbag that held personal items.

As she did in 2006, when she debuted a black cocktail dress inspired by Audrey Hepburn, Sharapova will sport two distinct looks at the U.S. Tennis Association's Billie Jean King National Tennis Center this year. The red dress will serve as her evening wear for night matches. A similarly tailored black-and-white dress with less ornamentation will serve as her daytime wear.

Two-time U.S. Open champion Tracy Austin, who was a commentator for Tuesday night's match for the USA Network, raved about Sharapova's look. She also gushed about Serena Williams's black A-line dress that was adorned with a simple fuchsia ribbon. Williams unveiled the outfit Monday but ripped off the bow, which appeared to be annoying her, late in the match.

"These women are superstars," Austin said, "and they're playing every angle of the superstardom. I think it's fantastic."

On Monday, two-time U.S. Open champion Venus Williams chose Arthur Ashe Stadium to unveil a striking emerald halter-style dress that's part of her new clothing line, EleVen. The dress was complemented by tennis shoes of the same line, which will be sold through Steve & Barry's retail stores. All of the items, according to promotional materials, will sell for less than $20. Venus lost her footing early in the match and plopped to the ground, but she had nothing but praise for the shoes during her news conference afterward.

"They led me to a win quickly," Venus said. "If I don't win, it's my fault -- not the shoes'. I'm wearing everything EleVen now."

But the biggest wardrobe-related buzz at the U.S. Open has been about an outfit that hasn't been seen on the stadium court. It's an outfit, in fact, that doesn't exist for the most part. It's simply a $600 pair of Moschino high heels. That's the extent of what Serena Williams wore in a photo shoot she did for Jane magazine's August issue. Along with a handful of other celebrities, including Eva Mendes and Joss Stone, Serena agreed to pose in the buff for the issue, which focuses on female empowerment and body issues. In Serena's case, she posed with her back to the camera, shielding the most private portion of her derriere with a flower.

"I thought it was a great photo," Serena said on the eve of the tournament. "I thought it was simply divine, personally."