FOUNDER JODHI MEARES ON THE TENNIS CLUB CAPSULE
WHY IS TENNIS BECOMING SUCH A BIG MOVEMENT IN FASHION RIGHT NOW?
We’ve always found we align well to tennis and that this was a sport which resonated with us as a brand. The first tennis pieces we designed were based off some beautiful pieces I found when I was in a vintage store in Argentina, I was doing a work trip and checking out their vintage and I found 3 or 4 vintage tennis outfits and I brought them home with me. It was feminine and gorgeous. That was about 6 years ago. The last 2 to 3 years is where we’ve been really seeing it booming.
Obviously, health & wellness has become more and more important, it’s been fascinating for me to watch this whole change over time because we were in there early and it’s just exploded since and it’s going nowhere. People are looking at healthier, better ways to spend their time.
Tennis is a beautiful, social way to spend a Saturday afternoon, or a Sunday, or even a night.
It’s usually outdoors, it conjures up beautiful aesthetics, particularly in the 50s and 60s, with its classic style of dressing.
IS IT HERE TO STAY?
It’s not going anywhere; I think people will always look for ways that they can bring their personalities and personal style into the activities that they choose to do.
HOW DID THE COLLABORATION WITH VOLLEY COME ABOUT AND WHAT WAS THE VISION?
I’ve always loved Volley as a brand, it has some nostalgia for me.
I just remember, we all wore them growing up here. They were THE shoe, way before the rise of so many global brands. Volleys just bring up so many memories, even just how torn up and loved the more they aged, the cooler they looked. Visually I just remember them being a big part of life growing up.
VOLLEY UP HIGH TOPS
VOLLEY UP LOW
The Australian Tennis season is a time of joy for so many people whether they are travelling to the Australian Open, popping to their local court for a quick match with friends or family, or even watching it on their TV screens while on summer holidays.
Volley is such an iconic Australian brand so everything about the collaboration meant that it just felt right.
When we designed the Volley Up limited-edition shoe, we knew we wanted to use the Heritage shape, which was worn by Iconic Australian tennis players such as Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Rod Laver, we loved that in a way they paid homage to these great Australian tennis players.
It’s a beautiful classic shoe. It’s one of the original tennis shoes, it’s so Australian and I just felt like there was something there.
AND THE TENNIS CLUB CAPSULE? CAN IT BE WORN ON-AND-OFF THE COURT?
Some pieces are definitely more fashion or post play outfits such as the statement crochet dress, where we have worked in that retro tennis inspiration. But we do also have true performance pieces which feature moisture-wicking fabrics like cotton pique, and 4-way stretch peached fabrics in high-waisted skorts and dresses.
We’ve also tried to add in elements like the care-free, joyful, flouncy pleats, sure to make the tennis season one of enjoyment, pieces that people can really have fun with, and style.
FINALLY, CAN YOU SHARE YOUR FAVOURITE PIECES FROM THE CAPSULE?
I love it all but I just love a chunky knit; so I would have to say the Palmer Louie Sweater. It’s a versatile piece, particularly post play to throw on over your shoulders or for an afternoon picnic.
The Love Fay dress is also a favourite of mine – it’s such a playful retro tennis silhouette.