The Wimbledon Open With Jones and Jones
As the crowds rise to their feet and clap, I am a vision in angelic white lace, cheering on the British hopefuls who are determined to win the coveted trophy and regain glory for a broken Britain. In a Post-Brexit apocalyptic universe, it seems our passion and pride in sports and culture remains as optimistic as ever and it is refreshing to note that tennis still remains an exciting British sport, even if we crashed out of the Euro and disappointed die-hard football fans. After our abysmal performance in the Euro 2016, which Portugal won (yay) I was pleased that the excellent Andy Murray won the Singles Title for the second time since 2013 and claimed a third Grand Slam Title. On top of that British underdog Marcus Willis had the honor of playing Rodger Federer in a historic tennis match that had Wimbledon die-hards a'flutter. It was the tense, suspense filled sport that Britain had been waiting for and when Murray won, Britain rose with him, excited at the prospect of 'positive news' for once. It was a fairytale come true and in that post-tennis haze, we all rushed to our nearest stores, grabbing tennis worthy dresses, skirts and a fresh punnet of strawberries. The sun was shining and so was Britain; we had conquered, fell and rose again and Britain's ride on the 'Wheel of Fortune' was a tale not to dissimilar to my own. For the first time I was able to get a spectator seat at the Wimbledon Open and Haute Couture designer 'Jones and Jones' had a 'Wimbledon' worthy dress guaranteed to set the seats aflame.
Queue the Jones and Jones Tilda Cream Floral Dress ,where dreams are made from. A glorious ethereal vision, Tilda is the epitome of summer time loving. Perfect for cheering on your tennis favourite, Tilda's full pleated mini skirt emulates the classic tennis chic silhouette favored by players like Serena Williams and Heather Watson. Tailored in the style of a 'tennis skirt', the light fabric in a dazzling shade of 'pristine white' symbolizes the 'Upper Class' roots of Tennis's origins, where white was worn to give off the impression that they were 'wealthy' and therefore could afford to pay more for new 'tennis whites'. Because of tennis's roots in 'class' the colour white became a symbol of the people and since the middle class likes to imitate the rich—as tennis democratized over the course of the 20th century, the middle class wore white to play, too.
Today 'white' is used as a monochromatic, summertime, boho staple that exists outside of the Tennis Court and that is exactly the 'sentiment' that Jones and Jones followed with the majestic 'Tilda'. With its tennis inspired pleated All-American skirt, the skirt features an accordion petticoat to give the dress a 'slight' skater dress swing, while the mini skirt bears resemblance to Mary Quant's rebellious thigh baring 60's skirts. And that is exactly what Wimbledon is about; showing bravery and being prepared to rebel both on and off the tennis court, with no regrets. Society might comment on tennis wear as sexualizing the female for the purpose of the male gaze or audience gratification but in reality a women's choice of clothing 'empowers' rather than restricts the female body. Tilda's roots in both 'class/social mobility' and 'female empowerment' made her the perfect choice for cheering on Heather in the mixed doubles match. Playing with powerful, self-assured strides her passion for both fashion and tennis was an inspirational moment to watch.
Tilda might be the very definition of 'strength' and 'empowerment' but it is the sheer, delicate neckline with clean white piped edges that demonstrates 'feminine energy' with a flamboyant, well polished flourish. Flowing into a loose laser cut hand made cream bodice, the simple elegance of the sheer piped neckline only serves to exhibit the stunning intricate detail of the bodice, juxtaposing against the more 'tennis friendly' bottom half. With its ability to be both tennis approved and party ready Tilda is the dress you would take out to a date one day and the next be a dazzling vision at a Christening. Versatile is the first word that springs to mind when it comes to Tilda and I wouldn't be surprised if Tennis players ditched their tennis whites to slip into a classier, more refined uniform come evening parties, a must attend occasion if you are a Wimbledon winner or wanting to mix in with the pros. Sadly I was not invited to attend the after party but I heard that Murray partied until 4AM with One Direction while Serena had Beyonce fan-girling over her; celebrities may have it all but I have got Tilda and my Tilda is a vision in white.
Are You A Tennis Fan? What Are Your Thoughts On Jones and Jones?
* PR Sample
Dress- Jones & Jones / Heels- Primark / Watch & Ring- Floozie At Debenhams / Jacket- H&M