London based fashion retailer MatchesFashion celebrates the return of sports this summer through a creative collaboration with Swiss professional tennis player Roger Federer.
The fashion house and tennis icon have launched a limited-edition Centre Court JP faux-leather sneaker, created in collaboration with Swiss apparel brand On, aptly named The Roger. To support the launch, Matchesfashion produced a dedicated campaign where Federer showcases the sneakers, discusses his relationship with fashion and reflects on the power of passion.
“We’re so excited to be exclusively launching On’s latest sneaker in collaboration with renowned tennis champion, Roger Federer,” said Damien Paul, head of menswear at Matchesfashion, London. “The classic Centre Court trainer design has been updated by fusing the Japanese and Swiss national colours, with red and white appearing in the intersecting flags and speckled laces to match the striking trainer tongue. We knew this versatile trainer would resonate with both our fashion-focused and global customer who are looking to update their wardrobe for the warmer summer months, taking styling inspiration from Roger himself.”
In addition to perfecting his game, Federer has been working with Swiss clothing brand On as an investor, contributing product designer, and representative for the past year to create his new Centre Court JP sneaker, The Roger. The shoe fuses the Swiss national colours, with red and white appearing in the intersecting flags and speckled laces—the red logo tongue, sock-liner and sole aim to contrast the white shoe.
In terms of styling, Federer says he would pair the shoe with any pants or shorts, colourful socks or no-show socks. He claims the shoe is highly versatile.
If the tennis star finds himself in a fashion bind, however, he can consult one of his biggest fans, Vogue editor Anna Wintour. She has reportedly skipped past New York Fashion Weeks to watch Federer play at the U.S. Open.
“Anna has been a wonderful person for me and has taught me a lot about fashion,” he says in the promotional film. “It took a bit of time to discover my own style, but now I feel really comfortable in how I’m dressing, and Anna has a big role to play in that.”
In an interview with Matchesfashion, Federer expresses how much fashion and its personalities have impacted him. He recalls meeting Donatella Versace, Miuccia Prada, Giorgio Armani and Virgil Abloh, and comparing their thoughts on fashion with his experience on the tennis court.
Now that the renowned athlete is involved in the world of fashion, he feels more connected to these people and the industry. “My philosophy behind getting to the top and staying at the top is passion,” he explains. “I love playing the game and everything that goes into it. If you do not improve, you stand still, and standing still means you’re going backwards,” he says. “That has been the constant pressure I’ve put on myself and my team—to always make sure I am improving in some shape or form.”
The Roger Center Court JP faux-leather sneaker is now available at matchesfashion.com and retails for $315.