Image: Ben Lumley
Official Kit Partners of England Netball and the Vitality Roses, Nike and KitQueen started their partnership with a bold fashion statement.
The Vitality Netball Nations Cup saw the Vitality Roses display power, determination and athleticism as they battled on court to lift the trophy, but before each match at the Copper Box Arena in London, they also demonstrated how their power and ability to influence extends far beyond their on-court performances.
Thanks to England Netball’s Official Kit Partners Nike and KitQueen, the Vitality Roses made a unique fashion statement as they lined up to represent their country and the national anthems played.
As the lights went down and the crowds of thousands of netball fans roared, the Vitality Roses entered the arena wearing bespoke Nike jackets that KitQueen had specially embellished with a beautiful rose symbol.
Whilst an obvious reference to the national team’s name, the Vitality Roses, the rose embellished on each jacket has more layers of meaning and purpose behind it. Here, KitQueen explain the symbolism behind the design that was created for the Vitality Roses.
A stylish red rose
A young red rose that that is not quite fully opened was chosen for the icon as this is when the rose is at its’ peak and considered to be the most stylish form of a red rose. This form of a red rose is a nod to the fact that the Vitality Roses are looked up to as style icons both on and off the court, not only in the way they style themselves, but also in how they represent themselves as a whole.
The meaning behind the rose
Red roses are well known for representing respect, admiration, passion and sacrifice, all attributes that the Vitality Roses proudly display as strong female athletes representing their country and acting as role models to a future generation of young people playing netball.
The importance of standing tall
Even the placement of the rose was intentional, and it was led by KitQueen’s belief that the team should always stand tall and be proud when representing England, regardless of the result on court. The upright placement of the red rose on the jackets serves as a reminder to always remain proud of achieving the honour of representing your country.
Image: Flynn Duggan
A note on the colour
In a final touch, the red colour of the rose used in the design is the same red that is found on the England flag, described as a ‘true English red’. In consultation with the Vitality Roses themselves, KitQueen refrained from playing with the colour of the rose to retain this quality and to match the design with the red of the team’s netball dress, ensuring the jackets truly represented England as a team.
The Vitality Roses truly shone on court in their bespoke jackets, creating a buzz and talking point beyond the results on court. And as the Vitality Roses continue to make waves both on and off the court, this collaboration with Nike and KitQueen serves as a powerful reminder of how netball has the power to intersect the worlds of sport, fashion and art.
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