UNITED KINGDOM: A line of accessories designed by former Wimbledon Champion Maria Sharapova are unveiled on the catwalk in London

Record ID: 190258

  • Title: UNITED KINGDOM: A line of accessories designed by former Wimbledon Champion Maria Sharapova are unveiled on the catwalk in London
  • Date: 26th June 2008
  • Summary: LONDON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (JUNE 19, 2008) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF RECEPTION BEFORE FASHION SHOW (2 SHOTS) VARIOUS OF MARIA SHARAPOVA ARRIVING AT LAUNCH (2 SHOTS) VARIOUS OF MARIA SHARAPOVA BESIDE THE CATWALK AT FASHION SHOW (2 SHOTS) MODELS ON CATWALK SHOWING SHARAPOVA'S ACCESSORIES IN TENNIS GEAR SHOT OF AUDIENCE
  • Embargoed: 11th July 2008 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Topics: Entertainment
  • Reuters ID: LVA8GIU2QZLQIOXIVP0YA55KLOG
  • Story Text: Maria Sharapova shifted her talents from the tennis court and to the catwalk, with a range of her creations going on show at an exclusive London fashion show on Thursday (June 19). Known for designing her own tennis outfits, Sharapova has turned her creative interest to mobile phone accessories as part of a new commercial venture.
    In January this year the three time Grand Slam winner signed a four year contract with Sony Ericsson to become their first 'global brand ambassador'. The unveiling of the 'The Maria Sharapova Design Collection' marks the first collaboration between the Number 3 ranked Russian tennis star and the mobile phone company.
    Rather than just putting her name on the accessories, Sharapova said she insisted on a more involved, hands-on approach if she was to endorse the product.

    "It's important to have your voice, it's not just about putting your name on a product," she told Reuters. "You know all the brand I work with that's my number one priority is that I want to be face to face working with them on inspirations and ideas and on things that I feel are important to me and this accessory line came about really as a no-brainer.
    It's something that I use in my everyday life."
    Sharapova claims her collection is inspired by aspects of her own life.
    The themed accessories include a tennis Courtside Case, a compact Exercise Case for trips to the gym, the Party Bag forgoing out on the town and the Travel Wallet.

    "I've travelled so much. I don't know how many miles I've travelled this year, but you learn so much and I Iove putting the things that you learn and the ideas that you get around the world - I love actually making them and turning them into reality," she explained. "It's just a fun part of my life and even though playing tennis and hitting tennis balls and holding up trophies is the goal, at the end of the day life is not just about tennis."
    But at the moment it will be all about tennis, with this year's Wimbledon Championships just three days away at the time of the unveiling.

    "Even though it's in London it's like it's a whole different part of the world for me," she said. "Maybe because it's the first grand-slam I won won and I won at such an young age and, you know, I always remember the respect you get from the fans and ever since I've been a junior, I'd be on the court - 19 - and it would be full house and everyone would be so exited by a player that they didn't even know and it makes it so much more special when you go out on court to know that they have that respect and I always look forward to walking out on any court and hearing the people applaud and feeling that tradition. It's always wonderful."
    With what is commonly regarded as the world's biggest tennis tournament around the corner, Sharapova said she is ready.

    "Pressure and nerves are a part of everyday life to be honest. As a professional athlete obviously you're going to have more special matches than others, or more exciting, or tense matches," she said. "You kind of have to deal with it and it's an honour being a part of such big tournaments and actually competing in them and getting the chance to win them and performing in front of thousands of people. It's more of privilege than anything else."
    The accessory line will be launched later this year.
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