Diamonds end dress fiasco after Commonwealth Games saga
It has been two months since the Diamonds took the crown for the biggest wardrobe mishap at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow – and Netball Australia has found the solution to ensure that does not happen again.
The netball world was quick to take issue with the uniform designed by Valour Sport for the Commonwealth Games, with players constantly tugging at the bottom of their dresses to stop them from riding back up their hips.
Diamonds players are elated with the new uniforms designed by ASICS. Netball Australia
But players have since been assured that won’t happen again going forward as Netball Australia has increased its partnership with ASICS to design and produce a new dress for the Constellation Cup series against New Zealand this month.
Australian shooter Sophie Garbin was not bothered by the dress mishap in Glasgow, but international netball fans were quick to take issue with the uniform.
Fans questioned if Valour Sport had run out of fabric during production. Others asked if Netball Australia was working on a solution.
Garbin hit back and pointed out that most netballers have grown up pulling down their dresses while playing, so the Glasgow mishap was nothing new.
But England star Sasha Glasgow, who, too, battled tailoring issues, could not overlook the fact that players still want “to feel comfortable” when in action.
In bid to ensure this situation would not unfold again, ASICS designers worked with Diamonds midcourt star Jamie-Lee Price to create a dress that is built for performance, comfort, breathability and rapid movement.
Price said in a statement released by Netball Australia that it “was a dream come true” to be part of the design process of the national team’s new kits.
“As an elite athlete, performance starts from the moment you put on your uniform and tie up your laces,” she said.
“Being able to provide feedback throughout the design process, then see this brought to life is a reflection of true partnership and collaboration.”
The dress adopts the traditional green and gold colour palette, with the side and upper back panels also incorporating the story of First Nations representation depicted in the artwork Ganurra created by Alkina Edwards.
The four-game Constellation Cup series will begin in Auckland on October 18.
