Lorenzo Musetti: White Beyond Wimbledon
By Luce Martini
There is a certain visual harmony that sometimes emerges on a tennis court: an alignment between the athlete, their game, and what they wear, capable of creating an iconic image. Lorenzo Musetti, with his one-handed backhand — an ode to fluidity and form — possesses a rare, innate elegance, a composed bearing that makes him a natural interpreter of a very specific style. His presence at the Madrid Masters 1000, wearing the outfit born of the collaboration (which A.P.C. calls its ‘Interactions‘) between ASICS and A.P.C. [ASICS x A.P.C], was not a mere matter of sponsorship, but the embodiment of an aesthetic dialogue that extends beyond the court.
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To fully grasp its significance, one must understand the identity of A.P.C., a brand founded in Paris in 1987 by Jean Touitou. In open reaction to the visual excesses of the 1980s, A.P.C. — Atelier de Production et de Création — imposed an aesthetic grounded in radical minimalism, uncompromising quality, and essential garments designed to last, transcending trends and passing fads. Touitou never chased the fashion of the moment but instead refined the fundamentals: the cut of a coat, the fit of a pair of jeans, the purity of a line. For A.P.C., elegance lies in materials, in invisible details, in a garment’s ability to improve over time.
The very name is a manifesto: it balances production and creation, craft and thought. It’s an almost artisanal approach in an increasingly industrialised world, which has made A.P.C. synonymous with Parisian chic minimalism and “accessible luxury” — appreciated by those seeking authenticity and restraint without compromising on quality. The raw selvedge Japanese denim jeans and the Demi-Lune bag, with its clean form and fine leather, are now emblems of the brand. No flashy logos — just precise cuts and refined materials.
To open up to new languages without betraying its DNA, A.P.C. launched the “Interactions” project: true creative dialogues with individuals and brands selected based on genuine connection. From Kid Cudi to c, Catherine Deneuve to Sacai, each collaboration has explored new territories: music, art, design, streetwear, always filtered through the brand’s minimalist lens. These partnerships have strengthened A.P.C.’s identity, renewing it without ever selling out.
The capsule with ASICS fits naturally into this philosophy: not just a fusion of logos, but a meeting point between technical excellence and aesthetic vision. Judith Touitou, creative director, designed it to highlight the beauty of the athletic gesture, while also translating that spirit into a lifestyle language.
Judith Touitou (Creative Director, A.P.C.):
“With this collection, we tried to achieve the purest silhouettes possible so as to focus on the beauty of the sportive gesture achieved by ASICS athletes on their way to success. We also wanted to translate this spirit in everybody’s lifestyle, adding also a touch of playfulness brought by our gradient print on nylon pieces.”
The outfit worn by Musetti in Madrid is the visual synthesis of this ambition: a total white ensemble that speaks through subtraction and detail. The top — a tank with a defined cut — stands out for its squared shoulders and wide armholes, offering freedom of movement while maintaining a clean line. The ASICS x A.P.C. co-branding is elegant and discreet — visible, but never loud. A barely perceptible overlapping effect recalls the Japanese aesthetic of kasane [Kasane (重ね): Refers to the traditional Japanese aesthetic principle of layering, particularly in clothing (like the multiple layers of a kimono revealing different colours at the edges). It often signifies depth, formality, and careful attention to detail and colour combinations,] layering as a form of care.
The shorts, shorter than today’s average, explicitly reference 1970s tennis. Rounded hems, stylised side slits, and double blue stitching all contribute to a retro yet refined aesthetic. The fabric promises an excellent hand and reveals considered construction. As with A.P.C.’s denim, the quality does not shout; it quietly asserts itself over time.
The shoes complete the ensemble by balancing performance and style. Predominantly white, with deep blue accents echoing the shorts, they integrate seamlessly into the essential colour palette. Their design reflects A.P.C.’s approach: functionality dressed in aesthetic rigour. Details like the ASICS logo inspired by shibori [Shibori (絞り): A traditional Japanese manual resist-dyeing technique, which involves binding, stitching, folding, twisting, or compressing fabric before dyeing to create intricate patterns. It is often compared to tie-dye but encompasses a wider range of techniques and results] and the enso [Ensō (円相): A circle hand-drawn in one or two uninhibited brushstrokes within Zen Buddhism and Japanese calligraphy. It symbolizes enlightenment, strength, elegance, the universe, and mu (the void or nothingness). It represents a moment of freedom and spontaneity in creation] symbol create a bridge to Japanese culture, filtered with restraint.
Seeing Musetti on court in the ASICS x A.P.C. outfit was a significant moment. In a circuit that often favours immediate visual impact, this look brought measured elegance and design depth that reveals itself beyond the surface. It proved that top-level performance can embrace sophistication — that quality and intelligent design have their own powerful language, even on a tennis court. Through this “Interaction”, A.P.C. managed to translate its philosophy of “quiet luxury” into an unexpected context, and in Lorenzo Musetti, it found the ideal interpreter of an elegance that resonates louder for not needing to shout. No matter how the tournament ends, Lorenzo’s fashion has already stolen the show.
A masterstroke of style. A total white statement that speaks before Wimbledon ever begins.
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