If i was a Nike Tennis designer... This is my vision about Rafa's outfit

[Gregory Eche]

Hi everybody !

I am 40 years old, I am French ( sorry for my english !) and sometimes, I'm a graphic designer
I am a big big fan of Agassi and Nadal...
And of course Nike.

Since 1990 (i was 13 years old), and the introduction of the Challenge Court range, I have been passionate about tennis clothes and shoes.
I bought many outfits, pair of shoes, because designs were awesome. But since two years, I find that the designs and colors chosen by Nike lack inspiration.
For example, since 2015, the design of the shirt and the short of Rafa is the same all the year, like that of his shoes since ... 2014 !!
It's quite crazy, because on previous seasons, there were at least four different designs for 8 or 9 colors, and at least one different shoe model per year.
What is the reason ? Lack of inspiration, creativity, budget ?

No matter, I tried to "create" my own virtual Nike tennis line over a year, and certain by inspiring me and refreshing the designs Challenge Court during the 90ees

I'm just trying to give my vision of what could be the Rafa's outfit throughout the year, with sleek design consistent with previous collections, but with vibrant and unused colors.

Some have already seen my work on this forum and on instagram (@varcdador) for a few weeks.
Now, Here is my work ! Enjoy )


RAFA NADAL OUTFIT for AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2018
CREAM/CAPPUCCINO/MOKA/BLACK

RAFA NADAL OUTFIT for IW and MIAMI 2018
TOTAL CRIMSON/BLACK/WHITE

RAFA NADAL OUTFIT for CLAY SEASON 2018
POOLSIDE BLUE/LIME/TAFFY/TROPICAL TEAL

 

[Seth]

Rafa shoes remind me of the Lebron lows.

 

[Alien]

Great job
Pas mal du tout

 

[Gregory Eche]

RAFA NADAL OUTFIT for FRENCH OPEN 2018
HAWAIAN BLUE/OCEAN BLUE/HYPER ORANGE/BLACK

RAFA NADAL OUTFIT for WIMBLEDON 2018
WHITE/CELESTE BLUE/LIGHT GREY

RAFA NADAL OUTFIT for SUMMER 2018
JADE/NEON YELLOW/DARK JADE

 

[Just In]

I really like the looks of this stuff. If you're bored, you should take a crack at some stuff for Federer.

 

[haqq777]

Oh I love the FO and summer combos! Great job

 

[Deleted member 733170]

Tu es le mec!

Gregory, thanks for sharing, some of them are really fun.

I hope your hobby gets noticed by those who makes decisions...

 

[bigserving]

You should take some time to design the next generation of Nike drawers. Maybe call them Nike Nadals. Design them exclusively for Rafa. They should have the feature of guaranteed to not leave the wearer stuck in a pinch! If you catch my drift.

 

[kimguroo]

Good works.

Same out fit design for entire year or forever??? Hahahahaha
Rafa design needs to be changed radically at least two seasons.
We've seen almost same nadal apparel designs for 2 years now.
Neck line can be changed instead of all round neck design option.
The shoes design might not be good for nadal since there is no ventilation options in the design.
Nadal sweating so much and his custom shoes must have holes. Retail LB1.5 revised designs in order to bring air ventilation but still I don't want to wear it during summer time.

 

[Gregory Eche]

I really like the looks of this stuff. If you're bored, you should take a crack at some stuff for Federer.

Thanks dude
Maybe I will try to do it later !

Tu es le mec!

Gregory, thanks for sharing, some of them are really fun.

I hope your hobby gets noticed by those who makes decisions...

Thanks a lot !
I hope so

You should take some time to design the next generation of Nike drawers. Maybe call them Nike Nadals. Design them exclusively for Rafa. They should have the feature of guaranteed to not leave the wearer stuck in a pinch! If you catch my drift.

I'm not sure to understanding all very well (subtilities of language), but thanks for your message. The design should be more "unic" for a player like Rafa or Roger.

 

[Gregory Eche]

Good works.

Same out fit design for entire year or forever??? Hahahahaha
Rafa design needs to be changed radically at least two seasons.
We've seen almost same nadal apparel designs for 2 years now.
Neck line can be changed instead of all round neck design option.
The shoes design might not be good for nadal since there is no ventilation options in the design.
Nadal sweating so much and his custom shoes must have holes. Retail LB1.5 revised designs in order to bring air ventilation but still I don't want to wear it during summer time.

Thanks dude
Agree with you, I don't understood why between 2014 and 2015, the designs (apparel) went to 5 to 1(i don't talk about colors, design only)...
Same problem with Lunar ballistec (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017).
I love Nike, but they need to rock the tennis again !!!

 

[Deleted member 733170]

Thanks dude
Maybe I will try to do it later !



Thanks a lot !
I hope so



I'm not sure to understanding all very well (subtilities of language), but thanks for your message. The design should be more "unic" for a player like Rafa or Roger.

Seriously it might be worth you making a pitch to TW Staff, they always give feedback to the Nike Reps.

Bon Chance!

 

[Matthew Lee]

Ils sont belles! Très bien!
I second a crack at some Federer kits!

 

[every7]

Genial! Genial!

I really like these designs. I think it's interesting that the colourways you use are way different than what Nike does for Rafa.

There are past examples of people showing ideas on here, and the designs getting noticed by companies.

One suggestion I would make, is your designs are so strong, but the way they are presented could look slightly more professional. This is only a small gripe, and it could be corrected simply. The important thing is in the creativity and the designs themselves look amazing for sure.

If you want to make a photo-realistic version of one of the shirts, I know someone who does this.

I also think you should do Federer designs. His clothes need to be fixed up. They look ugly at the moment imo.

 

[FudgeControl]

I love it dude!

Keep it up and keep those designs coming!

 

[bubuly]

Super travail !! Comme toi je suis déçu des tenues de tennis que l'on nous propose aujourd'hui. Je suis tres nostalgique des années 90 voir début 2000 où il y avait beaucoup plus de créativité.

 

[Gregory Eche]

Seriously it might be worth you making a pitch to TW Staff, they always give feedback to the Nike Reps.

Bon Chance!

Thanks, it' s an idea. I have do it for the fun, but if my work was successful, it would be even better

I really like these designs. I think it's interesting that the colourways you use are way different than what Nike does for Rafa.

There are past examples of people showing ideas on here, and the designs getting noticed by companies.

One suggestion I would make, is your designs are so strong, but the way they are presented could look slightly more professional. This is only a small gripe, and it could be corrected simply. The important thing is in the creativity and the designs themselves look amazing for sure.

If you want to make a photo-realistic version of one of the shirts, I know someone who does this.

I also think you should do Federer designs. His clothes need to be fixed up. They look ugly at the moment imo.

Thanks for your support ! I will try to do it, and maybe, the compagnies will be interested... Or not ! But it's worth trying.
About the presentation, I tried to present the outfits as they appear in the pro catalogs, but I will try to put them in a situation ... How, I do not know yet, but I will think about it
Concerning Fed, i will think about it. I'm a fan of Nadal, remember !! But i can do it, no worries

Super travail !! Comme toi je suis déçu des tenues de tennis que l'on nous propose aujourd'hui. Je suis tres nostalgique des années 90 voir début 2000 où il y avait beaucoup plus de créativité.

Merci ! Je suis nostalgique aussi, mais si c'est vrai que si les designs pourraient être adaptés à des collections actuelles, les coupes le seraient un peu moins ! Mais tu verras, j'ai travaillé sur des adaptations des tenues Challenge Court d'André, réactualisées pour être portées par Rafa (une obsession !). Je les posterai prochainement, mais tu peux les voir sur instagram

 

[Gregory Eche]

RAFA NADAL OUTFIT for USO/DAY 2018
OLD PINK/SILVER/CARBON

RAFA NADAL OUTFIT for USO/NIGHT 2018
DARK NAVY/VOLT/BLACK

 

[Shaolin]

Great stuff. Hope you do a Federer line.

 

[Tennis_Hands]

I liked the RG18 colours the best, maybe because they reminded me of that:

The colours of AO18 are also somewhat interesting.

The designs are .... meh.

 

[Gregory Eche]

I liked the RG18 colours the best, maybe because they reminded me of that:

The colours of AO18 are also somewhat interesting.

The designs are .... meh.

Thanks But it's not a tribute to Paire's outfit, sorry !Concerning the designs, i'm ok, it's simple, but it's done on purpose. My first idea was to ensure continuity with the kind of designs of the last three years (simple, horizontal stripe on the chest, vertical stripe in the back, no graphic, plain shorts ...), but to use colors that we do not see, and to ensure coherence. That's all !

And if I was grandpa with hoo hahs, I'd be grandma

Very relevant analysis, thanks !

 

[Gregory Eche]

RAFA NADAL OUTFIT for FALL 2018
DARK GREY/GHOST GREEN/DARK LAGOON GREEN

 

[Gregory Eche]

RAFA NADAL OUTFIT for LONDON & PRE AO 2018
BLUE STEEL/CYAN/GREY/BLACK

 

[Daniel Johnson]

The London design is my fav, but they're all good! Particularly the shoes and shorts!! Nice job man

 

[Just In]

Can't say enough about how great these designs look. I have yet to see one I don't like. I don't pretend to know anything about what all goes into designing a line but you have a real talent for this particular part of it. Thanks for sharing your vision with us all.

 

[Gregory Eche]

The London design is my fav, but they're all good! Particularly the shoes and shorts!! Nice job man

Thanks guy ! Very happy to read this

Can't say enough about how great these designs look. I have yet to see one I don't like. I don't pretend to know anything about what all goes into designing a line but you have a real talent for this particular part of it. Thanks for sharing your vision with us all.

Many thanks ! As you said, this is only my vision, the designs and colors i would like to find on next Nike tennis range... That's all. Thanks for your comlpliments )

 

[T21D]

Hi everybody !

I am 40 years old, I am French ( sorry for my english !) and sometimes, I'm a graphic designer
I am a big big fan of Agassi and Nadal...
And of course Nike.

Since 1990 (i was 13 years old), and the introduction of the Challenge Court range, I have been passionate about tennis clothes and shoes.
I bought many outfits, pair of shoes, because designs were awesome. But since two years, I find that the designs and colors chosen by Nike lack inspiration.
For example, since 2015, the design of the shirt and the short of Rafa is the same all the year, like that of his shoes since ... 2014 !!
It's quite crazy, because on previous seasons, there were at least four different designs for 8 or 9 colors, and at least one different shoe model per year.
What is the reason ? Lack of inspiration, creativity, budget ?

No matter, I tried to "create" my own virtual Nike tennis line over a year, and certain by inspiring me and refreshing the designs Challenge Court during the 90ees

I'm just trying to give my vision of what could be the Rafa's outfit throughout the year, with sleek design consistent with previous collections, but with vibrant and unused colors.

Some have already seen my work on this forum and on instagram (@varcdador) for a few weeks.
Now, Here is my work ! Enjoy

Great designs! However, all you did now was give ideas to Nike tennis lurking in forums like these! Only a matter of time when you see your creations in 2020

 

[WisconsinPlayer]

Is there a place to submit clothing apparel designs to adidas or nike? I do GFX and would have a few ideas of my own

 

[Fedinkum]

Op puts way too much more efforts than Nike!!

 

[Gregory Eche]

Great designs! However, all you did now was give ideas to Nike tennis lurking in forums like these! Only a matter of time when you see your creations in 2020

Thanks It's a risk. Wait and see...
Nothing to lose

 

[Gregory Eche]

Op puts way too much more efforts than Nike!!

Thanks I have so many ideas in my head. Not enough Time unfortunatly to do it, but stay tunned, 2019 is on the way !

 

[Alien]

Great colors. Now time to change the design of the clothes itself for 2019.

 

[Gregory Eche]

2019: New design for apparel, same for shoes, new fantastic colors and challenge court inspiration... Enjoy !

RAFA NADAL OUTFIT for FRENCH OPEN AO 2019
AQUAMARINE/TEAL/VINTAGE TEAL/WHITE

RAFA NADAL OUTFIT 2019
BLACK/HOT LAVA/LIGHT GREY/WHITE/VOLT
(Spring & FO 1990 Inspiration)

 

[Tennis_Hands]

Thanks But it's not a tribute to Paire's outfit, sorry !Concerning the designs, i'm ok, it's simple, but it's done on purpose. My first idea was to ensure continuity with the kind of designs of the last three years (simple, horizontal stripe on the chest, vertical stripe in the back, no graphic, plain shorts ...), but to use colors that we do not see, and to ensure coherence. That's all !

I didn't mean to say that you copied Paire's outfit, but rather that the colours were somewhat similar (I like the actual outfit colours more as they are more subdued and the pattern is more complex).

But the second part of your post left me wondering: isn't the whole point of presenting your own design to do something different and interesting.

From what I see you are creating a variation of the existing line (the apparel) and there are many people that think that those designs are fugly.

For example I seem to remember that the stripe at the back was subject to a lot of criticizm.

Also, I don't get a positive feeling about the functional aspects of your designs.

For example, the placement of the mesh on the side of the shoe is questionable (if that mesh-like triangle is a mesh indeed), the angular graphics don't do anything for me etc.

I applaud your willingness to see how far your ideas can reach.

Maybe the next effort will be more to my liking.

 

[Gregory Eche]

I didn't mean to say that you copied Paire's outfit, but rather that the colours were somewhat similar (I like the actual outfit colours more as they are more subdued and the pattern is more complex).

But the second part of your post left me wondering: isn't the whole point of presenting your own design to do something different and interesting.

From what I see you are creating a variation of the existing line (the apparel) and there are many people that think that those designs are fugly.

For example I seem to remember that the stripe at the back was subject to a lot of criticizm.

Also, I don't get a positive feeling about the functional aspects of your designs.

For example, the placement of the mesh on the side of the shoe is questionable (if that mesh-like triangle is a mesh indeed), the angular graphics don't do anything for me etc.

I applaud your willingness to see how far your ideas can reach.

Maybe the next effort will be more to my liking.

Hey ! Thanks for your reply

About Paire's outfit, it was just a joke, don't worry If you look colors association since 10 years on every compagnies, you should find lot of similare combinations. Hard to find something who doesn't exist unfortunatly... But it's still possible !

About the apparel design I create (2018), yes you're right, it's very close to the 2015/16/17 Rafa design, and it's just i want to do. Quiet different, simple but new colors unseen. About the stripes on back, i don't know if it's appreciate or not... I think is good for me. It's the opposition to the horizontal stripe on Chest.

About the mesh on shoes, you can Just look the Ballistec advantage And its 'just a draw !
See you !

 

[every7]

For me these designs are better than what Nike is doing for Rafa at the moment.

The FO 2019 mixture of the aquamarine colourway and also the faceted front panel would look incredible against the red clay background.

This can sometimes happen where someone from outside has a passion and interest that actually surpasses what people are doing who are in control. The people working at Nike have become complacent.

Have you tagged Nike in your instagram posts? You should make sure people can see the designs.

We should keep this thread alive, so that if Nike does use any of these outfits everyone knows where they came from.

Or, even better, Nike involves you in the design process!

The London colourway you did is better than any lunar ballistec shoe colourway for a fair while imo.

 

[kimguroo]

2019: New design for apparel, same for shoes, new fantastic colors and challenge court inspiration... Enjoy !

RAFA NADAL OUTFIT for FRENCH OPEN AO 2019
AQUAMARINE/TEAL/VINTAGE TEAL/WHITE

RAFA NADAL OUTFIT 2019
BLACK/HOT LAVA/LIGHT GREY/WHITE/VOLT

Better new ideas especially new neck line design for apparels.
Still shoes need ventilation holes....

Both of designs have a graphic pattern problem. Designers can't just draw ideas whatever they think "good looking".
Both shirts might have tough time to make at factories. The graphic pattern is extremely hard to align perfectly at the factories. Also textile pattern is very challenging especially Both designs are needed different pattern of sleeves.
It can be done but manufacturing prices will be much higher and quality control might be very tough too.

 

[Gregory Eche]

For me these designs are better than what Nike is doing for Rafa at the moment.

The FO 2019 mixture of the aquamarine colourway and also the faceted front panel would look incredible against the red clay background.

This can sometimes happen where someone from outside has a passion and interest that actually surpasses what people are doing who are in control. The people working at Nike have become complacent.

Have you tagged Nike in your instagram posts? You should make sure people can see the designs.

We should keep this thread alive, so that if Nike does use any of these outfits everyone knows where they came from.

Or, even better, Nike involves you in the design process!

The London colourway you did is better than any lunar ballistec shoe colourway for a fair while imo.

Thanks a lot for your compliments

As you said, design tennis apparel and shoes is one of my passions. When i was 16 years old, I have draws many outfits and shoes (inspired by the challenge court line and Agassi !)... Not with computer ands PAO, but only paper and colors pencill. It was an old good time !

And yes, Nike is tagged on my instagram posts. In case of !
Many thanks !

Better new ideas especially new neck line design for apparels.
Still shoes need ventilation holes....

Both of designs have a graphic pattern problem. Designers can't just draw ideas whatever they think "good looking".
Both shirts might have tough time to make at factories. The graphic pattern is extremely hard to align perfectly at the factories. Also textile pattern is very challenging especially Both designs are needed different pattern of sleeves.
It can be done but manufacturing prices will be much higher and quality control might be very tough too.

Hi, thanks for your comment. It's true, it's more complicated to manufacturing these kind of shirts (with pattern and asymetric sleeve, for example) but it was done in the 90ees with Challenge court dri-fit polos, jacket, etc... (1992 for example).
I think Nike can do it, no ?

 

[Gregory Eche]

RAFA NADAL OUTFIT for USO NIGHT 2019
DARK GREY/SHADOW/SMOKE/SAFRAN

RAFA NADAL OUTFIT 2019
BLACK/CYAN/BLUE CERULEAN/WHITE
(FO 1992 Inspiration)

 

[haqq777]

For me these designs are better than what Nike is doing for Rafa at the moment.

The FO 2019 mixture of the aquamarine colourway and also the faceted front panel would look incredible against the red clay background.

This can sometimes happen where someone from outside has a passion and interest that actually surpasses what people are doing who are in control. The people working at Nike have become complacent.

Have you tagged Nike in your instagram posts? You should make sure people can see the designs.

We should keep this thread alive, so that if Nike does use any of these outfits everyone knows where they came from.

Or, even better, Nike involves you in the design process!

The London colourway you did is better than any lunar ballistec shoe colourway for a fair while imo.

Very well said, I am really digging this artist's work! Great job @Gregory Eche

 

[Gregory Eche]

RAFA NADAL OUTFIT 2019
GRAPE/BLACK/BLUE OBSIDIAN/WHITE/CARBON
(USO & Fall 1992 Inspiration)

 

[Babolast]

Nice!

 

[bubuly]

RAFA NADAL OUTFIT 2019
GRAPE/BLACK/BLUE OBSIDIAN/WHITE/CARBON

Magnifique !! Ca me rappelle ma jeunesse quand je bavais devant les tenues d'Andre lol !!

 

[Gregory Eche]

Nice!

Thanks dude

Magnifique !! Ca me rappelle ma jeunesse quand je bavais devant les tenues d'Andre lol !!

Merci beaucoup C'est le but de ce revival, adapter des designs vintage qui ont eu du succès, aux coupes actuelles en les faisant revivre. Je pense sincèrement que le potentiel serait énorme

RAFA NADAL OUTFIT 2019
VOLTAGE PURPLE/BRIGHT MANDARIN/BLACK/WHITE
(FO & Summer 1991 Inspiration)

RAFA NADAL OUTFIT 2019
BLACK/WHITE/TOUR YELLOW/RED
(Spring 1993 Inspiration)

 

[Gregory Eche]

RAFA NADAL OUTFIT 2019
BRIGHT SPRUCE/WHITE/DARK FUSHIA/BLACK/GREY
(SUMMER & USO 1992 Inspiration)

That's all for the moment... Work in progress

 

[Bender]

RAFA NADAL OUTFIT for AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2018
CREAM/CAPPUCCINO/MOKA/BLACK

This one certainly would evoke some emotions amongst us who have to watch Rafa pick his shorts before every point. I'm not sure if they will be good emotions though.

 

[Gregory Eche]

This one certainly would evoke some emotions amongst us who have to watch Rafa pick his shorts before every point. I'm not sure if they will be good emotions though.

Badass analysis !... But not exactly in fact, just draw it in Starbucks coffe )

 

[Capulin Zurdo]

 

[Gregory Eche]

Hi everybody !

I tried to show my design on Rafa... What do you think of it ?

 

[Babolast]

Nice!