From Naomi Osaka to the church pew: Why women’s appearance still dominates the conversation

As writer Bukunmi Awofisayo has observed, fashion communicates whether we intend it to or not. Yet as Christians, we are called to see people the way God does, beyond appearance and first impressions, to the heart, character, and story beneath the surface.

When I saw the headlines around Naomi Osaka’s outfit last week, my first reaction was, “…meh.” Genuinely, isn’t she just trying to play a tennis match? Then I saw it and thought, ooh, I love the sequins. And that was about it. Yet many major UK publications picked up on her outfit, especially following commentary from her opponent. Different headlines, different angles, some critical, some supportive, but still largely framed around appearance.