2021.3.4

Hugo Boss

1993

This Hugo Boss patch was worn by tennis umpire Mary Lou Tierney at the French Open in 1993. The embroidered design, made of felt and silk thread was attached to a navy-blue Hugo Boss wool blazer as part of the offical umpire uniform. The patch is uniquely shaped and is a clever way to promote a designer's brand while also featuring the official logo of the Fédération Française de Tennis Arbitre.

Personnel at the French Open wore specific uniforms to define their roles while adhering to specific guidelines associated with world tennis. According to the Code of Conduct for Officials, "Officiants shall maintain a high level of personal hygiene and a professional appearance while on and off the court". Each tennis event is defined by a set of garment regulations for umpires and athletes that brands the occasion. Whether specific designer colors or logos are featured on uniform ensembles, the messaging requires great planning and expense. For Mary Lou Tierney to adhere to uniform standards, she often spent more money on clothing and footwear than she made while officiating. As a result, she incorporated specific items from her umpire uniforms into a daily wardrobe.