Tashi is a character who exudes dominance and sophistication through her choice of clothing and accessories. As she grows older, she opts for high-end brands like Loewe, Chanel, and Cartier, showcasing her wealth and status. Despite being a Bulgari ambassador in real life, she prefers to wear Cartier jewelry exclusively. Tashi also uses Augustinus Bader cream and indulges in camel cashmere, further emphasizing her luxurious lifestyle. She portrays herself as a superior tennis player and coach, asserting her maturity and success over others.
In her youth, Tashi is featured in Adidas campaigns, symbolizing her role as a sports prodigy and role model. However, after a career-ending injury, she transitions into coaching, focusing on her husband, Art, and another man named Patrick. Each man desires something different from her, reflected in their clothing choices. Art, a “good boy,” obediently follows Tashi’s lead and wears clean-cut attire like Uniqlo polo shirts. In contrast, Patrick exudes a more rebellious and carefree energy, opting for mismatched athleisure and driving a rundown car despite his privileged background.
The film captures a palpable sexual tension through the characters’ wardrobe choices and interactions. The camera sensually portrays their bodies, emphasizing their muscles and sweat. Tashi, confident and braless in her cashmere sweaters, exudes a seductive allure. Art reverts to fresh polo shirts between tennis sets, clinging to his sweaty body. Patrick’s unkempt appearance and musky scent add to the charged atmosphere, drawing attention from other characters in the film. The erotic undertones permeate the narrative, creating a palpable and intriguing dynamic.
Tashi’s evolution from a young athlete to a coach is mirrored in her sartorial choices, signaling her transition to maturity and authority. Through her outfits and accessories, she asserts her dominance and wealth, shaping her identity on and off the tennis court. The relationship dynamics between Tashi, Art, and Patrick are reflected in their clothing preferences, highlighting their individual desires and personalities. The film captures the complexities of power, desire, and sexuality through the characters’ interactions and fashion sensibilities.
‘Challengers’ serves as a love letter to everyday clothing, transforming mundane items like workout shorts into symbols of desire and tension. The characters’ clothing choices play a significant role in conveying their personalities and relationships, adding depth and nuance to the narrative. The film’s exploration of dominance, maturity, and desire through fashion highlights the power of sartorial expression in shaping individual identity and interpersonal dynamics. Guadagnino’s sensual camerawork further enhances the film’s exploration of sexuality and power dynamics, creating a visually captivating and emotionally charged viewing experience.
