In 1949, Gussy Moran made waves at Wimbledon—not just for her tennis skills but for her daring sense of style. Preparing for her iconic appearance, she turned to the tournament’s official host and fashion designer, Ted Tinling, to create an unforgettable outfit. The result? A short tennis dress with lace-trimmed knickers, revealing glimpses of the ruffles during play—a bold first in tennis history!
Her outfit sparked a media frenzy. Photographers clamored for low-angle shots, and the press dubbed her "Gorgeous Gussie." But not everyone was impressed. Wimbledon officials were scandalized, and the uproar reached the British Parliament. Accusations of introducing "vulgarity and sin into tennis" flew, leading Moran to switch back to shorts later in her career.
The fallout extended to Tinling, who was shunned by the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club for 33 years, only to be welcomed back in 1982.
Gussy Moran’s iconic moment was more than a fashion statement—it was a turning point in the history of sports and style.
