Maria Sharapova Wimbledon Fashion Furore 2008

Maria Sharapova turning heads on court with her choice of outfit – and her first round victory – she’s also taking her star style off court too.

The 21-year old Wimbledon star – reported this week to be the world’s wealthiest sportswoman, raking a massive £12million per year from her off court earnings alone – has become Sony Ericsson’s first ever brand ambassador.

The deal – accompanied reportedly by a seven-figure sum – is set to last four years, during which the tennis star will design a number of collections for the company.

Timed perfectly with the annual Wimbledon fashion furore, the first range of accessories was unveiled in a catwalk show with three-times Grand Slam winner Sharapova as model.

“Working on this collection was an opportunity that I could not turn down,” she said at the unveiling. “Sony Ericsson helped me create a collection of mobile phone accessories that I know people will use. And I wanted to add my touch to each item. People want style, fashion and glamour, and with this collection I know that they’ll have it.”

Among the collection, worked in silver, pale pink and grey, there’s the requisite mobile phone gizmos: a holder to attach phone to handbags; an armband for sportswear – as well as a clasp purse and pink credit card holder.

At a statuesque 6’2″, with blonde hair and model physique, it’s no wonder that Sharapova has earned catwalk kudos. Let’s just hope for her sake that her on-court credentials match up.