Osaka’s performance on the court in Monday’s night session was less stylish, however.
The Japanese 13th seed, who won the Flushing Meadows title in 2018 and 2020, faltered after a strong start and ultimately needed to dig deep to see off Zakharova.
Osaka broke at the first opportunity to take a 2-0 lead in the opener and although she was unable to convert another chance to go 4-0 ahead, still looked comfortable when she moved 5-2 up.
However, Zakharova showed heart as she rallied to take the opener into a tie-break and fought back from another early break down in the second.
Osaka’s superb serve came to the fore as she opened up a commanding 5-1 lead in the second tie-break, going on to complete victory just before 00:30 local time and avoiding the need for a deciding set.
The former world number one will face the Czech Republic’s Katerina Siniakova in the second round – and promised her fans there will be another sartorial surprise.
“I wanted to play well because I wanted to show you guys some more outfits,” she said.
“I love expressing myself through clothes – because I don’t like talking too much.”