Serena Williams has reinvented herself into a fashion icon after she hung her boots from tennis. Not many people know that the 23-time grand slam champion holds a graduate degree in fashion design, and Serena has ensured her domain knowledge is not going unused in her life.
From owning a clothing brand of her own to collaborating with legacy brands to create specifically curated designs, the American is dipping her feet into the world of fashion with enthusiasm. And last night, the 42-year-old created history when she won a prestigious fashion award in New York.
Serena Williams won Fashion Icon Award
Dressed in a dazzling Thom Browne creation—a stunning black gown with a long train covered with sequins—Serena Williams strode onto the red carpet at the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Awards in Manhattan, New York on Monday, November 6. The mother-of-two looked stunning as her presence as one of the few athletes in the auditorium created headlines.
At the event, Serena Williams was awarded the Fashion Icon Award and became the first athlete to win the accolade in the process. The prestigious honor was conferred on Serena as the night’s biggest accolade.
“It’s great. Like I just feel like you can be yourself in fashion,” the 23-time Grand Slam champion told Entertainment Tonight.
“You can always – especially in sport. I used my platform to be myself and also to show myself in fashion,” she said, further elaborating on her approach towards the creative industry. “It was like my runway, you know. And so, for me, that’s what means the most,” she added.
Serena Williams’ husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, was enamored by her look at the ceremony and took to Twitter to share his feelings by adding a smirk emoji to the photo.
Serena Williams clothing brand
Noted for her bold fashion choices in major WTA tournaments and grand slams, Serena Williams extended her legacy off-court in her post-retirement life by actively getting involved in the fashion world.
Initially, she had a partnership with Puma. In 2004, she signed a fashion deal worth $40 million with Nike. In the same year, Serena Williams launched her first clothing brand, Aneres, which is her name spelled backward.
In 2009, Serena launched her signature collection of handbags and jewelry, called Signature Statement, which is available on the Home Shopping Network (HSN). In 2018, she announced her new clothing collection called Serena and marketed it herself when she wore a bold superhero-themed outfit at the 2018 Roland Garros.
In 2019, Serena launched her collection, S by Serena, which stands out for its huge range of available sizes, a sign of its propensity for inclusivity. In 2023, Serena Williams will debut a new collection through her partnership with Nike.
What are your opinions on Serena Williams’ new career choice? Will the American champion extend her legacy in fashion? Let us know in the comments section below.
