Tennis Legend Serena Williams Honored as Fashion Icon
Serena Williams, the legendary tennis player who has captivated the world with her athletic prowess and unwavering determination, has added another accolade to her illustrious career: she has been named a fashion icon by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).
Williams, who has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles and is widely considered one of the greatest athletes of all time, has long been known for her impeccable style and ability to seamlessly transition from the tennis court to the red carpet. Her fashion choices have consistently pushed boundaries and challenged conventional notions of athletic wear, inspiring women around the globe to embrace their individuality and express themselves through fashion.
Accepting the award at the CFDA Fashion Awards, held at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, Williams spoke eloquently about her lifelong passion for fashion. “I explored fashion and style as a way to distinguish myself,” she told the crowd. “In many ways for me, the tennis courts became my runway.”
Indeed, Williams’s sartorial choices have always been as captivating as her on-court performances. She has fearlessly embraced bold colors, daring silhouettes, and statement accessories, turning every match into a fashion spectacle. Her influence on the fashion world is undeniable, and she has collaborated with renowned designers such as Virgil Abloh and Nike to create her fashion lines.
Williams’s recognition as a fashion icon is a testament to her enduring impact beyond the realm of sports. She has not only broken down barriers in athletics but has also redefined the role of a female athlete in the fashion industry. Her commitment to self-expression and her ability to inspire others through her fashion choices have cemented her status as a true icon.
In a world that often pigeonholes women into specific categories, Williams has shattered expectations and proven that she is not just a tennis player or a fashionista, but a woman of multifaceted talents and unwavering confidence. Her recognition as a CFDA Fashion Icon is a fitting tribute to her groundbreaking contributions to both the sports and fashion worlds.
In her acceptance speech, Williams spoke of her love for fashion and its role on the tennis court.
“I designed skirts out of denim and I wore purple tutus and bodysuits and put beads in my hair, and braids,” she said. “It was just a fun time for me.”
Williams studied fashion during her playing career – attending fashion school between Grand Slams – and in 2018, launched her S by Serena clothing line.
In 2019, Williams told Essence magazine that her clothes “represent women everywhere – indomitable mothers, daughters, and sisters; resilient businesswomen and entrepreneurs; outsiders and underdogs; little girls with crazy dreams and unflinching women of color”
Williams, 42, ended her 27-year professional career in 2022 in New York at the US Open, though she has said “I am not retired”, and “the chances (of a return) are very high”.
She referred to her career’s end in a Vogue magazine article as “evolving away from tennis”.
At the awards ceremony, Williams thanked several people but saved the last one for her mother.
“Watching her sew created this creativity in me that I still have to this day,” Williams said.
