Serena Williams has been officially named a fashion icon by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).
The tennis great was recognised at an awards ceremony on the 6th November in New York City, which was attended by a host of fashionable faces, including Anna Wintour, Naomi Watts, Winnie Harlow and Kim Kardashian—just to name a few.
Williams’ award makes her the first athlete to ever receive the title, which in the past, has generally been given to actors, performers and other entertainers, including Beyoncé, Zendaya and Rihanna.
Over the course of her 27-year tennis career, Williams became known as a style icon for her on-court wardrobe full of bright colours, full-length catsuits, tutus and even denim mini skirts.
Williams reflected on her love of fashion in her acceptance speech, when she told the crowd “I explored fashion and style as a way to distinguish myself.”
“In many ways for me, the tennis courts became my runway.”
The tennis star also notably studied fashion during her tennis career. She not only attended fashion school between matches but launched her own clothing line, S by Serena in 2018.
Of course, the tennis star and official fashion icon also brought her sense of style to the CFDA awards ceremony, where she wore custom designed black sequin dress by CFDA Chairman Thom Browne.
At the end of her speech, Williams concluded that she owed her fashion instincts to her mother.
“Watching her sew created this creativity in me that I still have to this day,” Williams finished.
