In a ground-breaking moment, tennis sensation Serena Williams was officially crowned as the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s (CFDA) newest Fashion Icon. They honored Williams with the prestigious recognition during a glamorous ceremony that took place in the heart of New York City. What makes this honor even more remarkable is that Serena Williams stands as the first athlete ever to claim this illustrious title. Joining an illustrious list of past recipients, which includes luminaries like Beyonce, Zendaya, and Rihanna. Williams now shines as a true trailblazer in the world of fashion and sports.
“I explored fashion and style as a way to distinguish myself,” Williams told the media at the event. “In many ways for me, the tennis courts became my runway.”
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion made a grand entrance at the American Museum of Natural History. She radiated elegance, wearing a custom black sequin dress created by none other than CFDA Chairman Thom Browne.
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“serena is one of the most inspiring people in the world… a true individual… she is an icon of the sports world… representing greatness on the highest level… bringing fashion to another world… for another audience… always staying true to herself, both on and off the court… a perfect combination of our worlds… the ultimate example of individuality in everything she does…serena is a true fashion icon…,” CFDA Chairman Thom Browne said.
The event often receives acclaim as the fashion industry’s counterpart to the Oscars. In a moment of sheer star power, the 2023 CFDA Fashion Icon Award found its recipient in Serena Williams, courtesy of none other than the fashion mogul and television icon, Kim Kardashian, who presented the award.
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During her heartfelt acceptance speech, Serena Williams shared her profound passion for fashion and its significant influence not only on the catwalk but also 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 really just a fun time for me.”
Serena Williams has been a dedicated student of fashion, even attending fashion school in between her Grand Slam victories. Her passion for the industry culminated in 2018 when she proudly launched her very own clothing line, S by Serena.
In a 2019 interview with Essence magazine, Williams expressed that her clothing line represents a diverse and powerful spectrum of women. It’s a tribute to indomitable mothers, daughters, and sisters, as well as resilient businesswomen, entrepreneurs, outsiders, underdogs, and all the little girls with audacious dreams and unwavering women of color.
At the age of 42, Serena Williams officially retired from her illustrious 27-year-long tennis career during the 2022 US Open in New York. However, she famously stated, ‘I am not retired,’ leaving the door open for a potential return to the sport.
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During the prestigious awards ceremony on Monday, Serena Williams graciously expressed her gratitude to several individuals but reserved a special place in her heart for her mother.
“Wathing her sew created this creativity in me that I still have to this day,” Williams said.