SERENA WILLIAMS, REDEFINING RUNWAYS AND PUSHING PAST STEREOTYPES

By: Shien Zutshi

During this important month acknowledging Black History, we would like to highlight Serena Williams and her ability to transcend the world of tennis to the runways of the fashion world. 

For Serena Williams, tennis has always been more than just a game of volleys and serves—it's a platform for self-expression and individuality. Recently honored with the Fashion Icon award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. (CFDA), Serena's journey from the tennis court to the fashion spotlight is a compelling tale of breaking barriers, overcoming resistance and celebrating the power of uniqueness.

"I always knew I was different," Serena revealed as she gracefully accepted the Fashion Icon award. Growing up in the public eye, she sought solace and expression through fashion, turning the tennis courts, especially the iconic U.S. Open, into her personal New York Fashion Week. For Serena, it wasn't merely about winning matches; it was about rewriting the rules of style.

Credit: Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock

Kim Kardashian, a fashion icon herself, presented Serena with the award, applauding her as ‘fearless, heroic, authentic, iconic—the greatest of all time.’ The accolade goes beyond recognizing Serena's tennis prowess; it is an acknowledgment of her profound impact on the fashion world.

Serena stands out not just for her achievements on the court but for her authority in fashion as a style icon, athlete and creator. The stark contrast between the denim skirts and purple tutus she designed during her tennis career definitely shaped her unique identity leaving fans wanting more.

Serena’s lifelong passion for design led her to fashion school, which she attended in between winning Grand Slams. Retired from tennis in 2022, Serena seamlessly transitioned from the court to the runway. Her ‘S by Serena’ clothing line launched shortly before her retirement in 2018, which has now also come to an end as of January this year. Although short lived, her clothing line was more than just fabric and stitching; it was a movement inspiring women to embrace and love their bodies, irrespective of size, race or income.

For Serena, fashion is a canvas celebrating diversity and fostering self-love. Yet, her path to becoming a fashion icon wasn't a walk in the park. In the conservative world of tennis, where tradition often overshadowed individuality, Serena faced resistance for expressing herself through fashion. Critics questioned her bold fashion choices early in her career, from the iconic catsuit that sparked controversy at the 2002 U.S. Open to the vibrant and unconventional outfits she later wore on the court. The tennis world, accustomed to a more conservative dress code, was slow to embrace Serena's self-expression.

However, Serena's struggles to be accepted in the tennis world only fueled her determination to be unapologetically herself. She faced criticism but stood firm in her belief that individuality should be celebrated. Serena's journey mirrors her matches on the court – marked by resilience, tenacity, and an unyielding commitment to authenticity. The same confidence that powered her through challenging tennis matches became the force that propelled her into the fashion limelight.

Serena Williams, a trailblazer in every sense, used her platform to redefine the narrative of what a tennis player could be. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of self-expression and confidence, not just in the realm of fashion but in life's grander narrative. Serena's story encourages others to embrace their uniqueness, break free from societal expectations, and rewrite their own rules, both on and off the court.

Credit: Darian DiCianno/BFA.com

During her acceptance speech, Serena took a poignant moment to thank her mother for sewing her first tennis outfits. It was a heartfelt acknowledgment of the creative roots that still define her today. Serena's journey isn't just about winning titles; it's about embracing creativity, authenticity, and the power of self-expression.

The Fashion Icon award places Serena Williams in the company of Beyoncé, Zendaya, and Rihanna, although Serena's story is uniquely hers. It is a tale of playing tennis with beads in her hair and rocking a runway with confidence. It's about smashing stereotypes, representing Black women and proving that a tennis champion can seamlessly transition into a fashion maven.

In the symphony of Serena's life, each note on the tennis court harmonizes with the rhyming beat she now creates in the fashion world. From tutus to red carpet glam, Serena Williams is an inspiration—a reminder that breaking barriers isn't just for the courts but for every runway life presents. Serena's journey is a beacon for those seeking to embrace their individuality, express themselves boldly, and leave an indelible mark on the world, both within the lines of the tennis court and beyond.

Cover Image Credit: Dorothy Hong / Shutterstock