Retired Serena Williams Becomes the Only Athlete to Join Beyonce and Rihanna as She Gets Her Name Engraved in Prestigious Fashion Award

In the glitzy world of high fashion dominated by luxury designs and short-lived trends, can a tennis legend redefine the meaning of being a style icon? Serena Williams, a tennis legend and fashion entrepreneur, is all set to recieve the Fashion Icon award at the 2023 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City. The show, hosted by Sarah Jessica Parker at the American Museum of Natural History, has previously honored Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Zendaya. But it is in the words of the CFDA’s chairman that Serena’s cutting-edge and lasting impact in fashion materialized.

Serena Williams, known primarily for her tennis skills, also has a super successful career in fashion, with her brand, S by Serena, showcasing her multifaceted talent. As the CFDA honors her, it raises questions about how sport influences style and vice versa. Can versatile personalities like her bridge the gap between athleticism and elegance to redefine standards of beauty?

The CFDA will honor Serena Williams as their fashion icon

Serena Williams will receive the Fashion Icon award at the 2023 CFDA Fashion Awards, hosted by the eternally-chic Sarah Jessica Parker. The award, previously given to fashion-forward celebrities like Lenny Kravitz, Zendaya, Naomi Campbell, Beyoncé and Rihanna will be presented at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

Serena Williams has ranked as the world number one in singles for 319 weeks and has won 23 Grand Slam women’s singles titles. She also launched her clothing line, ‘S by Serena’ alongside starting ‘Serena Ventures’. Hailing her, the chairman of the CFDA Thom Browne said, “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.”

The message would hardly come as a surprise to most, but it acknowledges what hardcore Serena fans have known for years: fashion and the tennis superstar are virtually inseparable. From her chic and often flamboyant appearances on the court, complete with capes and hairdos to Met Gala appearances, Serena always puts her best foot forward. And with that, the younger Williams sister reflected on her sartorial journey in her thankful response.

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As sport meets couture’s finest, Serena Williams reflects

The CFDA has announced a diverse group of designers for the upcoming Fashion Designers of the Year award, including Tory Burch, Stuart Vevers, Connor McKnight, and Rachel Scott, who have reshaped the industry and global fashion landscape. However, Serena’s indomitable presence in the luxury and couture-dominated fashion world wasn’t taken lightly either, and she responded gracefully to the honor.

“Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve used fashion as an outlet to express myself. Fashion gave me the confidence to step on the court and own who I was, and where I knew I was going,” Williams said, as reported by WWD. “My dream of owning my own brand, S by Serena, has become a reality and throughout my career, I have been blessed to collaborate with the most established designers and the most exciting up-and-coming creatives. I am receiving the prestigious fashion icon award from the CFDA, an organization whose work I have long admired and standing among style icons I have always looked up to.”

Serena Williams redefines the synergy of sports and style as she prepares to ace the CFDA fashion awards. With fashion icons and tennis legends sharing the spotlight, one wonders. Is the future of fashion a court where athleticism and elegance rally together? Will others follow Serena’s lead?

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