Serena Williams has found motivation from an unexpected source beyond her incredible accomplishments on the tennis court. It is none other than the fashion business titan, Naomi Campbell. In a recent interview, Williams expressed her admiration for Campbell’s engaging presence and unmatched beauty. She also highlighted the effect of top models throughout her early career days.
This disclosure highlights a different side to Williams’ character and interest outside of tennis. She has always been vocal about her love for the fashion industry. Her recent statement highlights her path of self-discovery and emulation of people that she followed while growing up.
Serena Williams draws inspiration from the top model of her generation
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Aug 29, 2022; Flushing, NY, USA; Serena Williams of the USA after beating Danka Kovinic of Montenegro on day one of the 2022 U.S. Open Tennis Tournament at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports Credit: Reuters
“Back then, it was all about the top models. It was a sensation, these amazing models, so I was always looking into their beauty at that time”, she said. Further adding to it, she revealed how, among many, one figure stood out for her. “Naomi Campbell was someone that was really inspiring—she was always so beautiful,” she said.
Campbell, an English model and media personality, also started her career at a very young age. Campbell was one of six models from her generation that the worldwide press and the fashion industry declared to be supermodels. Beyond their specialized domains, Williams and Campbell are united by their pursuit of shattering stereotypes and redefining standards.
While Campbell has pioneered the way for models of color in the fashion business, Williams has broken records and defied prejudices with her unequaled success in tennis. However, Williams’ journey in the fashion industry has not been without obstacles. During the interview, she opened up about the struggles that she faced because of her inclination towards the fashion world.
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“People would look twice,” says Williams about wearing makeup on-court
The owner of WYN Beauty products shared her insights on how wearing makeup was “not normal” during the early days of her career. Serena Williams recalled how no one except her would wear makeup on the court. She said, “I remember early on when I wore makeup. Not even on the court but just around in the tennis arena. People would look twice.”.
She further highlighted the responses that tried to bring her down because of her wearing makeup. “They’d be like, “Why is she wearing makeup?” And I was like, well, this is me, and this is what I like to do,” she added. However, the comments did not stop her from being who she was. Serena Williams described the time she wore eyelash extensions on the court for the first time, calling it “a fun experience.”
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Williams’ recognition of Campbell’s influence is evidence of the value of drawing inspiration from those who have shown their talent with grace. With her own ventures and prowess on-court, Serena Williams continues to leave her mark on and off the tennis court.
Read more: Serena Williams Reveals the ‘Most Important’ Life Lesson That She Wishes to Ingrain in Her Daughters