Tennis icon Serena Williams kicked off the star-studded Vogue World runway show in New York City on Monday, showcasing her versatility as she transitioned from the tennis court to the fashion runway.
Having recently concluded what is speculated to be her final tennis match at the US Open earlier this month, the 40-year-old Williams graced the runway at the Vogue World event with poise and style.
Dressed in a bespoke silver Balenciaga tank dress accentuated with a sweeping floor-length cape, Williams exuded glamour with her sleek ponytail and striking diamond earrings. Accompanied by four ball girls clad in white tennis attire and carrying rackets, she made her way down the catwalk as her voice echoed through the venue, reciting a memorable quote from a past NBC interview: "I want people to remember me as the girl who changed tennis or just was able to bring something new to the game."
This wasn't Williams' first encounter with Balenciaga; she recently graced the cover of Vogue's September issue donning a custom blue gown from the designer, where she also hinted at her transition away from tennis.
Vogue World: New York, held during New York Fashion Week, blended the essence of a fashion show with that of a street fair, inspired by the theme "Fashion's New World" from the September issue. The runway showcased fresh looks from Fall/Winter 2022 collections of renowned brands like Balenciaga, Dior, Gucci, Valentino, and more.
The event's street fair segment featured exciting collaborations between iconic New York eateries and esteemed designers, such as Michael Kors x Katz's Deli and Banana Republic x Magnolia Bakery.
The star-studded affair attracted an array of notable figures, both on and off the runway. Alongside models like Gigi and Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and Emily Ratajkowski, attendees included celebrities like Devin Booker, Kanye West, and Ashley Biden, ensuring that Vogue World: New York was a memorable convergence of fashion and culture.