Serena Williams made fashion history when she was named a “fashion icon” by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).
She joins Naomi Campbell, Beyoncé, Lenny Kravitz, Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya, Franca Sozzani, Pharrell Williams, and Rihanna as the first athlete to earn the Fashion Icon award. The tennis star will receive the prestigious prize at the 2023 CFDA Fashion Awards, which will be sponsored by Amazon Fashion.
“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,” the 23-time Grand Slam champion shared her excitement in a statement, according to Tennis.com.
Throughout her career, the 42-year-old has revealed that her ambition of owning her own fashion line, S by Serena, has come true. She considers herself fortunate to have worked with both established and developing designers.
She expressed her delight in developing her particular style and allowing it to flourish as her life proceeded. “I’ve always held one thing true—fashion is for everyone, no matter your size, race, or income,” she remarked.
“I am incredibly honored to be receiving the prestigious Fashion Icon Award from the CFDA, an organization whose work I have long admired, and to stand among style icons I have always looked up to.”
The CFDA’s chairman, Thom Browne, commented on the choice, saying, “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 2023 CFDA Fashion Awards, hosted by Sarah Jessica Parker, will take place on November 6 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.