Tennis icon. Fashion icon. Equal pay icon. Venus Williams is—let’s be real—that girl. And at the 2025 Met Gala, she showed up and showed out in a look that was so on theme, it might as well have come with a racket.
The theme was Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, and while some attendees took the suiting cue in a more literal direction, Venus put her own spin on things. Enter: custom Lacoste tennis skirt, matching polo, and a dramatic emerald cape that practically floated down the carpet. If this is what it looks like to serve in couture, consider us ace-d.
Designed by Pelagia Kolotouros, Lacoste’s creative director, the look was sporty but elevated, crisp but playful, and most importantly, unapologetically Venus. Paired with matching shoes and glam that gave full-on goddess energy, the outfit was a love letter to Black excellence in sport—and style.
And let’s not gloss over the significance here. Venus isn’t just a tennis legend—she’s a pioneer who’s been fighting for equal pay and representation in sports for decades. So, to see her front and center at fashion’s biggest night, repping her roots and reminding the room who she is? Powerful. Game, set, match.
Other Athletes Who Brought Their A-Game
Venus wasn’t the only athlete making fashion headlines at this year’s gala. In fact, the Met looked a little like an elite locker room with a couture upgrade. Also spotted walking the carpet: The GOAT Simone Biles, Co Chair Lewis Hamilton, Colin Kaepernick, Sha’Carri Richardson, Jalen Hurts, Gabby Thomas, Sabrina Ionescu, Joe Burrow, and Eagles running back, Saquon Barkely, also walked the red carpet this year.
