On the evening of May 5, 2025, New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art transformed into a dazzling showcase of fashion and culture for the annual Met Gala, a fundraising spectacle that never fails to captivate the world. This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” celebrated Black dandyism and menswear, inviting attendees to explore elegance, defiance, and self-expression through their sartorial choices. Among the constellation of A-list celebrities, tennis legend Serena Williams emerged as a radiant centerpiece, delivering a breathtaking ensemble that left fellow American tennis stars Coco Gauff and Madison Keys utterly spellbound.
Serena, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, has long been a fixture at the Met Gala, her presence on the red carpet synonymous with bold fashion statements. This year, she arrived in a custom Moncler x EE72 gown designed by Edward Enninful, former editor-in-chief of British Vogue. The off-the-shoulder, light blue gown, paired with a dramatic quilted cape, shimmered with an ethereal quality, evoking a modern-day Cinderella. Her rose-gold bob hairstyle, a daring departure from her usual looks, added a touch of audacious glamour, while massive Fred Leighton diamond earrings, a matching hair brooch, bracelet, and rings elevated the ensemble to regal heights. Serena’s look was a masterful nod to the event’s “Tailored for You” dress code, blending Regency-era elegance inspired by the romantic drama Bridgerton with the bold spirit of Black dandyism. “My Met Gala look was inspired by Bridgerton, blending Regency-era elegance with the bold spirit of Black dandyism,” Serena shared in an interview, emphasizing her philosophy that “fashion for me is about reclaiming space and celebrating individuality.”
The impact of Serena’s appearance rippled through the tennis world, with Coco Gauff and Madison Keys quick to voice their admiration. Gauff, the 21-year-old rising star fresh off a competitive run at the Madrid Open, was particularly struck by how Serena embraced the event’s theme. “Serena looks really great. I saw her Instagram caption, ‘What’s a dandy without a gown,’ and I thought that she was definitely playing in the more feminine side of it,” Gauff remarked, referencing Serena’s playful social media post. Her words highlighted the clever balance Serena struck between the traditionally masculine dandy aesthetic and a feminine, gown-centric interpretation.
Madison Keys, the reigning Australian Open champion, was equally effusive, awarding Serena’s look a perfect score. “I really liked the theme this year and I feel like a lot of people nailed it. I mean, Serena looks phenomenal, the hair, I love all the accessories, the color is gorgeous,” Keys enthused. “I also like the kind of off-the-shoulder look. I think she looks phenomenal, I’m gonna say 10/10. 10/10! She looks fantastic.” Keys’ unfiltered praise underscored the meticulous attention to detail in Serena’s ensemble, from the icy hue of the gown to the intricate accessories that tied the look together.
Serena’s sartorial triumph was not a solo act. She arrived arm-in-arm with Enninful, whose creative vision brought her look to life. The collaboration was a testament to Serena’s enduring influence in fashion, a realm she has conquered with the same tenacity that defined her tennis career. Her appearance came on the heels of a stunning pre-Gala moment, where she donned a white, one-shoulder gown with a feather neckline for a dinner at Vogue editor Anna Wintour’s home, earning a three-word reaction from gymnast Simone Biles: “Wow, just wow.”
Beyond her own moment in the spotlight, Serena also celebrated her sister Venus Williams, who turned heads in a forest green ensemble that paid homage to the rising “tenniscore” trend. Venus’ dress, featuring a sparkling polo-style collar and a pleated skirt that transitioned from short to maxi length, was a perfect fusion of athleticism and elegance, embodying the event’s theme with originality.
Since retiring from professional tennis at the 2022 US Open, Serena has channeled her energy into her business ventures, family life, and public appearances that continue to inspire. The 43-year-old, who welcomed her second daughter, Ad
The Met Gala remains a platform for Serena to showcase her evolving style and cultural impact. Her 2025 look, with its historical nods to the Harlem Renaissance and Black excellence, was described by fashion experts as a pitch-perfect embodiment of the event’s vision. The gown’s Eau de Nil color and marcelled hair paid homage to the 1920s’ fascination with Egyptian aesthetics, further cementing Serena’s status as a fashion icon.
As Gauff and Keys prepare for the Italian Open, their reactions to Serena’s Met Gala moment reflect the enduring admiration she commands within the tennis community. For fans, Serena’s ability to seamlessly transition from the court to the red carpet is a reminder of her multifaceted legacy—one that continues to dazzle, inspire, and redefine what it means to be a global icon.
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