Venus Williams Explained the Significant Symbolism Behind Her Met Gala Outfit.

      If anyone truly grasps that fashion is a comprehensive endeavor, it's the legendary tennis star Venus Williams. For years, we've witnessed her transform "courtside chic," but this year, taking on the role of Met Gala co-chair elevated her style to an entirely new level. Although she is quick to assert that the iconic steps of the museum generate much more anxiety than a Grand Slam final (or even her recent wedding), she arrived looking every bit the noble champion we admire. Naturally, her stunning Met Gala appearance adhered to the Fashion Is Art dress code for this year's Costume Institute exhibition, which explores fashion as a form of wearable art. Williams incorporated her custom jewelry to represent the link between her high-fashion allure and the physicality needed to be among the greatest athletes in the world. Every aspect was a thoughtful reference to "Body of Science," Gatorade's newly launched global research initiative focusing on the gap in research specifically related to women's bodies. It serves as a subtle reminder that while we have mastered the visual aesthetics of the female form, we still need to advance our understanding of the science behind it.

      Before the event, we spoke with Venus Williams about stepping into her sister Serena's co-chair shoes, overcoming Met Gala-day jitters, and how her custom jewelry made a significant statement on fashion's most prominent night.

      (Image credit: Getty Images)

      WHO: Venus Williams

      WEAR: Custom Swarovski

      STYLED BY: Ronald Burton III

      What was your initial response when you were asked to be a co-chair this year? Did Serena offer any guidance from her experience as co-chair in 2019?

      My first reaction was honestly one of sheer excitement! There was joy, disbelief, and a great deal of gratitude for being considered. It's hard for anyone to feel deserving of being a co-chair of the Met, so it was an amazing feeling. I felt immense pride when my sister was co-chair, and I know she feels the same about me. I'm still somewhat in disbelief; it’s truly one of the greatest honors I've received. I'm looking forward to soaking in the entire experience.

      Can you share about your Met Gala jewelry?

      The accessories I wore on Monday night are all custom pieces, designed to highlight that only 6% of global sports science research focuses solely on the female body. Every detail was intentionally created to connect back to the Body of Science narrative in a coherent and expressive manner.

      How did Body of Science influence your Met Gala jewelry and your other looks for the event?

      We curated looks that aimed to shine a light on the issue of women's sports science research, including my pre-gala dinner outfit, the press preview event ensemble, and my accessories for the actual night. I wanted each look to narrate its own story while collectively conveying a broader message about the power of female bodies and the necessity for a deeper understanding of them.

      Why is collaborating with Gatorade a good match for you? What projects are they working on that excite you?

      As an athlete, Gatorade has consistently been there for me throughout my career. They have always led initiatives supporting women’s sports and advancing the cause, so when they approached me about Body of Science and the chance to contribute meaningfully to the solution, it was an easy decision.

      Congratulations on your recent wedding! What's more nerve-wracking: walking down the aisle or ascending the Met Gala steps, and why?

      Walking up the Met Gala stairs will undoubtedly be more nerve-wracking for me. I tend to be quite shy, even if it doesn't always show. I’ve always been rather introverted, though I’ve evolved into more of an "extroverted introvert" over time. That's why this moment feels somewhat more intimidating. Walking down the aisle felt completely natural. I was certain I wanted to marry my husband, so there were no nerves.

      How has the gap in sports science research affected your career? Why is female-specific sports science data crucial in tennis and other sports?

      When Gatorade initially introduced Body of Science, I was somewhat frustrated—not surprised, but frustrated. I spent years optimizing my fitness and wellness to excel on the court, only to discover it wasn't tailored for me. It’s vital for women to have access to information, resources, and education suited to our unique needs, and I’m thrilled that the next generation of female tennis players, as well as women across different life stages, will benefit from improved, science-backed data to make informed decisions about their bodies. People frequently ask, “What’s next for women’s sports?” and I believe this is a significant part of the answer.