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

      If anyone comprehends that fashion is an all-encompassing activity, it’s the iconic tennis star Venus Williams. We have witnessed her reshape "courtside chic" over the years, but taking on the role of Met Gala cochair this year elevated her style to an entirely different level. While she readily admits that the museum’s famous steps induce more anxiety than a Grand Slam final (or even her recent wedding ceremony), she arrived looking every bit the regal champion we admire. Naturally, her dazzling Met Gala outfit adhered to the "Fashion Is Art" dress code for this year's Costume Institute exhibit, which explores fashion as a wearable art form. Williams incorporated her custom jewelry to reflect the connection between her high-fashion elegance and the physical demands of being one of the world's top athletes. Every element was a purposeful reference to "Body of Science," Gatorade's newly launched multiyear global research initiative, which highlights the lack of research specifically focused on women’s bodies. It serves as a subtle reminder that while we have mastered the visual aspect of the female form, we are still catching up with the scientific understanding of it. Before the significant event, we spoke with Venus Williams about following her sister Serena’s footsteps as cochair, managing Met Gala nerves, and how her tailored jewelry was the ultimate fashion statement on the biggest night of the year.

      (Image credit: Getty Images) WHO: Venus Williams WEAR: Custom Swarovski STYLED BY: Ronald Burton III What was your first reaction when you were asked to be a cochair this year? Did Serena offer you any advice from her experience as cochair in 2019? My initial response was, to be honest, oh my gosh, yay! There was excitement, disbelief, and immense gratitude just to be considered. I don’t think anyone ever feels deserving of being a cochair at the Met, so it was an extraordinary feeling. I remember feeling incredibly proud when my sister was a cochair, so I know she feels the same way about me. I’m still in disbelief; it’s one of the greatest honors I’ve ever received. I plan to fully enjoy the entire experience. Could you tell me about your Met Gala jewelry? My accessories on Monday night are all custom-made, specifically designed to highlight that only 6% of global sports science research is dedicated to the female body. Every aspect was carefully constructed to connect back to the Body of Science narrative in a way that feels cohesive and expressive. How did Body of Science influence your Met Gala jewelry and other looks for the event? We designed looks that aimed to emphasize the issue of women's sports science research, including my pre-gala dinner outfit, the press preview event attire, and, of course, my accessories for Monday night. I wanted each look to convey an individual story while collectively presenting a larger narrative about the strength of female bodies and the necessity to better understand them. Why is collaborating with Gatorade a suitable match for you? What initiatives excite you? As an athlete, Gatorade has consistently been there throughout my career. They have always been at the forefront of investing in women's sports and advancing the conversation. When they approached me about Body of Science and being a significant part of the solution, it was an easy decision. Congratulations on your recent wedding! Which is more nerve-wracking: walking down the aisle or ascending the Met Gala steps, and why? Walking up the Met Gala steps is definitely more nerve-wracking for me. I’m naturally quite shy, even if that’s not always apparent. I have always been profoundly introverted, although I've become more of an "extroverted introvert" over time. That’s why this moment feels a bit more daunting to me. Walking down the aisle felt completely natural; I already knew 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 first introduced Body of Science, I wasn't exactly surprised, but I felt a little frustrated realizing that I had spent decades optimizing my fitness and wellness to excel on the court, only to find that it wasn't specifically tailored for me. It’s vital for women to have information, resources, and education designed for our unique needs, and I’m excited that the next generation of female tennis players, as well as women at various life stages, will have access to better, science-based data to make informed choices about their bodies. People keep asking, “What’s next for women’s sports?” and I believe this is a significant part of that answer.