After suffering a heartbreaking loss in the final of the US Open, Serena Williams was making headlines once again. Albeit for a very different reason.
Just 72 hours on from her defeat to Bianca Andreescu at Flushing Meadows, the 23-time grand slam champion achieved a new personal milestone at New York Fashion Week. Producing a show on her own to showcase her collection S by Serena. The affordable clothing line has a price range of $59 to $229 and is inspired by Williams’ life both on and off the court.
“We want women to feel that they can turn their fear and their doubts into confidence and courage,” Williams told E Online. “That’s our logo and motto for this whole collection.”
One of the the most impressive aspects of the show were Williams’ ability to attract numerous high-profile celebrities. Attendees to the event included Kim Kardashian West, LaLa Anthony, Tarana Burke, Ashley Graham and fellow player Caroline Wozniacki.
Proud of my bestie @serenawilliams for the launch of her new collection at the @nyfw ! pic.twitter.com/Tf6V9p6Q5e
— Caroline Wozniacki (@CaroWozniacki) September 10, 2019
Also watching was Vogue editor Anna Wintour. Somebody who is described as one of the most powerful and influential people in the world of fashion. Williams has revealed that she sought advice from Wintour prior to the launch.
“I’m not gonna show at New York Fashion Week without sending her every single piece,” she said of the Vogue chief. “She’s so important to us and for our brand. She’s so helpful and gives us so much good feedback.”
New York Fashion Week is held twice a year and is a vital asset to the local economy. According to the United States Joint Economic Committee, it generates an annual income of $600 million and attracted an estimated 150,000 people during 2017.
Williams’ decision to host the show on her own terms was because she wanted more freedom.
“I wanted to have more creative direction and to do it by myself,” Williams said a separate interview with Glamour.com. “I was always working with HSN, which was wonderful and an amazing experience, but you’re limited with a lot of different things. I wanted to do something that I went to school for and I have so many visions for. And now we’re here.”
For those who missed the show, clips of it have been posted online thanks to former Wimbledon Champion Marion Bartoli. Bartoli was also in attendance.
https://twitter.com/bartoli_marion/status/1171600082053021696
https://twitter.com/bartoli_marion/status/1171600442423422981
