Venus Williams, Champion . . . Fashion Designer?

The Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, have been the darlings of United States sports and soaked up the media limelight as much for their exploits on the tennis court as off. Both Venus and Serena are regular fashionistas, and there is no end to the interest about what the two sisters’ next fashion statement will be. Whether in major tennis tournaments with worldwide television coverage, before the paparazzi and their rows of flashing cameras, or just in daily life, Venus and Serena are always comfortable in their clothes.

Wimbledon, the oldest tennis Grand Slam tournament in the world, has a strict dress code stating that all players must wear predominantly white clothes. But for the glamor girls of tennis, that’s just another way to interpret their fashion and catch the eye of the public. And while many of the stars quickly walked the ramp (read: hit the tennis court) and left, the Williams sisters took their quest to win the championship all the way to the end. And as they relentlessly moved on while others perished, they did so with fashion at the forefront.

Serena’s trench coat–like dress in the Wimbledon has drawn much adulation, but it’s the older sibling and defending champion, Venus, who displayed the greater fashion consciousness and class. Perhaps because just last year, Venus earned an associate degree in fashion design from the reputed Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Since then, the news has often covered her own brand of designer wear, EleVen, and she’s promoted it in all the tournaments she’s played.

If you want to get a taste of EleVen clothes, visit the retail chain Steve & Barry’s. For this year’s Wimbledon, Venus sported a unique “cross-my-heart” neckline. Of course, though, she was aware that chic fashion and wild designs could not be her priority on the court, but she promised a whiff of novelty and a distinctive style as she powered her way toward a fifth Wimbledon victory.

When asked to comment on the designer dresses and how they affect her play performance, Venus said, “It’s really about business in general, and the outcome is that us women get to wear wonderful clothes.” And then she discussed how fashion competitions between athletes on the field are a huge profitable venture for the athletic companies. She should know! After all, we hear she convinced Russian Nadia Petrova to sign up for her own EleVen range. So much for tennis; it’s time for business!