By Prosper Mene
Tennis legend and 2026 Met Gala co-chair Venus Williams commanded attention on the red carpet Monday night, arriving in a dazzling custom Swarovski creation that perfectly embodied the evening’s “Costume Art” theme and “Fashion Is Art” dress code.
The 45-year-old champion, one of the event’s co-chairs alongside Anna Wintour, Beyoncé, and Nicole Kidman, wore a curve-hugging black crystal mesh gown by Swarovski that sparkled under the lights. The standout piece was an elaborate, diamond-encrusted neckplate/breastplate with draped chains, creating a sculptural, artistic effect that merged high jewelry with wearable art.
Williams revealed the deeply personal inspiration behind the look: it pays homage to her 2022 portrait Venus Williams, Double Portrait by Robert Pruitt, commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery. The design also nods to her tennis legacy, with elements evoking the silver Venus Rosewater Dish she has won at Wimbledon. Additional touches reference her family heritage and journey in the sport.
Styled by Ron Breece, the ensemble transformed Williams into a living work of art, aligning seamlessly with the Met’s Costume Institute exhibition exploring fashion’s relationship to art and the human body.
Williams attended the gala with her husband, actor and producer Andrea Preti, whom she married in late 2025. The couple shared tender moments on the carpet, including Preti helping adjust her gown.
As both a co-host and fashion ambassador, Williams used the platform to highlight women’s sports science and equity initiatives. “Fashion is going to be on fleek,” she teased earlier in the evening.
Swarovski’s creative director Giovanna Engelbert crafted the one-of-a-kind couture piece, reinforcing the brand’s long-standing friendship with the tennis icon.
Social media quickly lit up with praise for Williams’ look, with many calling it one of the night’s most memorable and meaningful interpretations of the theme. The tennis star once again proved that her influence extends far beyond the court, blending athletic excellence, artistic vision, and red-carpet glamour.
The 2026 Met Gala continues to celebrate the intersection of fashion and art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
