Venus Williams Hits a Grand Slam in Lacoste Green and Whimsical Shoes at the 2025 Met Gala
Decked out in vibrant green, Venus Williams made a striking entrance at the 2025 Met Gala. The tennis titan stepped onto the famous carpeted steps in a bespoke Lacoste ensemble that epitomized the seamless fusion of athletic prowess and haute couture.
The monochromatic creation, a vibrant shade of emerald green, began with a classic Lacoste polo shirt silhouette, elevated by a meticulously hand-bedazzled collar that caught the light with every subtle movement. This detail added a touch of unexpected glamour to the traditionally sporty design.
Layered over the ensemble was a dramatic, billowing overcoat crafted from the same luxurious fabric. The overcoat, with its exaggerated volume and graceful drape, added an element of high-fashion drama, transforming Williams’ appearance into a captivating spectacle.
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When it came to beauty, celebrity hairstylist Araxi Lindsey told FN, “My inspiration for Venus Williams’ Met Gala look derived from René Lacoste’s legendary nickname, “The Crocodile”, which became the iconic symbol of the Lacoste brand.
I wanted to creatively reimagine crocodile skin through structural design while honoring African American culture. With this year’s theme celebrating the superfine tailoring of Black Dandyism, the creative team and I chose cornrows with a twist as a modern nod to heritage and style.”
Williams, who is known for her powerful presence on the tennis court, effortlessly translated that same commanding energy into her choice in footwear. The emerald, Oxford-like silhouette offered architecturally structured marvels. Their vibrant green hue, reminiscent of lush, ancient forests, caught the light with an inner fire, hinting at hidden depths. The embellishments were far from simple ornamentation.
Instead, they were intricate narratives woven into the fabric of the shoes, reminiscent of delicate vines with precisely set gemstones that mimicked celestial constellations. These details spoke of a dedication to tailoring, craftsmanship, and transforming the footwear into wearable sculptures.
The 2025 Met Gala is being held tonight in New York. The theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” celebrates all things African American styles and culture. This year’s co-chairs include Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky and Pharrell Williams, along with Vogue’s Editor In Chief Anna Wintour. The gala gathers top stars from all walks of life, celebrating the arts and fashion for one night each year on the first Monday in May.
