Venus Williams, the 45-year-old tennis legend and seven-time Grand Slam champion, made her Met Gala debut alongside her new husband, Andrea Preti, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on Monday evening.
Williams’ Striking Ensemble as Co-Chair
As one of four co-chairs for the event—alongside Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Anna Wintour—Williams led the sports stars in attendance. She chose a custom black gown by Swarovski featuring light-reflecting crystals and a pearl-adorned neck plate. The curve-hugging design draws inspiration from a painting commissioned for her by the National Portrait Gallery.
Preti complemented her look in a sharp black tuxedo accented with a burgundy bow tie and matching pocket square. The couple arrived early among the first to ascend the iconic steps.
Notable Sports Stars on the Red Carpet
Several prominent athletes joined Williams, turning heads with their fashion choices.
Eileen Gu’s Pearlescent Gown
Freestyle skier Eileen Gu, the San Francisco-born athlete who represented China at the recent Winter Olympics—sparking debate over her choice—wore a striking pearlescent bubble dress.
Alysa Liu and Naomi Osaka Shine
Figure skater Alysa Liu, a double gold medalist from the 2026 Winter Olympics, impressed in a red ruffled dress styled by Louis Vuitton, for whom she serves as a house ambassador. Her signature hairstyle added to the elegant vibe.
Tennis star Naomi Osaka captivated with a dual-outfit reveal. She arrived in a sleek white gown with red feather details, then shed the outer layer to unveil a sculpted red dress beneath, drawing gasps from onlookers.
Paige Bueckers and Lindsey Vonn’s Bold Looks
WNBA standout Paige Bueckers opted for a creative paint-splattered suit at the glitzy affair.
Skiing icon Lindsey Vonn made a triumphant appearance, walking the carpet without crutches for the first time since her severe crash at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. During the women’s downhill event, she suffered a complex fracture requiring eight surgeries and nearly cost her a leg. Dressed in a beaded white mermaid gown by Thom Browne—which took 4,000 hours to craft—she used a custom cane designed by the fashion house.
