Venus Williams, the 45-year-old tennis legend and seven-time Grand Slam champion, made her Met Gala debut alongside new husband Andrea Preti. The couple ascended the steps of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday evening, captivating attendees at the star-studded fashion event.
Williams Commands the Red Carpet as Co-Chair
As one of four co-chairs—joined by Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Anna Wintour—Williams led the sports stars in attendance. She selected a striking custom Swarovski gown in black, adorned with light-reflecting crystals and a pearl neck plate. The form-fitting design draws inspiration from a painting commissioned for the National Portrait Gallery, aligning with the evening’s Costume Institute theme.
Preti complemented her look in a sharp black tuxedo, accented by a burgundy bow tie and matching pocket square. The pair arrived early, setting a glamorous tone for the night.
Sports Stars Steal the Spotlight
Fellow athletes joined the festivities, showcasing bold ensembles. Freestyle skier Eileen Gu, who drew scrutiny for representing China at the recent Winter Olympics, arrived in a shimmering pearlescent bubble dress.
Figure skater Alysa Liu, a double gold medalist from the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games, impressed in a red ruffled gown. Freshly named a Louis Vuitton house ambassador, she wore an outfit from the luxury brand, complete with her signature hairstyle.
Tennis star Naomi Osaka delivered a dramatic reveal. She started in a sleek white gown with red feather accents, then shed the outer layer to unveil a sculpted red dress beneath, thrilling onlookers.
Lindsey Vonn’s Triumphant Return
Skiing icon Lindsey Vonn marked a milestone by walking the carpet without crutches for the first time since her February crash at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The incident caused a complex fracture, requiring eight surgeries and raising fears of leg amputation.
Dressed in a beaded white mermaid gown by Thom Browne—which took 4,000 hours to craft—Vonn carried a custom cane designed by the brand.
WNBA standout Paige Bueckers opted for an edgy paint-splattered suit, adding flair to the glitzy affair.
