The Metropolitan Museum of Art will once again play host to the Met Gala on the first Monday in May. A new band of co-chairs and host committee members will grace the iconic steps of the museum ahead of the latest exhibition, “Costume Art,” unveiling.
Venerated athlete and seven-time grand slam champion Venus Williams will join Nicole Kidman and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as one of the co-chairs alongside Anna Wintour for the annual event. Williams recently became a regular on the Met Gala red carpet, but her first foray came in the late 2000s. WWD breaks down Venus Williams’ Met Gala journey ahead.
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2025
At the 2025 edition of the Met Gala, Williams brought tennis to the red carpet with her custom Lacoste look, crafted by couturier and Lacoste creative director, Pelagia Kolotouros. The look was comprised of a deep forest green polo shirt, a high-low hemline skirt that created a mini effect in front while extending dramatically in the back, and a matching long green cape over her shoulders for added regality.
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“With this look, we brought together the tennis codes that are central to Venus’s life and career, and to Lacoste’s heritage, and reconstructed them through the lens of traditional tailoring. Her custom Couture look centres on the sports robe, reimagined with the precision and structure of tailoring, bonded with a weather-proof membrane, embellishment, and drama that brings further texture and movement. Every detail was crafted in Paris to reflect Venus’ stature and to express, through technique and silhouette, the full extent of our savoir-faire,” Kolotouros previously told WWD via email.
2024
For the Met Gala’s 2024 dress code, “The Garden of Time,” Williams favored a custom strapless dress by American couturier Marc Jacobs. The floor-length, hourglass-silhouette gown was crafted with a sweetheart neckline and featured a sheer panel with mirrored paillettes throughout.
2022
The 2022 Met Gala saw Williams go the subdued route, wearing a Chloé suit designed by Gabriela Hearst. The ensemble, designed in black fabric, featured a corseted top, flared trousers and a tailored jacket with sinuous lapels. Williams accessorized the look with a feathery clutch, black shades and a statement necklace.
2021
Williams’ “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” 2021 Met Gala look was designed by Prabal Gurung. The strapless ruby red dress was designed with a tiered ruffle bodice and floor-length column skirt. A dramatic train and large bow trailed Williams as she walked the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s iconic steps. She accessorized the gown with Swarovski chandelier earrings.
2008
For her first time on the Met Gala red carpet in 2008, Williams wore a strapless satin gown with a voluminous skirt by Carolina Herrera. The bronze gown featured a defined waist with fabric contrast. Williams accessorized with chandelier earrings.