Serena Williams’s Sequined Gown With the Most Dramatic Sleeves Is Meant To Be Bookmarked

Serena Williams has broken many records in her tenured career both on and off the court. For starters, she became the first tennis player to win 23 Grand Slam singles titles (no big deal!). Last night, the G.O.A.T. did it again and became the first athlete to be awarded with the Fashion Icon Award at the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Awards. And the record-shattering athlete proved worthy of the status with a black sequined dress that was a vision to behold.

On Monday night, the multi-hyphenate arrived at the 2023 CFDA Awards in a custom-wrapped Lincoln Navigator that matched her custom black sequined gown designed by CFDA chairman Thom Browne. The fashion icon’s sleek black dress was anything but boring with its plunging sweetheart neckline, floor-skimming train, and giant pearl-adorned puffy statement sleeves. Serena accessorized with David Yurman jewelry, which included the brand's "Fleur de Mer" pavé diamond necklace and pearl and pavé cable drop earrings.

As for her glam, Serena opted for a gold shimmery eye shadow with feathered lashes and a pink matte pout while pulling her hair into a low braided ponytail intertwined with the signature Browne ribbon.

“Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve used fashion as an outlet to express myself — fashion gave me the confidence to step on the court and own who I was, and where I knew I was going,” Williams shared with the CFDA prior to the evening.

Following the legacy of previous recipients Zendaya, Naomi Campbell, Beyoncé, and Rihanna, CFDA chairman Thom Browne dubbed her “the ultimate example of individuality in everything she does.”