The term “athleisure” may appear to be a recent trend in fashion—a contemporary evolution in activewear that transforms the casual appeal of gym attire such as sports bras, drawstring jogger pants, and vibrant sneakers from the confines of sports facilities to the realms of runways, red carpets, or even weekend brunch outings.
However, it’s important to note that this trend actually originated years ago, propelled by none other than Serena Williams, arguably the greatest athlete of our generation. Not only is she a tennis champion, but she also boasts considerable experience as a fashion designer. Tomorrow, she will be unveiling a new NikeCourt collection at NikeLab. Williams injected a burst of energy, drama, and color into the historically understated tennis scene with her daring and vibrant on-court outfits.
Williams, who has clinched 21 Grand Slam Titles over her extensive career and is striving for her first calendar-year Grand Slam at the upcoming US Open, is not only a dominant force in tennis but also a trendsetter in fashion. With a background in fashion design from the Art Institute of Florida, Williams will debut the latest collection for her own fashion line during New York Fashion Week next month.
Whether she’s donning eye-catching neon or leopard-printed tennis dresses on the clay courts or showcasing highly engineered footwear to match her formidable 122 mph serve, it’s clear that the recent Vogue cover star was among the first to seriously consider the fusion of trendsetting color palettes and figure-flattering silhouettes with the functionality of sportswear.
Consisting of three sneaker styles presented in a black-and-white color scheme and a sophisticated bomber jacket that seamlessly transitions between warm-up attire and casual wear, the collection’s strength lies in its meticulous attention to detail and adaptability. Even the snake-printed tennis dress designed for Williams to wear at the US Open, staying true to her affinity for animal prints, possesses versatility suitable for evening wear with minor adjustments. “When they named it the Greatness Collection, I was initially taken aback,” she explains. “But then I realized it presented an opportunity to incorporate positive affirmations throughout the collection. There are affirmations embedded in the shoe and insole, as well as handwritten messages on the jacket that I penned, because I believe greatness extends beyond excelling on the court; it’s about inspiring others.”
