Serena Williams makes history as she is named as Fashion Icon award winner
Serena Williams will become the first athlete to be named as the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Fashion Icon Award winner.
Williams learned that CFDA had announced her as their 2023 Fashion Icon Award honoree on Wednesday.
On 6 November 2023, a gala dinner and awards presentation will be held at the American Museum of Natural History in New York with Williams set to attend.
Previous winners of the award include Lenny Kravitz, Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Naomi Campbell, Franca Sozzani, Beyoncé, Pharrell Williams and Rihanna.
“Serena is one of the most inspiring people in the world…a true individual…she is an icon of the sports world…representing greatness on the highest level…bringing fashion to another world…for another audience…always staying true to herself, both on and off the court…a perfect combination of our worlds…the ultimate example of individuality in everything she does.…Serena is a true fashion icon,” said Thom Browne, chairman of the CFDA.
Williams is delighted to be honoured and thrilled that her work in fashion is being recognised.
She says that her on-court fashion choices were a big part of expressing who she is.
“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 told Women’s Wear Daily.
“My dream of owning my own brand, S by Serena, has become a reality and throughout my career, I have been blessed to collaborate with the most established designers and the most exciting up-and-coming creatives. I have had so much fun learning my style and allowing it to change as my life has evolved, but I’ve always held one thing true — fashion is for everyone, no matter your size, race or income. I am incredibly honored to be receiving the prestigious Fashion Icon Award from the CFDA, an organization whose work I have long admired and to stand among style icons I have always looked up to.”
The 2023 CFDA Fashion Awards, which will be hosted by Sarah Jessica Parker, will honour the best designers in women’s, men’s, and accessories as well as the Shop With Google Emerging Designer category winners.
Vera Wang will receive a board of directors tribute award in honour of her contributions to the bridal industry; Domenico De Sole will receive the Founder’s Award in honour of Eleanor Lambert; Maria Cornejo will receive the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award; Alina Cho will receive the Eugenia Sheppard Media Award; Mara Hoffman will receive the Environmental Sustainability Award; and Jonathan Anderson will receive the International Designer of the Year Award for his work.
READ MORE: Ons Jabeur in doubt for WTA Finals after Zhengzhou withdrawal
