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Serena Williams Set To Receive CFDA's 2023 Fashion Icon Award

As she makes history as the first athlete to receive the award, here are some of her best fashion moments.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America names a Fashion Icon of the Year every 365 days, and this go round, it's none other than the legendary Serena Williams.

Some past recipients of this prestigious award include Rihanna, Zendaya, Beyonce, Pharrell, and Naomi Campbell. It was only right for Williams to join these ranks thanks to her bold and distinctive style, exemplified by black catsuits and vibrant neon hues during matches.

Williams, the first athlete to receive the award, has an impressive tennis resume, scoring 23 Grand Slam singles titles. Plus, she has ventured into fashion with a partnership with Nike, which commenced in 2003.

She also launched her own line in 2018, S by Serena Williams. The mommy mogul has further expanded her influence through collaborations with HSN on various fashion items, accessories, and handbags.

In celebration of her CFDA Fashion Icon Awards, let's run back some of our favorite looks!

  • US Open 2018

    Serena Williams of USA celebrates winning her semifinal on day 11 of the 2018 US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium of USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 6, 2018 in Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York City. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
    Serena Williams of USA celebrates winning her semifinal on day 11 of the 2018 US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium of USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 6, 2018 in Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York City.

    This look is a product of Williams’ collaboration with Nike and Virgil Abloh of Off-White. For this occasion, she showcased her partnership with a graceful, soft purple ballerina ensemble.

    In an interview with Vogue's Anna Wintour during her S by Serena 2020 presentation, she said, "I think it's so fun to have fun with fashion and in my sport, I have a great opportunity to play in something really wild and really fun and really express myself. Most people only see me on the court."

  • US Open 2022

    Serena Williams of the United States thanks the fans after being defeated by Ajla Tomlijanovic of Australia during their Women's Singles Third Round match on Day Five of the 2022 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 02, 2022 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.
    Serena Williams of the United States thanks the fans after being defeated by Ajla Tomlijanovic of Australia during their Women's Singles Third Round match on Day Five of the 2022 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 02, 2022 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.

    Williams suited up in a black outfit with all the shimmer for her last tennis match before retiring. The figure skater-inspired ensemble was designed by Nike, featuring a crystal-embellished dress with sheer sleeves and diamond-encrusted NikeCourt Flare 2 sneakers adorned with a gold "SW" embossment. Elevating the look to tennis legend status, Williams accessorized with Swarovski crystals in her hair, a hairband studded with crystals, and silver jewelry.

  • Wimbledon 2008

    Serena Williams of United States prepares for her women's singles round one match against Kaia Kanepi of Estonia on day one of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 23, 2008 in London, England.
    Serena Williams of United States prepares for her women's singles round one match against Kaia Kanepi of Estonia on day one of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 23, 2008 in London, England.

    The 2008 Wimbledon called for all-white and that's what this tennis icon served up. Sporting a white trench coat, Williams coupled the statement piece with a matching headband and pendulous earrings.

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  • French Open 2010

    Serena Williams of the United States serves during the women's singles fourth round match between Serena Williams of the United States and Shahar Peer of Israel at the French Open on day nine of the French Open at Roland Garros on May 31, 2010 in Paris, France. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
    Serena Williams of the United States serves during the women's singles fourth round match between Serena Williams of the United States and Shahar Peer of Israel at the French Open on day nine of the French Open at Roland Garros on May 31, 2010 in Paris, France.

    Having an affection for pleated skirts, the mom of two donned a vibrant teal dress with a ruffled trim during the 2010 French Open. Enhanced by neon green undershorts, a coordinating headband, and white sneakers, this outfit represented one of the athlete's more timeless and classic tennis ensembles.

  • 2022 Oscars

    Serena Williams attends the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California.
    Serena Williams attends the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California.

    At the 94th Annual Academy Awards, the philanthropist graced the occasion in an exquisite rose pink Gucci gown designed with intricate lace and sequin appliqué. The elegance of the ensemble was further accentuated by the addition of matching lace gloves, showcasing her impeccable sense of style.

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