Venus Williams, the 45-year-old tennis legend, made her Met Gala debut alongside her new husband, Andrea Preti, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. As one of four co-chairs—joined by Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Anna Wintour—the seven-time Grand Slam champion led a group of prominent athletes on the red carpet.
Venus Williams’ Striking Ensemble
Williams turned heads in a custom black gown by Swarovski, featuring light-reflecting crystals and a pearl-adorned neck plate. The curve-hugging design draws inspiration from a painting commissioned for the National Portrait Gallery. Preti complemented her look in a sharp black tuxedo with a burgundy bow tie and matching pocket square.
Other Athletes Shine on the Red Carpet
Eileen Gu, the freestyle skier who represented China at the recent Winter Olympics and drew scrutiny for her choice over the U.S., arrived in a pearlescent bubble dress.
Alysa Liu, the American figure skater with two gold medals from the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games, wore a red ruffled dress. Freshly named a Louis Vuitton house ambassador, she sported her signature hairstyle for the event.
Naomi Osaka made a dramatic entrance in a sleek white gown accented with red feathers. She later revealed a sculpted red dress hidden underneath, captivating onlookers as she ascended the steps.
WNBA standout Paige Bueckers opted for a bold paint-splattered suit, adding edge to the glamorous affair.
Lindsey Vonn, the U.S. skiing icon, appeared without crutches for the first time since her severe crash at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The incident caused a complex fracture, eight surgeries, and a risk of leg amputation. She dazzled in a beaded white mermaid gown by Thom Browne, which required 4,000 hours to craft, paired with a custom cane from the designer.
