NEW YORK — In a move that cements her status as a cultural icon beyond the baseline, Venus Williams is stepping into a prestigious new role. Following in the formidable footsteps of her younger sister Serena, Venus has been named a co-chair for the 2025 Met Gala, one of the most exclusive and influential nights in fashion and entertainment.
The announcement, made by Vogue and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, places Venus at the helm of next year's event alongside co-chairs Bad Bunny, Chris Hemsworth, and Jennifer Lopez. Anna Wintour, the longtime chief of the gala, will of course preside. This appointment comes as Venus continues to compete on the WTA Tour, with her next tournament, the Miami Open, looming on the horizon.
A Sisterly Legacy on the Steps
The Met Gala chairmanship has become something of a Williams family tradition. Serena Williams served as a co-chair for the 2019 event, famously arriving in a custom neon yellow Versace gown with matching Nike sneakers—a look that perfectly blended high fashion with athletic prowess. Now, Venus will have her moment to command the famous Metropolitan Museum steps, a stage she is no stranger to.
Venus has been a Met Gala attendee for years, consistently delivering memorable fashion statements. From her regal, cape-bound ensembles to her daring structural designs, she has used the platform to express her unique style, which she also channels through her own fashion line, EleVen. Her promotion to co-chair, however, signifies a deeper recognition of her influence as a tastemaker and a global ambassador for both sport and style.
In a statement released with the announcement, Venus expressed her honor and excitement: "I have long admired the Met Gala as a celebration of art, creativity, and self-expression. To be invited to co-chair this iconic event is a tremendous honor, and I look forward to working with Anna, my fellow co-chairs, and The Costume Institute to bring a visionary theme to life."
The 2025 Theme: "The Garden of Time"
The theme for the 2025 Met Gala and its corresponding exhibition at The Costume Institute has been revealed as "The Garden of Time." Inspired by J.G. Ballard's 1962 short story of the same name, the theme is expected to explore concepts of ephemerality, decay, renewal, and the fragile beauty of nature through the lens of fashion. It presents a rich, poetic canvas for attendees—and especially for the co-chairs—to interpret.
As a co-chair, Venus's responsibilities will extend beyond just attending. She will be instrumental in:
- Helping to shape the creative vision and messaging of the event.
- Acting as an ambassador in the lead-up to the gala.
- Welcoming guests and setting the tone on the night itself.
Given Venus's own journey—overcoming an autoimmune disease, advocating for pay equality in tennis, and building businesses—the theme of resilience within the "Garden of Time" feels particularly resonant. Anna Wintour noted, "Venus embodies strength and grace in everything she does. Her perspective will be invaluable as we explore this deeply evocative theme."
Tennis Takes Center Stage in Fashion
Venus's appointment is the latest in a series of events highlighting tennis's soaring influence in the fashion world. The sport's aesthetic—think pleated skirts, polo shirts, and headbands—has been thoroughly mined by luxury houses for years. But now, the players themselves are becoming central figures in fashion's most elite circles. Beyond the Williams sisters, players like Coco Gauff, who attended the 2023 Met Gala, and Emma Raducanu, a brand ambassador for multiple luxury labels, are regularly featured in high-fashion campaigns.
This crossover speaks to a broader cultural shift where athletes are recognized not just for their physical talents but as multifaceted influencers with significant reach in style, business, and activism. The Met Gala, often critiqued but undeniably powerful, is the ultimate platform for this convergence. Venus, with her seven Grand Slam singles titles and pioneering role in sports, is a perfect bridge between these worlds.
Focus Shifts Back to the Court in Miami
While the Met Gala news is a major off-court triumph, Venus Williams remains, first and foremost, a competitor. The tennis world now turns its attention to the Miami Open, where Venus has a storied history, winning the title three times. Now playing on a protected ranking, her presence adds star power and a compelling narrative to the tournament draw.
Her preparation and performance in Miami will be scrutinized with added interest, as fans and pundits alike marvel at her ability to balance elite athletic pursuit with such a demanding external commitment. It raises the question of how she manages her rigorous training schedule with the planning and obligations of a Met Gala co-chair. In a recent interview, she hinted at her philosophy: "Discipline and passion are not confined to one court. They apply to every endeavor you care deeply about."
A New Chapter of Influence
Venus Williams's new role as Met Gala co-chair is more than a glamorous side gig; it is a testament to her enduring impact. She and Serena have spent decades breaking barriers in tennis, and now they are doing the same in the corridors of culture and fashion. Venus is not just following Serena's footsteps; she is walking alongside her, carving a parallel path that demonstrates the vast potential of a female athlete's career in the 21st century.
As the tennis season progresses and the May 2025 Gala approaches, all eyes will be on Venus. The world will watch to see how she interprets "The Garden of Time" on the red carpet, just as they will cheer her on during every match in Miami and beyond. In both arenas, she continues to redefine what it means to be a champion, proving that her influence, much like the themes of the upcoming gala, is both timeless and continually evolving.