Last year, 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams retired from her professional career. The legendary tennis player decided not to follow the beaten path into coaching or commentating, but focused on her longtime passion – fashion. During the year of active work in the new industry, Williams Jr. conquered another peak: the Union of Fashion Designers of America recognized her as a “Style Icon.”

However, many did not agree with the results of the Fashion Icon Award. The American never received so much hate even for the most shameful actions on the court.

Tennis became an inspiration

Even during her professional career, Serena Williams was actively interested in fashion and style. The tennis player, along with her sister Venus, studied at the Fort Lauderdale Art Institute in Florida, majoring in fashion design, and a little later created her own brand, S by Serena. Thanks to her spectacular appearances on the court and stunning sports results, clothes from Williams Jr. quickly became popular among American celebrities. The athlete increasingly appeared at events with Hollywood stars, and after leaving tennis, she organically joined the show business crowd.

This year, working as a “society lady” bore fruit: the Council of Fashion Designers of America chose the tennis player as the winner of the “Style Icon” award. She became the first athlete of all time to receive such a high title in the fashion world.

In November, at a ceremony in New York, the athlete was solemnly presented with the award. The 23-time Grand Slam champion said that even when choosing and creating clothes, she is inspired by tennis. Serena considered the US Open to be her own fashion week in the United States, and the athlete’s unique style was a reimagining of traditional tennis gear that showcased her personality, confidence and culture.

“Even as a little girl, I knew that I was not like everyone else. So I studied fashion and style as a way to stand out,” Williams said at the Fashion Icon Award ceremony.

After the event, Serena shared beautiful pictures on her social media. The tennis player appeared before the public in a chic dress with voluminous sleeves, made entirely of black sequins. Under the tennis player’s post, fans bombarded her with congratulations and enthusiastic comments. Some were amazed by the athlete’s excellent form, because back in August she gave birth to her second daughter Adira. There were also those who asked Serena to return to the sport to win at least two more Grand Slam tournaments.

“They bought a premium again”

Serena Williams / Photo: © WWD / Contributor / WWD / Gettyimages.ru

However, not everyone shares the opinion of Serena fans. Skeptics considered the tennis player not worthy of the title “Style Icon,” and called the outfit terrible and disfiguring Williams Jr.’s figure.

– I think this is disgusting! — writes kaplaru.

“You’re cute, but your dress doesn’t look very good,” wrote monikariosgg.

“The dress is terrible, sorry,” jackie.r.guthrie shared his opinion.

– Frightening!!! – namieline spoke out.

Some Russian public pages suggested that the prize could have been purchased. Serena is not a model, not a singer or even an actress, so the “Style Icon” award is not for her.

“With all due respect to Serena’s sporting achievements (she is truly a great athlete), a style icon—sorry,” wrote wondefulllife.

– Which fashion icon? She is a model? Actress? The only fashionable thing she has is the sports uniform that they give her. Again, they bought a prize and gave it to a person who doesn’t deserve it in any way,” Lisiale says indignantly.

However, it is unlikely that the opinions of skeptics really worry Serena. The tennis player learned not to pay attention to negativity during her professional career. While someone is scribbling angry comments under photographs of Williams Jr., she is doing what she loves and conquering new horizons.