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 the event’s four co-chairs—joined by Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Anna Wintour—the seven-time Grand Slam champion turned heads in a custom Swarovski gown featuring light-reflecting crystals and a pearl-adorned neck plate. The curve-hugging black design draws inspiration from a painting commissioned for her by the National Portrait Gallery.
Sports Icons Light Up the Red Carpet
Williams arrived early on the red carpet, arm-in-arm with Preti, who complemented her look in a sharp black tuxedo accented by a burgundy bow tie and pocket square. She led a roster of prominent athletes embracing the evening’s theme.
Freestyle skier Eileen Gu, who represented China at the recent Winter Olympics despite her San Francisco roots, captivated in a pearlescent bubble dress. The decision drew significant attention during the Beijing Games.
Olympic Champions and Rising Stars
Figure skater Alysa Liu, fresh off two gold medals at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, impressed in a red ruffled gown styled by Louis Vuitton, for whom she serves as a house ambassador. Her signature hairstyle added flair to the ensemble.
Tennis star Naomi Osaka delivered a show-stopping moment by arriving in a sleek white gown with red feather details, then shedding it to reveal a sculpted red dress underneath, thrilling photographers and guests alike.
WNBA standout Paige Bueckers opted for a bold paint-splattered suit, bringing an artistic edge to the glamorous affair.
Lindsey Vonn’s Triumphant Return
Skiing icon Lindsey Vonn marked a milestone by walking the carpet without crutches for the first time since her severe crash at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The incident during the women’s downhill event caused a complex fracture, necessitating eight surgeries and raising fears of leg amputation.
Dressed in a beaded white mermaid gown by Thom Browne that required 4,000 hours to craft, Vonn carried a custom-designed cane from the fashion house, blending resilience with high fashion.
