Venus Williams burst onto the scene in the late 90s and early 2000s. Her teenage years, roughly 17 to 20, were electrified by the rhythmic bounce of colorful beads adorning her iconic braids. She sported this look at tournaments like the 1997 US Open and the 2000 Wimbledon. Then, into her thirties and forties, from purple braids at the 2013 US Open to vibrant pink hues pre-Wimbledon 2023, her evolving hairstyles continued to mirror her enduring and dynamic presence. This journey culminated in a nostalgic nod to her beaded beginnings at the 2025 Met Gala. Who was the mastermind behind the style?
For those who might not know, Williams gave a tribute to her legendary tennis career at the 2025 Met Gala on Monday. She rocked a custom Lacoste outfit featuring a deep emerald green polo shirt with a high-low hemline that created a miniskirt effect in front and dramatically extended in the back. Adding flair, she wore a matching long green cape and platform green shoes that perfectly coordinated with the look. To top it off, delicate jeweled pieces sparkled in her hair, bringing extra bling to the ensemble.
The genius behind this stunning look was Lacoste’s creative director, Pelagia Kolotouros, who walked the red carpet alongside Venus. Just days before the event, Venus shared a behind-the-scenes Instagram moment with Pelagia, captioning it, “The past meets the present Thank you @pelagia.kolotouros for your beautiful vision!”
Curious about the hair inspiration, Venus asked Pelagia, who explained, “Honestly came from you! I looked at some old pictures of you with cornrows and beads and thought, ‘How can I make that fit this theme?’ Then I thought, ‘For the whole crocodile thing, let’s extract that skin texture and put it into little clips.’”
Hairstylist Araxi Lindsey worked her magic with a crisscross pattern to lay Venus’s hair flat, drawing from traditional African styles and the short cuts of the 1920s. Dozens of metal clips paid homage to the iconic beaded hairstyle Venus sported in the 2000s.
Pelagia called dressing Venus “a profound privilege,” praising her as a trailblazer, tennis legend, fashion icon, and powerful voice for women. She added, “We brought together tennis codes central to Venus’s life and Lacoste’s heritage, reimagining the sports robe with tailoring precision, weather-proof membrane, embellishment, and drama. Every detail was crafted in Paris to reflect Venus’ stature and express our savoir-faire.”
Venus Williams has long dazzled not just with seven grand slam titles but with her unforgettable style on and off the court. After a hiatus of over a year since her first-round loss to Diana Shnaider at the 2024 Miami Open, it’s thrilling to see her return to the spotlight at such a glamorous event. But that’s not all, she’s making a comeback at the French Open- though this time, in a fresh new role.
Williams to return to the court at Roland Garros
Venus had set the record straight in an interview with The Irish News: “I’m not done with the racket yet… At this point, it’s about picking and choosing places I want to be.” Still, she’s clearly shifting gears in her tennis journey. Now, she’s swapping her racket for a mic as she joins TNT Sports as a commentator for the 2025 French Open!
She shared the exciting news on Twitter: “I’m excited to join @tntsports as a commentator for @rolandgarros, alongside this incredible roster of athletes! Stay tuned for our coverage to start on Sunday, May 25. #RolandGarros ” She also posted the update on Instagram Stories, signaling a fresh chapter in her career.
Joining an elite commentary team that includes legends like John McEnroe, Andre Agassi, Chris Evert, Lindsay Davenport, Mats Wilander, Boris Becker, and Jim Courier, Venus expressed how honored she feels. “While I haven’t retired and am still open to returning to the court when the time feels right, commentating allows me to stay immersed in the sport without the physical demands of competition,” she explained.
Venus added, “This decision wasn’t about stepping away from playing but about embracing a new way to contribute to the sport that’s shaped me. Tennis has given me so much, and now I have the chance to give back by telling its stories, celebrating its stars, and sharing its magic.” She’s approaching this new role with the same passion and mindset that made her a tennis icon.
The 2025 French Open kicks off on May 25, and while Venus Williams won’t be walking onto the court with a racket, fans can look forward to her expert insights and commentary. Do you think Venus will dazzle in style with a mic just as she did with a racket? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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