Serena Williams divides fans with Met Gala look as tennis legend stuns in all-gold ensemble on red carpet
TENNIS icon Serena Williams has joined the droves of celebrities in attendance at the annual Met Gala.
The 23-time Grand Slam winner arrived at Monday’s event in New York, where this year’s theme is “The Garden of Time.”
Williams, 42, arrived in an eye-catching golden dress from Balenciaga, as per Complex Style.
The flowing golden gown was paired with black opera gloves, a selection of golden jewelry, and black heels.
Also included in the look was a custom-made golden headpiece, designed by Jennifer Behr, according to Marie Claire.
Williams’ look, which was styled by Kesha McLeod, was inspired by Look 52 from Balenciaga’s 51st couture collection, according to Vogue.
Crafted out of 25 meters of Italian taffeta which was laminated with golden foil, the creation took a total of 150 hours to complete.
“It’s truly been an honor to collaborate with the talented Balenciaga team on such a memorable and glamorous piece,” Williams said.
“This gown represents a collective effort to create something truly extraordinary, and I am immensely proud to be the one to showcase it.”
The outfit also included a golden Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch, selected to fit the Gala’s theme.
“I love how the sand gold color plays off my dress and how its tone changes depending on the angle and light,” Williams said.
Royal Oak watches range anywhere from $43,000 to over $300,000, as per Avi & Co.
Snaps of the tennis legend quickly made the rounds on X, formerly known as Twitter, where Williams’ outfit was met with mixed reactions.
“She’s stunning. Hair makeup and headpiece on point,” one fan commented.
“Yes without the train,” said a second.
“This dress is flawless and Serena Williams is stunning but it is not on theme,” added a third.
While another bluntly said, “Love the woman; hate the dress.”
Prior to arriving at the Gala, Williams posed alongside Oscar-winning actor Michelle Yeoh, via People.
Like Williams, Yeoh also brought some shine to proceedings in her bold shoulderless silver dress.
Met Gala 2024 Theme
The theme of the 2024 Met Gala is The Garden of Time, which draws inspiration from the latest exhibition of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, titled Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.
Also a Balenciaga piece, Yeoh’s dress included a shorter train with a more textured finish.
Yeoh’s sleek look was paired with jewelry from Cindy Chao, as per W Magazine.
