Serena Williams hits Vogue World runway at New York Fashion Week

From the court to the catwalk.

Serena Williams opened the Vogue World runway show during New York Fashion Week Monday, dressed in a metallic silver Balenciaga gown and matching floor-length cape.

She was joined by four “ball girls” wearing white tennis outfits and holding rackets, as a recording of Williams’ memorable 2000 NBC interview played in the background.

“I want people to remember me as the girl who changed tennis or just was able to bring something new to the game,” she said in the clip.

Her inclusion in the event makes sense, as Williams announced she’s retiring from tennis to focus on her family in her cover story for Vogue’s September issue; she fronts the mag in a powder blue Balenciaga gown, joined by daughter Olympia.

Serena Williams
She was joined by four “ball girls” dressed in white Nike tennis outfits.
Getty Images for Vogue

While this wasn’t Williams’ first runway moment — she made her debut in the Off-White fall 2022 show following designer Virgil Abloh’s unexpected death — she was joined by some pretty major names on the Vogue World catwalk.

Gigi Hadid and Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Emily Ratajkowski, Irina Shayk, Lila Moss, Helena Christensen, Shalom Harlow and Karlie Kloss all modeled alongside celebrities like Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Erykah Badu.

Serena Williams and Anna Wintour
Of course the guest of honor was seated next to Anna Wintour.
Getty Images for Vogue

Meanwhile, stars including Kanye West, Lori Harvey, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker, Keke Palmer, Doja Cat and Jared Leto watched from the front row.

Models wore new looks from the fall/winter 2022 collections of Balenciaga, Dior, Gucci, Valentino, Burberry, Coach, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Diesel, Banana Republic, Tory Burch, and many more for the stylish “street fair,” which also included collaborations between iconic New York eateries and famed brands like Michael Kors x Katz Deli’s and Banana Republic x Magnolia Bakery.

To close out the celebration, Lil Nas X performed his hit song “Industry Baby.”

Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid
Williams held hands with friend and fellow model Gigi Hadid.
GC Images

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