Serena Williams To Receive the Fashion Icon Award at the 2023 CFDA Fashion Awards

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) on Wednesday announced that Serena Williams will receive the Fashion Icon award at the 2023 CFDA Fashion Awards.

Williams will become the first athlete to receive the highly-coveted trophy at this year’s event, which is scheduled to take place on November 6 at the American Museum of Natural History.

Off the court, Williams boasts a longstanding love for fashion that dates back to her early childhood. “Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve used fashion as an outlet to express myself – fashion gave me the confidence to step on the court and own who I was, and where I knew I was going,” said Williams in a statement. “My dream of owning my own brand, S by Serena, has become a reality and throughout my career I have been blessed to collaborate with the most established designers and the most exciting up-and-coming creatives.”

“I have had so much fun learning my style and allowing it to change as my life has evolved, but I’ve always held one thing true – fashion is for everyone, no matter your size, race, or income,” she added.

Thom Browne, chairman of the CFDA, commented on the accolade, stating, “Serena is one of the most inspiring people in the world… a true individual… she is an icon of the sports world… representing greatness on the highest level… bringing fashion to another world… for another audience… always staying true to herself, both on and off the court… a perfect combination of our worlds… the ultimate example of individuality in everything she does…Serena is a true fashion icon…”

See the full list of nominations for this year’s CFDA Fashion Awards here.

In more fashion news, Stüssy and Mountain Hardwear unveiled a collaborative capsule collection.