It’s that time of year again when the fashion elite gather for the Met Gala. This year’s theme is “A Line of Beauty” in honour of the late Karl Lagerfeld. And, it was a night filled with glamour and artistry as designers and celebrities alike pay homage to Lagerfeld’s legacy.
Speaking of icons, some notable female athletes were in attendance this year. Most notably, Brittney Griner, Eileen Gu, and Serena Williams, each with their partners of course. These women are trailblazers in their respective sports, breaking barriers, and shattering stereotypes. Seeing them on the Met Gala carpet is a testament to the increasing recognition of women’s sports and the impact these athletes have on society.
Brittney Griner
Brittney Griner, perhaps the most controversial and newsworthy female athlete attended with her partner Cherelle Griner. The 6’9″ basketball superstar is known for her incredible athleticism, fierce determination, and of course her Russian prison time. Brittney made her Met Gala debut just five months after her prison release. Here she can be seen dressed in a custom coordinating Calvin Klein suit. Very neutral and clean, but would Karl Lagerfeld approve? We’ll never know.
Eileen Gu
Eileen Gu, an American born freestyle skier, has made her way as both an Olympic gold medalist and an IMG model. An unlikely combo, but one certainly worthy of an invite to the Met Gala. Eileen was a guest of IWC Watches, and wore a gown by Robert Wun. The dress was designed with red splashes all over to look like spilled wine. Perhaps a more fitting choice for the after party.
Serena Williams
Last but certainly not least, Serena Williams and her beau Alexis Ohanian. Serena needs no introduction, with 23 Grand Slam titles and an unparalleled legacy in Tennis. The Tennis star is also known to be a total fashionista, so it comes as no surprise that she couldn’t pass up an opportunity to attend the Met Gala. Not only that, she used the world stage of the Met Gala to debut her pregnancy with her second child! Serena stunned in a gorgeous Gucci gown, adorn in pearls, Karl would approve. Now that’s one way to announce a pregnancy!
The presence of female athletes at the Met Gala sends a powerful message: women’s sports deserve to be celebrated on the same stage as fashion and entertainment. It’s a reminder that beauty comes in many forms, and that athleticism and grace are just as captivating as a designer gown. And on this night, we see a glimpse of who these athletes are beyond the court or field.
So here’s to the Met Gala and all the beauty it represents. May we continue to celebrate and uplift the incredible women in sports, and may they inspire us to be our best selves both on and off the field. As Lagerfeld once said, “Fashion is a language that creates itself in clothes to interpret reality.” And the reality is, women’s sports deserve to be recognized and celebrated on the grandest of stages.
