With celebrities flocking to the US Open, the always-fashionable sport of tennis is all over our screens, and our feeds. Last night, Swarovski hosted Venus Williams in honor of her upcoming book Strive. At the brand’s Fifth Avenue flagship, Williams spoke with Rajni Jacques about her career, love of fashion, and her style icons. Influencers and friends of the brand, including Ellie Thumann, Eva Gutowski, and Flaviana Matata, were on hand to take in the exchange.
Strive, Williams tells ELLE, “was inspired by my own journey and the lessons I’ve learned both on and off the court. I wanted to create something that could empower others to embrace their own challenges, set ambitious goals, and find fulfillment in the process,” she says. “My passion for helping people live their best lives comes from the incredible support I’ve received throughout my own career, and the desire to pay that forward. I’ve always believed that success is not just about personal achievements—it’s about lifting each other up and sharing what we’ve learned along the way to inspire confidence and growth in others.”
Williams’s on-court looks have always been major, and her love of style led her to launch her design firm, V Starr, and an AI interior design platform, Palazzo. “My love for art, design and fashion has always been very personal,” she says. “It’s about the freedom to express myself in creative ways that go beyond words. Whether it’s through the details of interior design or the art I collect, I’m drawn to the stories they tell and how they make me feel.
“Fashion, too, has always been a powerful form of self-expression for me—it’s another way to tell our stories and show who we are. I believe art, in all its forms, has the power to inspire and connect us. It’s a continuous journey of creativity and staying true to what moves us.”
Adds Kolja Kiofsky, General Manager of Swarovski North America, “Her career on and off the court is incredibly inspiring, and we look forward to the continued impact of her remarkable journey.”
Venus Williams Celebrates Her Upcoming Book With Swarovski
Additional reporting by Alexis Wolfe.
