Serena Williams just redefined royal elegance, and people are talking! At the 2025 Princesa De Asturias Awards in Oviedo, Spain, the tennis icon traded her athletic wear for a stunning macramé ensemble by Elie Saab, proving she's just as powerful off the court as she is on it. But here's where it gets interesting: Williams' choice sparked a debate about tradition versus modernity at such a prestigious event. Was it a bold statement or a fashion faux pas?
Celebrating her illustrious tennis career, which includes an astounding 23 Grand Slam titles, Williams met with members of the Spanish royal family while sporting the Lebanese designer's creation. The outfit consisted of an oversized macramé coat and a matching strapless dress, both in a crisp, clean white. The design featured a floral-inspired macramé construction with a sculptural, open-knit texture, giving it an elongated and sophisticated silhouette. Think of it like delicate, handcrafted lace, but with a more modern and geometric feel.
The open-knit coat draped gracefully over her shoulders, perfectly complementing the midi dress underneath. The dress echoed the coat's floral macramé motif in a sleek column silhouette. And this is the part most people miss: it wasn't just about the dress and coat. Williams added a vibrant pop of color with a pair of red, pointed-toe pumps, demonstrating her keen eye for detail and her ability to effortlessly blend classic elegance with a touch of daring individuality. This choice of footwear subtly broke the expected formal tone, injecting a dose of Serena's personality into the royal setting. Was this a deliberate act of self-expression, or simply a stylish addition?
Elie Saab's macramé patterns aren't limited to white, though. They also appear in black, in midi and mini dress designs similar to the one Williams wore. For those unfamiliar, macramé is a decorative textile craft that relies on knotting techniques rather than weaving or knitting. It's an age-old craft, but Saab has masterfully modernized it. The result? Apparel and decorative items with a unique textural quality and visual appeal.
Williams' Elie Saab ensemble certainly stood out amongst the other attendees. While members of the Spanish royal family, including Queen Letizia (in a gray double-breasted suit), Princess Leonor (in navy), and Infanta Sofía (in vibrant red), opted for more traditional, suited attire, Serena brought a different kind of glamour to the event. So, who wore it best: Serena or the royals? It's a matter of personal taste, of course, but it raises the question: Should there be a 'dress code' for such events, even for guests of honor?
The 2025 Princesa De Asturias Awards celebrated individuals from diverse fields, including science, communications, and literature. Serena Williams' decades-long career as a decorated tennis player secured her place among these distinguished recipients. It's a testament to her impact both on and off the court.
The macramé design motif is a recurring theme in Elie Saab's collections. He has consistently incorporated this ornate and often colorful technique into his creations, particularly in the early 2010s and in his couture designs. Saab's consistent use of macramé demonstrates his dedication to this timeless craft, as well as his ability to reinvent it for the modern era. The question now is, will macramé become the next big trend thanks to Serena Williams? What do you think of Serena's fashion choice? Did she nail the royal glamour, or was it too bold for the occasion? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
