Serena Wiliams is no stranger to acing her red carpet fashion.
As for proof, look no further than her 2026 Met Gala ensemble. The tennis legend graced the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 4 in a metallic Marc Jacobs gown. Staying true to the “Fashion Is Art” dress code, she accessorized with David Yurman jewelry and a Audemars Piguet watch.
The real star of the show, however, were her golden heels, which snaked up her right leg all the way to her thigh. (For all the stars at the Met Gala click here.)
Though Serena—who wasn't joined by Alexis Ohanian this year—is no stranger to stepping out at the famed New York City gala during the first Monday in May, this year she’s taking on a special role: supportive sister.
Indeed, big sister Venus Williams is one of the co-chairs of the 2026 event in honor of the exhibit “Costume Art”—alongside Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and, of course, Anna Wintour. (Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos, the primary sponsor of the gala, have been named honorary co-chairs.)
That particular honor is one Serena herself has experienced, co-chairing the 2019 event alongside the former Vogue editor-in-chief, Lady Gaga, Harry Styles and designer Alessandro Michele. At the time, she paired her jaw-dropping yellow Versace gown with Virgil Abloh-designed Nike sneakers. And the kicks have a surprising origin story.
The 44-year-old revealed to Vogue in 2022, “Anna Wintour was telling me, ‘You should wear tennis shoes because you’re gonna be standing a long time.'”
And though the look came together at the last minute, with the shoes making their way to her the night before, it’s ultimately one that stands the test of time for her.
“When I was on the red carpet, I wanted everyone to see that I was actually wearing these really cool Virgil Nike shoes that actually really matched perfectly to the dress,” the Grand Slam winner explained. “Wearing Nike to the Met Gala is—no one does this, you know? Everyone puts on their finest, finest garments and my finest garment happens to be Versace and Nike.”
To see the fine looks from Serena, Venus and the rest of the stars at the 2026 Met Gala, keep reading…
Beyoncé
in custom Olivier Rousteing and Chopard jewelry.
Rihanna
in Maison Margiela with Briony Raymond, Glenn Spiro, Dyne, Fred Leighton and Desert diamond jewelry.
Kim Kardashian
in custom Allen Jones breastplate, Whitaker Malem skirt and Christian Louboutin shoes.
Bad Bunny
in custom Zara.
Cardi B
in Marc Jacobs.
Hailey Bieber
in custom Saint Laurent and Belperron jewelry.
Blake Lively
in Atelier Versace, Christian Louboutin shoes and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.
Sabrina Carpenter
in Dior, Christian Louboutin shoes and Chopard jewelry.
Anne Hathaway
in Michael Kors.
Kylie Jenner
in custom Schiaparelli.
Katy Perry
in Stella McCartney.
Heidi Klum
in custom Mike Marino.
Connor Storrie
in Saint Laurent and Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
Gigi Hadid
in custom Miu Miu and Jessica McCormack jewelry.
Tessa Thompson
in Valentino, Pandora jewelry and Chillhouse nail polish.
Lisa
in Robert Wun and Bvlgari jewelry.
Teyana Taylor
in Tom Ford.
Blue Ivy Carter
in Balenciaga and Henry & Henry jewelry.
Kendall Jenner
in Gap Studio by Zac Posen and Buccellati jewelry.
Doja Cat
in Saint Laurent.
Charli XCX
in Saint Laurent.
Carey Mulligan
in Prada and Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
Margot Robbie
in Chanel.
Sunday Rose Kidman Urban & Nicole Kidman
in Dior (Kidman Urban) and Chanel (Kidman).
A$AP Rocky
in Chanel.
Emily Blunt
in Ashi Studio, Jimmy Choo shoes, Kurt Geiger bag and Mikimoto jewelry.
Cher
in Burberry.
Zoë Kravitz
in Saint Laurent.
Suki Waterhouse
in Michael Kors and Christian Louboutin shoes.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
in Thom Browne.