On Monday night, a who's-who of culture, art, entertainment, sports and business attended the 2026 Met Gala, including event co-chair Venus Williams, Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka. The star-studded, invite-only event is a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute ahead of the annual exhibition's opening.
The gala's dress code this year was "Fashion is Art," and the three former US Open champions proved yet again that they can serve looks just as awe-inspiring as their aces.
Venus wore a Swarovski black, crystal-covered gown with a gorgeous necklace that was jointly-inspired by the Venus Rosewater Dish—the Wimbledon trophy she has hoisted six times throughout her career—and Robert Pruitt's Venus Williams, Double Portrait (2022), which was commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery, according to Vogue.
"There's a lot of symbolism," she said. "My mom is here, my dad is here, there's symbolism from my culture in West Africa, the Watts Towers represent southern California. It just seemed right for this theme."
“Co-chairing the Met Gala has been such an incredible honor, and honestly, a moment I’m still trying to fully take in,” Williams told Vogue ahead of the event. “Fashion has always been a huge part of how I express myself, both on and off the court, so being part of an event that celebrates the intersection of art, culture, and identity feels really full circle for me.”
Of course, her sister Serena also sparkled on the red carpet, wearing a silver, asymmetrical dress by Marc Jacobs accompanied by gold gladiator heels adorned with gilded leaves wrapping up her right leg.
The Williams sisters have been frequent-attendees of the Met Gala for years, with Serena making her debut in 2004, and even serving as co-chair in 2019. Venus attended for the first time in 2008, and 16 years later, is a co-chair alongisde Nicole Kidman and Beyoncé.
On-court, Osaka is famous for her elaborate looks, especially at Grand Slams, where fans wait with bated breath for her first round match for the reveal of her 'fit of the fortnight. This was the two-time US Open champ's first time back at the event since co-chairing it in 2021, and her ensemble was worth the wait, wearing a custom two-piece set by Robert Wun. Fans who watched the 2026 Australian Open will be familiar with his work, as Osaka's jellyfish-inspired kit was a collaboration with the designer, including his signature hat and umbrella. Her entrance look—a sculptural white coat and hat dotted with red feathers—was show-stopping on its own, but Osaka shed it before ascending the museum's iconic stairs to reveal a fitted red gown covered in thousands of crystals.
Now, Osaka will trade the red carpet for the red clay of Europe, but she's sure to turn the terre battue into a runway of her own.
