A Fearless and Resilient Woman: Serena Williams
Our theme this week is centered around resilient women, and although we had many viable women we could highlight, we decided to go with 23 Grand Slam winner Serena Williams. Fashion, philanthropy, and culture are who we are at the core of our brand, and Serena "brings the heat" in every one of those pillars.
As we explore her style, philanthropic, and philanthropic efforts, we would never forget to mention her impeccable work ethic that has translated into her tennis game, leading her to win 23 Grand Slams, including 7 Wimbledon's, does it get any better than that? Oh, but it does. After her first child, Serena's complications with her pregnancy led her to invest $3 million dollars in Mahmee, a black-owned startup aimed at improving prenatal and postpartum care for women; which also contributes to the reduction of the maternal mortality rate, particularly among black women who are 3 times more likely to die in childbirth or from other pregnancy-related causes.
Serena Williams has also been a strong advocate for equal pay in sports and beyond and has made efforts to address financial abuse among women, which is present in 99% of abusive relationships. Serena partnered with Allstate on The Purple Purse initiative which focuses on supporting survivors of domestic abuse by providing job training, financial literacy, and funding grassroots organizations.
Criticized by many for often standing up for herself and letting her stance known; one that resonates close to home for us here in Minneapolis is her statement on the murder of Phillando Castile at the hands of the police. Following her 2016 Wimbledon victory, she made a public statement on her thoughts surrounding police brutality, as her victory happened after the death of Phillando Castile at the police's hands. Billie Jean King followed thereafter commenting that Serena should "focus her energy on the sport and not her philanthropic efforts."
During the summer of 2019 when Serena lost the Wimbledon prize, she made it a point to respond to tennis icon Billie Jean King's comment saying, "The day I stop fighting for equality for people that look like me will be the day I'm in my grave."
And is why we are highlighting the iconic Serena Williams on this week's style blog. Take a look at our most memorable looks inspired by Serena Williams.
In this first look, Serena sports a corseted dress that we liken to our Allen Schwartz Calla Bustier Jumpsuit. We add the Able Tigist Clutch to play off the flower detail in the jumpsuit. We accessorize this look with classic silver jewelry including the Piperwest Marble Minimalist Wrist Watch, The 'Believe' Mantra Band Bracelet, the Chan Luu Petite Hammered Hoops, and the Nina Bernato Ego Arrow Ring. And of course, this summer look wouldn't be complete with a classic black sandal in
Our next Serena inspired look is a casual warm-weather take that we love! We pair our One Fell Swoop, Ashton Midi Dress, under the Able 'The Yuli' Jacket along with the perfect pop of color with the Sol Sana Milvana Heels. Throw on the Sancia Mini Gigi Bag and gold accessories like the Starbuck Designs Equation Studs, The Glamrocks Gold Bandit Necklace. the Sol Sana Marisol Heels.
This is the Serena we know and love, it is the perfect glimpse into her edgy side! We recreate this look with two leather pieces; the Commando Faux Leather V-Neck Bodysuit with tucked into the J.ING The Fringe Black Leather Midi Skirt. We accessorize this look with the United Nude Molten Calla Mid Mesh Sandal, the Océanne Initial Necklace, and the unique Janna Conner Noe Acrylic Disc Earrings.
The last Serena Williams look includes the perfect splash of color for summertime! We pair our Maison de Papillon Therese Silk Slip Dress in a vibrant cobalt blue shade with the daring snakeskin print Alias Mae Dua Snakeskin Mule Heel. We pair the Able Debre Minimal Wallet with the Tribe and Glory Ankole Horn Bangles and the Chan Luu Freshwater Pearl Small Earrings to simply accent the look.
Our next inspired look is reminiscent of some of our new pre-sale items! We pair our Amanda Uprichard Pierre Dress, which is a summertime staple with the Alias Mae Ami Heels for a sophisticated touch. We finish off this look with some essential gold jewelry, including the Mod and Jo Pendant Necklace, the Able Caesar Stud Earrings, and the elegant Collections by Joya Jordan Freshwater Pearl Cuff.
Be inspired by both Serena Williams' efforts on and off the court. Find your voice and use it for good, find your style, and own it for the world to see!
Shop these looks and looks of other iconic women online and in our app. Don't forget that you get free shipping on all orders over $50 & free returns! Come back next week and see which iconic woman you might find right here on The Style Mark Blog.