Exclusive: Venus Williams' new Glam collection is the next step in EleVen's fitness journey
Venus Williams will go down in history books as one of the best athletes to pick up a tennis racket. However, the seven-time Grand Slam champion’s impact in the sports and fitness industry won’t end when she ultimately calls it a career. Since 2007, Williams has merged her two loves of tennis and fashion to deliver trendy clothing meant to empower women of all shapes and sizes through her own clothing line EleVen.
The latest launch, the Glam collection, combines soft and strong colorways of melon, pink, white and navy to create powerful, feminine workout attire. In a first for the brand, the Glam collection will feature activewear in addition to tennis apparel, so you can embody the EleVen persona at the gym, yoga studio or while training for a marathon.
Yahoo Sports spoke exclusively with the 39-year-old ahead of Monday’s launch, where she opened up about what makes this drop different from the 45+ previous launches and what separates Venus Williams the tennis star from Venus Williams the fashion designer.
Yahoo Sports: As your brand transitions into creating activewear to be worn outside the tennis court, what’s the overall message you want to send to women who are trying, yet face challenges in adapting to a healthier lifestyle?
Venus Williams: EleVen is built on the idea of being the best version of yourself and pushing the status quo. I want women to feel confident and empowered to push their own limits and meet their goals when they wear my pieces, but also remember to just have fun while training and working out!
YS: You’ve released over 45 collections - what makes the Glam collection different from your previous drops?
VW: The Glam collection is the next step in EleVen’s fitness journey. We’re introducing more activewear styles than ever before in this collection – each of these pieces add a little flare to your life, whether you’re headed to the courts, a yoga class or the grocery store! The collection is also designed to keep fabric dry, cool and protected with its anti-microbial, moisture-wicking, temperature control, and UV protection.
YS: You amassed a credible reputation because you’re an excellent tennis player, but what do you want fans to know about Venus Williams the fashion designer?
VW: I’ve always had a love for fashion and design, and merging this passion with my love for fitness was one of the best decisions I’ve made! I created EleVen to give women high-quality activewear that they not only feel fabulous in, but perform at their best – regardless of the activity.
YS: How did you ultimately decide on combining the daring gold metallic color with soft, yet strong hints of melon and pink in your designs?
VW: I wanted women to feel glamorous and like they can take on the world while wearing this collection. By mixing soft and strong colors throughout each piece, we were able to create a powerful yet feminine vibe that embodies the essence of an EleVen woman. The bold designs are inspired by the bold women that wear them!
YS: What’s your favorite piece from the line?
VW: I love all the pieces and it’s hard to choose just one - but the metallic gold windbreaker is such a versatile statement piece and exactly what the EleVen girl needs in her closet!
Check out some of the pieces of the Glam line below, and grab your favorite looks before sizes sell out.
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