Serena Williams Shines in Black Seqᴜined Gown at CFDA Fashion Awards, Months After Welcoming Second Child

Serena Williams commanded attention as she arrived at the annual Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards (CFDA) at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. The tennis superstar, set to receive the Fashion Icon Award, stᴜnned in a black sequined gown by CFDA Chairman Thom Browne, featuring dramɑtic sleeves and a flowing train. Adorned with jewelry from David Yurman and wearing her golden hair in a sleek ponytail, the 42-year-old mother-of-two paused on the red carpet for photos.

Glamarous: All eyes were on tennis superstar Serena Williams as she arrived to the annual Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards (CFDA) at the American Museum of Natural History on Monday in New York City

Reflecting on her journey with fashion, Serena expressed gratitude for its role in her life, from childhood to the pinnacle of her tennis career. Stunning: As she prepared to accept the Fashion Icon Award, previously bestowed upon Naomi Campbell, Zendaya and Beyonce, during the star-studded ceremony, the retired athlete, 42, stopped to pose for photos on the red carpet in a black sequined gown, designed by CFDA Chairman Thom Browne, with dramatic sleeves and a trainShe highlighted the confidence fashion gave her both on and off the court, noting her own brand, S by Serena, as a realization of her fashion dreams. Stunning: As she prepared to accept the Fashion Icon Award, previously bestowed upon Naomi Campbell, Zendaya and Beyonce, during the star-studded ceremony, the retired athlete, 42, stopped to pose for photos on the red carpet in a black sequined gown, designed by CFDA Chairman Thom Browne, with dramatic sleeves and a trainCFDA Chairman Thom Browne praised Serena for expanding fashion’s boundaries and staying true to herself throughout her career, calling her a true fashion icon.

Prior to the event, the Olympian told CFDA: 'Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve used fashion as an outlet to express myself – fashion gave me the confidence to step on the court and own who I was, and where I knew I was going.'

Serena’s transition into retirement has brought mixed emotions, as she balances her love for tennis with readiness for new challenges.Wow factor: Serena Williams led the big winners at the CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City as she took home Fashion Icon She remɑins deeply involved in her family life, including raising her daughters and exploring new opportunities, such as expanding her fashion line and potentially growing her family further.Honree: Williams said she felt 'incredibly honored to be receiving the prestigious Fashion Icon Award from the CFDA'Singing her praises: CFDA Chairman Thom Browne credited the Michigan native for 'bringing fashion to another world' through her tennis career as well as 'always staying true to herself, both on and off the court'Pals: Williams pictured with supermodel Karlie Kloss at the event