Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesVenus and Serena: Their names are as synonymous with their standout style as they are with the game that made them first-name famous. The Williams sisters changed the way tennis players dress with their bold colors and loud prints—not to mention their oh-so-mini skirts. But it’s the older of the two, Venus, who’s parlayed her on-court flair, and her degree in fashion design, into a men’s and women’s active wear line called EleVen.
Williams has some ideas on what guys should—and shouldn’t—wear off the courts, too. The 33-year-old Olympic gold medalist and 21-time Grand Slam winner—who was eliminated in singles but is still playing doubles at the U.S. Open—says she might be a bit picky when it comes to a guy’s “swag,” but she’s not the only one. She and her sisters have certain criteria a man should meet if he wants to impress a Williams woman.
Men’s Health: How’d you get the inspiration for your active wear line, EleVen?
Venus Williams: The EleVen model is look good, play well. We believe if you look good, you’ll play well in life, in sport, and in everything you do. Why not wear something you feel good in? The inspiration for this season was energy. Pattern and print are staples in an EleVen collection—I love tie dyes and florals. This season I had to challenge myself to introduce some new colors.
MH: What do you look for in a man’s style?
Williams: How a man carries himself is important. He has to have style, he has to be fit, and he has to be funny. All women dream of a guy with broad shoulders, a cinched waist, cut arms, great skin, and wonderful teeth. But sometimes you find that guy and he’s not very nice. At the end of the day, it’s about what’s inside.
MH: The first thing you notice about a guy is his . . .
Williams: Shoes. He can have a great look, but if the shoes aren’t there, it’s not working. Some guys wear tennis shoes with their suit jacket, and that can work. They don’t have to be the most expensive shoes either. You just have to be able to put yourself together.
MH: Are there any fashion faux pas we should avoid?
Williams: My sisters and I joke about the boxy suit. We say, “He was nice, but he had a box on.” You have to think about things like how a suit fits, because women notice. Also, if you wear too much fragrance, it can be overwhelming. An understated, masculine scent is really attractive. But I might just be too picky.
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