In a Vogue tribute production to path-blazing designer Virgil Abloh, Serena Williams revealed that she now regrets that she hadn’t worn one of the creator’s proposed skirts at the 2018 French Open.
“Virgil was so much more than a collaborator, he was a friend, an innovator. I really wish I wore the magnificent skirt he made for me in 2018. You saw it before me Virgil, we will keep your legacy alive,” said Williams on Instagram.
Serena Williams detailed the reasons why she refused to wear the dress, despite the designer’s effort.
“So the collaboration for the French Open — I still kind of regret not doing what Virgil told me to do. He wanted me to wear this long skirt with the crazy train, and then a cape with a train, and then just walk out on the court. And I’m thinking, ‘Virgil, I like fashion, and I like pushing the envelope, but this — I just don’t think I can do this.’,” said Serena.
Fortunately, Williams got to tell Abloh about her regret while he was still alive. “I just wasn’t brave enough to go out there in all the red clay, and just walk out in this train, of like, a Met Gala at the French Open,” she recalls.
Here is the new film by Vogue, in which Virgil Abloh’s closest friends and collaborators pay tribute to the late designer’s creative genius. Gigi Hadid, Serena Williams, Joan Smalls, Bella Hadid, and Kendall Jenner are all in it.
About Virgil Abloh’s death
Barrier-breaking black designer Virgil Abloh died in early December after a battle with cancer.
Venus Williams also commented on his death earlier this year. “It’s Virgil’s eighth show for the men’s collection and it’s also his last show,” Williams explained. “Anyone who follows me on social media knows that I love Virgil and that I’m inspired by him.
I’m so brokenhearted over what’s happened but I’m also still celebrating his accomplishments because there’s still things to celebrate about his life.”