Lacoste has named Venus Williams their new Global Brand Ambassador. From the press release:
Bold, committed, entrepreneurial, passionate about fashion and founder of lifestyle brand EleVen, tennis champion Venus Williams embodies all the ambitions of the new fashion-sport silhouette created by Louise Trotter. This wardrobe, imbued with the brand’s strong fashion DNA, is part of a desire to respond to new lifestyles – creating versatile clothing to cater to women’s contemporary lives.
“Lacoste celebrates its new silhouette, at the crossroads of fashion and sport. It blends technical materials, key details, and bright colours. This look draws its inspiration from the roots of our history: on-point pieces inspired by the movement of the body, just as René Lacoste intended.”
– Louise Trotter, Lacoste artistic director
British Vogue photographed Venus Williams, the first woman to enliven this fashion- sport vision, in Jupiter, Florida, which she calls home.
«I am a long-time fan of Lacoste and have always been inspired by the brand’s innovative style, beyond its tennis roots. Louise Trotter is such a visionary and the work she has done as creative director of the House is forward-thinking, inspired and constantly evolving. I am thrilled to be working alongside her as the face of Lacoste’s new silhouette.”
– Venus Williams
The seven-time Grand slam champion and entrepreneur is arguably one of the most accomplished and inspiring women in the history of sports. A trailblazer throughout her career, Williams has worked tirelessly to help the sport evolve by championing the fight for equal pay and serving as a steadfast advocate for equality. Perfectly aligned with Lacoste’s brand values, Williams will support the endeavors of the Lacoste Foundation, which has been working internationally to promote equal opportunities since 2006.
In conjunction with the announcement, British Vogue did a photo shoot and interview. As might be expected, there was a huge amount of press coverage:
- Fashion United – “The tennis star will be the face of Lacoste’s new fashion-sport silhouette, launching with a unisex collection featuring trench coats, bras, dresses, shirts, and accessories.”
- Tennis Now – “Welcome to the #TeamLacoste, Venuswilliams! As one of the greatest athletes in the world, Venus embodies off the court all the ambitions of the new fashion-sport silhouette created by Louise Trotter.”
- Tennis.com – “The luxury sportswear brand tapped into its strong tennis roots with the appointment of Venus as global ambassador”
As they say in Dodgeball, “It’s a bold move .., Let’s see if it pays off.”