Venus Williams’ collection a Grand Slam
Renata Espinosa

New York—It’s a graduation present many fashion design students would dream about - a full range of clothing and accessories with a major national retailer. If you happen to be world champion athlete Venus Williams, well, that doesn’t hurt either. The tennis pro, who graduates in fashion design from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in December, launched “EleVen,” a new celebrity collaboration with Steve & Barry’s, hot on the heels of their popular Sarah Jessica Parker line Bitten and Amanda Byne collections.
To celebrate the launch, Williams did and in-store appearance at the chain store’s Manhattan Mall location in New York on Thurs., Nov. 15, where she signed autographs for excited fans who lined up outside the store for a chance to meet the top-ranked athlete, who has U.S. Open and Wimbledon titles to her name.
“I didn’t even know she was going to be here, I’m just a shopaholic,” laughed Wanjiru Machua of Brooklyn, who said she started shopping at Steve & Barry after the Sarah Jessica Parker collection launched, and said she regularly checks their website for new items. “But I’m very, very impressed. Her clothing line is beautiful! I love the cut of the jackets and the pants, and the sneakers are great for everyday and the gym. And I love her personality! Some little girls stopped by to say hello, and she just came over and gave them a hug.”
This past September, Williams competed in the U.S. Open wearing her “V-Court” sneaker designed for Steve & Barry, which retails for $14.98. The extensive shoe collection she designed, with many different styles and colors to choose from, are a highlight of the EleVen collection. All items in the sporty collection, which include long sleeve logo t-shirts, track suits, shorts, sports bras, sunglasses, visors and outerwear, are priced under $19.98. The low price point is a Steve & Barry signature.
The Venus Williams EleVen collection will be a ongoing fixture in the store, with new items continually added. Williams’ stop in New York is the beginning of a 10 day tour to celebrate the launch. She stops in stores across the country starting Nov. 16, when she arrives in Chicago and will end it in Los Angeles on Nov. 25.