Truman Says
André Leon Talley Vetoed One of Venus Williams's Outfits
While she may be a queen on the tennis court, Williams knows who's boss when it comes to fashion.
May 04 2012 1:29 PM EST
February 05 2015 9:27 PM EST
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In this week's edition of the New York Times column, "What I Wore," Venus Williams describes--in great detail--her daily ensemble(s), and the though process behind them. Personally, I'm obsessed with this column, because you really can glean so much about a person from A. what, exactly, they select to wear and B. why they do so--plus, it's a little sneak peek into the day-to-day pursuits of a variety of people from different backgrounds and working in different fields. For instance, I learned that the tennis pro keeps a raw-food diet, is not afraid of bling ("I say accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. If you don't accessorize, someone else will," she says), loves herself a pair of J Brand jeans, and has her own tennis-based apparel line EleVen--who knew? Probably somebody out there, but not me. My favorite little tidbit, however, was when she was picking out an outfit for a day of meet-and-greets to promote her line, Vogue contributing editor and former ambassador of realness (in my head, at least) on America's Next Top Model (cycles 14-17) magically appears like a fairy godfather (no pun intended--promise!) to advise the athlete on her attire. Left to her own devices, Ms. Williams opted for a color-blocked dress, but the discerning Talley put the kibosh on that stat. It wasn't a subtle suggestion either, Williams said the caped fashionisto, "insisted I wear something else." Insisted. Obviously there was a fashion emergency taking place. Talley instead had his gal pal toss on a pleated skirt (um, Prada spring 2012, anyone?) and paired it with a pink and black patterned top (he's really pushing that spring print trend). Whew. Crisis averted.