For years, sports and fashion have intertwined. Athletes have taken an interest in fashion, and fans have been captivated by their style choices.
With their flashy lifestyles and massive audience reach, the public has become aware of their fashion choices and has influenced regular people’s outfit choices.
René Lacoste is perhaps one of the most famous examples of a sports legend who ventured into fashion. Nicknamed ‘The Crocodile’ during his time as a tennis player, he started his fashion brand, Lacoste, in 1933. The brand focuses on fashionable sportswear and incorporates his sport nickname as the brand’s logo.
Check out these sports legends who transformed themselves into fashion icons:
1. Sir Lewis Hamilton
Seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton blessed fans with iconic looks each time he walked the F1 paddock during race weekends. Having attended the Met Gala multiple times, he has also become the face of fashion brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Police, and the luxury watch brand IWC.
2. Serena Williams
During her time on the tennis court, fans would not only take note of Serena Williams’ natural talent in the sport but also her brave outfits. No one would forget her iconic denim tennis skirt, bedazzled tops, and leopard print tennis dresses that looked absolutely impractical for playing the sport, but they also established her as a fashion icon. Williams has also walked for Louis Vuitton during New York Fashion Week.
3. Roger Federer
Another royalty of the tennis court, Roger Federer would show up at Wimbledon and other tennis games wearing memorable flashy ensembles. From his on-court style to red carpet outfits, and even just his hairstyle, Federer did not just become the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in tennis but also in executing his personal style.
4. David Beckham
English footballer David Beckham’s style has been influential during and after his time on his team, even any hairstyle he would pull is being noted. Not only is he married to a fashion designer and another fashion icon, Victoria Beckham, but his own personal style was replicated by men especially during the 2000s. Beckham also had partnerships with fashion houses such as BOSS, Emporio Armani, and Adidas.
5. Maria Sharapova
Maria Sharapova had a magnificent tennis career, showing up in tennis games with impressive outfits, excluding femininity that did not stop her from winning championships. Fashion magazines also applauded her off-court styles and her love for feminine and lace frocks. Even after her retirement in 2020, she would constantly be invited to fashion shows and red carpet events, emphasizing her transition to becoming a fashion icon.
6. Venus Williams
Similar to her younger sister, Venus Williams is not only an icon on the tennis court but also in the world of style. Known for her unforgettable black and red lace tennis dress, Venus is celebrated for her daring on-court fashion choices. Beyond tennis, Venus frequently attends high-fashion events and has engaged in numerous collaborations with Lacoste.
7. Christiano Ronaldo
Wherever football star Cristiano Ronaldo goes, his style doesn’t go unnoticed. His outfits have evolved progressively over the years as he gained success and popularity. From street style to red carpet looks, Ronaldo has firmly established himself as one of the most stylish soccer players.
8. Misty Copeland
The American ballet dancer for the American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland, admitted in an interview that her personal style is influenced by her ballet profession, an influence evident even in her wedding dress. As the Prima Ballerina’s career rose, so did her status as a fashion icon.
