Tennis ace Venus Williams’ first designs for speciality retailer Wilsons Leather are scheduled to hit stores this autumn. The Wimbledon champ, who first signed on with Wilsons in December to put together a line of leather skirts and blazers, has made a previous foray into fashion, teaming with sportswear giant Reebok to design her now signature on-the-court dresses and halters.
“Unlike many other athletes who simply lend their name to a company, Venus is using her creativity and fashion school background to actively work with Wilsons’ buying and design teams to create the Venus Collection,” the CEO of the leather goods company said.
“I’m excited about teaming up with with Wilsons leather to create my own line,” Venus added. She and sister Serena, two of women’s tennis most dominant forces, both study fashion design at the Art Institute in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Wilsons operates 586 retails stores worldwide including 479 mall stores, 77 outlet stores and 30 aiport locations.
Late last year the siblings inked a deal with cosmetics corporation Avon for a three-year global advertising deal. “Venus and Serena are wonderful role models for young women all over the world,” a spokesman for Avon said. “Their winning spirit and dedication to being their best is a perfect fit with Avon’s heritage of empowering women to strive for their own goals and aspirations.”
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
