Venus Williams, the newly appointed global ambassador for Lacoste, at The Surf Club Restaurant in … [+]
Jason Koerner/Getty
Earlier this 2022, Lacoste unveiled its new fashion-forward sporty silhouette, juxtaposing technical materials, key details and bright colours, as envisioned by Louise Trotter, the brand’s first creative director (in 85 years). Seven-time Grand Slam champion and businesswoman Venus Williams was chosen to serve as its latest global ambassador. The tennis star has worked tirelessly for the evolution of the sport by championing the fight for equal pay and strongly advocating equality.
To celebrate this partnership, Trotter recently hosted an intimate dinner at Thomas Keller’s The Surf Club restaurant in Surfside, Florida. During a three-course dinner that included fresh oysters and gulf shrimp, salmon coulibiac and key lime pie, close friends and tastemakers from Miami came together to toast this very special collaboration and usher in the Miami Open 2022 .
Lacoste hosted an intimate dinner to celebrate this special partnership at The Surf Club Restaurant
JASON KOERNER / GETTY
Forbes caught up with Trotter and Williams, where they discussed the new athleisure fashion silhouette, its greatest achievements, and how women can empower each other.
Venus Williams with Lacoste Creative Director Louise Trotter
Jason Koerner/Getty
Louise, what was your thought process when creating the new sporty fashion silhouette?
Louise Trotter: I think first of all about building things slowly, thinking about how women live today. I’m a pretty pragmatic designer. I really believe that clothes are enjoyed, loved and I think that clothes can also give you strength. So when I think about the silhouette, I really think about how women live their lives today and wanting to respond to that in a Lacoste way.
Venus, do you have any particular favorites from this collection?
Venus Williams: One favorite in particular… it’s really hard to choose. I love this layered piece, and I could wear it with a skirt, and today I paired it with jeans. But I also love the bodysuit, the sexiness of it, the sensitivity of it, the sportiness of it, the layers of it.
They are both incredibly successful women in their fields. But in her eyes, what has been her greatest achievement to date?
Venus: For me, being a good person. Nothing beats that. If you suck then people will know and bridges will burn. At the end of the day, all you have left is your reputation.
Louise: I never really think about my greatest achievement. I think what drives me forward is the opposite: my insecurities, wanting to try to do better, wanting to improve, so I think it would be the opposite of thinking, you know, my philosophy.
Venus: I love that. Some people’s insecurities hold them back so they stop trying, but it should actually propel you forward. It should be a time of learning and self-reflection.
How do you think women can empower or support each other?
Louise: I think he’s calling it when you say it. It’s something you have to do. I think that’s something we owe each other.
Venus: To accept.
Source: www.forbes.com