Serena Walks the Runway

Serena Williams showed off her rehabbed foot Wednesday during LaQuan Smith’s Spring/Summer 2011 fashion show at the Peninsula Hotel. Smith is a 22-year-old designer who included Serena in his show on the advice of mentor Andre Leon Talley.

Since Smith is a big fan of Serena, it was a done deal. “I am inspired by Serena and her enormous courage and drive,” Smith said. “She is a divine spirit in a more divine body. I have always wanted to dress her.”

For her part, Serena initially tweeted she was nervous to walk, but after the show tweeted, “Omg guys. Soooooo much fun at the LaQuan runway show!! Ahhhmazing!!!” The theme of Smith’s show was “A Storybook Path,” mixing fashion with fantasy. His inspiration was designing for Marie Antoinette in the present day. Serena wore the final look, appropriately titled “Queen.”

In attendance were Leon Talley (friend of Serena and Venus), Diane von Furstenberg (co-designer with Venus at Reebok), Common (Serena’s ex), and Sandra Bernhard (comedian, actress, fashion icon and big supporter of “the girls”). Bernhard tweeted "what a thrill, amazing show from @laquansmith nuanced and elegant. Whimsical and edgy. With @serenawilliams in the encore dress. Fierce!"

Of course, Serena had been busy throughout fashion week, hanging out with Leon Talley and Anna Wintour and showing up at the Rodarte, Vera Wang, Michael Kors and Vivienne Tam shows among others.

Hopefully next year we’ll see them all in her player box at the U.S. Open.

—David Rosenberg