Serena Williams Looked Like an Ethereal Mermaid at the EPSYs In Custom Ferragamo

Last night at the 2024 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, Serena Williams proved that not only can she play tennis, not only can she deliver a spectacular monologue, but she can also pull off an outfit change with the best of them. In just a couple of hours she managed to wear eight different outfits to host the evening’s festivities.

One outfit was a custom Ferragamo gown covered in scale-like adornments, designed by Maximilian Davis in the deep sultry red the designer has made a brand signature.

Inspired by look 49 from the Autumn/Winter 2024 collection, the dress feels like a callback to the decade the brand was founded. In the show notes Davis said, “The 1920s used clothing as a way to celebrate freedom. And that expression of freedom is something that resonates with me, my heritage, and with Ferragamo.” This new iteration for Williams, covered in patent leather sequins and ostrich feathers, was equal parts flapper and mermaid but built for a Tennis superstar with fabulous taste.

It’s also something that resonated with Williams, who told Bazaar when it came to finding her looks for the evening, “I had a clear idea of what I was looking for. I wanted to exude confidence, wear bold color and make a statement. I’ve been an admirer of Maximilian for years and have loved his work for Ferragamo, so it was incredibly special to collaborate with him.”

As for what it’s like to design for the greatest to ever do it? Davis told Bazaar, “I am honored to work with the legendary Serena Williams. We designed a halter neck dress embroidered with bordeaux patent metallic leather sequins that was inspired by surrealism from the Fall/Winter 2024 collection. I wanted the dress to make Serena feel powerful and sensual. I’ve always had great respect for her authenticity both on and off the court.”

Making a powerhouse look even more powerful is no small feat, but Davis’s gown made Williams look like the true commanding goddess she is—the kind who had eight outfit changes because she just can.

Tara Gonzalez is the Senior Fashion Editor at Harper’s Bazaar. Previously, she was the style writer at InStyle, founding commerce editor at Glamour, and fashion editor at Coveteur.