Serena Williams is expecting her second child after revealing her pregnancy as she arrived at the 2023 Met Gala ceremony on Monday.
The 41-year-old tennis superstar showed off a prominent baby bump as she walked the red carpet at Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City with her husband Alexis Ohanian.
She welcomed her first child, a daughter named Alexis Olympia Jr., in 2017, though she goes by Olympia.
Serena also confirmed the pregnancy with an Instagram post showcasing her elegant Gucci dress.
‘Was so excited when Anna Wintour invited the 3 of us to the Met Gala,’ she playfully captioned her post.
Baby on board! Serena Williams, 41, revealed she was expecting her second child when she debuted her new baby bump with husband Alexis Ohanian at the Met Gala on Monday in NYC
Take two: Serena previously welcomed her daughter Alexis Jr. in 2017. She confirmed that she was pregnant in an Instagram post featuring her Met Gala look
Serena appears to have first revealed her pregnancy during a Vogue livestream while chatting with La La Anthony.
She had previously mentioned wanting to have another child after announcing her retirement from tennis in August of last year, which she seems to have made good on.
At the time, she said she would be ‘evolving away’ from the sport.
After she mentioned that there were three people there for the interview — herself, Alexis and the baby — her husband and La La both offered to have a drink in Serena’s honor, according to the AP.
Serena showed off her bump in a striking black dress that hugged her curves.
It featured angular rhinestone trim on the hem and billowing sheer pleated sleeves that hung dramatically around her arms.
The bottom of the dress fanned out into an opulent white tulle skirt that followed behind her.
Serena’s dress featured a plunging bedazzled collar that highlighted her cleavage, though she covered it with multiple thick strands of pearls draped around her throat.
She covered her hair with a regal jeweled headband and swept it back in a stylish blond bob.
Alexis oped to let his wife shine through, so he wore a simple but classic black tuxedo with shawl lapels, along with a large black bow tie.
Breaking the news: Serena appears to have first revealed her pregnancy during a Vogue livestream while chatting with La La Anthony
Back in black: Serena showed off her bump in a striking black Gucci dress that hugged her curves. It had billowing sheer sleeves and a long white tulle skirt trailing behind her
Keeping it simple: Alexis oped to let his wife shine through, so he wore a simple but classic black tuxedo with shawl lapels, along with a large black bow tie
Before the Gala, Serena shared her preparation in Instagram Stories videos.
One humorous clip showed her taking a bite of french fries and a cheeseburger while another woman wiped her lips gently to keep her makeup pristine.
This year, the ball’s theme is Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty. The late German designer was Chanel’s long-time creative director. He passed at age 85 in 2019.
His beloved cat, Choupette, has even been invited to the festivities.
The decision to honor Karl has sparked controversy given the many offensive remarks he has made over the years, from slamming the #MeToo movement to opposing same-sex marriage.
‘I’m against it for a very simple reason: In the 60s they all said we had the right to the difference. And now, suddenly, they want a bourgeois life,’ he told Vice of same-sex marriage.
‘It’s difficult to imagine—one of the papas at work and the other at home with the baby. How would that be for the baby? I don’t know. I see more lesbians married with babies than I see boys married with babies. And I also believe more in the relationship between mother and child than in that between father and child.’
While he ultimately showed his support for same-sex marriage at his spring 2013 Chanel haute couture show, he still said he was ‘less keen’ on same-sex couples adopting children, according to AP.
New goals: Serena announced that she was ‘evolving away’ from tennis back in August, when she also announced her hopes to have another child
Mother and daughter: Serena welcomed her first child, a daughter named Alexis Olympia Jr., in 2017, though she goes by Olympia
Along with the Vogue editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, who runs and hosts the annual event, the 2023 MET Gala will also be co-hosted by Penelope Cruz, Dua Lipa, Michaela Coel and also Roger Federer.
While the show may be known for its glitzy and over-the-top red carpet – with details of what occurs inside often remaining mysterious – at its heart, it is a fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute.
Last year, the 2022 MET Gala alone raised a grand total of $17.4 million, reported Billboard.
This year the price of admission has been raised from $30,000 to $50,000, according to Page Six.
Even if you have the funds, that doesn’t guarantee you entry into the party.
Every guest has to be invited, and a waiting list exists for the coveted golden ticket.
And status matters, according to The New York Times, meaning the hottest stars are a shoo in for an invite.
Paris Hilton is among the big names attending in what will be her first Met Gala.
Meanwhile, Blake Lively, a frequent attendee, announced she will not be at the party.
It takes work: Before the Gala, Serena shared her preparation in Instagram Stories videos
It takes two: One humorous clip showed her taking a bite of french fries and a cheeseburger while another woman wiped her lips gently to keep her makeup pristine
‘I will be watching,’ she said, according to People.
Elle Fanning, Kim Kardashian and La La Anthony are among the other celebs attending.
As for Wintour’s role in the bash, Vogue’s editor-in-chief organizes the party and oversees the guest list and even the menu.
She has served as the Met Gala’s chairwoman since 1994 and continues to serve look after look at every event.