Venus Williams Explains the Meaning Behind Her 6 Percent Met Earrings

Venus Williams just aced the 2026 Met Gala.

The tennis star co-hosted the May 4th charity event with Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Anna Wintour, and made a striking appearance at the “Costume Art”-themed gala held at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Venus shared with Zuri Hall during Live From TopMob: Met Gala 2026 that her earrings, which read ‘six percent,’ were a statement about a campaign she’s working on with Gatorade. The campaign highlights the fact that only six percent of sports science research focuses on women.

The 45-year-old added, “Can you imagine? So tonight’s a special night for that.”

Venus truly embraced the night’s “Fashion Is Art” theme, stunning in a custom black gown covered in Swarovski crystals. The look included a dramatic, diamond-studded neck piece and matching arm chains, creating an elaborate and artistic display. (You can see photos of all the celebrities at the Met Gala here.)

Her husband, Andrea Preti, whom she married in December, looked handsome in a classic black suit and bowtie.

Venus Williams is co-chairing the Met Gala for the first time this year, but she’s a regular attendee – she first appeared in 2008 and has been to the event four other times. Her sister, Serena Williams, also co-chaired the gala in 2019.

It’s easy to see why – the Wimbledon champion is just as passionate about fashion as she is about tennis.

She told Marie Claire UK in 2025 that she’s a big fan of fashion. She used to joke about being a shopaholic, but feels she’s finally overcome that tendency, which took a long time. She still enjoys watching fashion shows and runway presentations.

Venus, a fashion design graduate from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, believes that true wellness comes from taking care of both your body and mind. That’s why she focuses on prioritizing her mental and physical health, which she says helps her stay balanced and centered.

She emphasized that taking care of her well-being has always been crucial. She believes true strength comes from paying attention to her body and providing it with what it needs. She quickly realized that mental and physical health are equally important, and a regular daily routine helps her stay focused, grounded, and balanced.

Venus added, “Design and wellness—this is kind of where I belong.”

For a look at all the fashionable stars at the 2026 Met Gala, keep reading.