We are so thrilled to share Venus’ First Fashion event.  The presentation of her fabulous new line of active wear is just amazing – Eleven by Venus Williams!

“EleVen is better than a ten”—Venus Williams

The line is called EleVen because it represents being better than the best.

“EleVen is evocative of the spirit of triumph over adversity and the name is a reminder not to impose limits,” said Venus, who is currently fighting Sjogren’s, an autoimmune disease. In her career she has broken records as the first African-American to become the number-one ranked tennis player in the world and as the holder of more Olympic Gold Medals than any other woman tennis player.

Venus gains inspiration for the collection from ready-to-wear and her love of art and watercolor. Drawing on her degree in fashion design, she even incorporates her own original prints, including one dubbed the “Oh and Oh” design.

EleVen represents being better than the best, pushing beyond the limit, knowing no boundaries. EleVen is a personal reflection of her true individuality. It is inspired by her love of fashion and her desire to blend performance with style.

This line is evocative of the spirit of triumph over adversity and the name EleVen is a reminder not to impose limits.

You might remember the posts we shared about her Miami launch party and her Hamptons Party (that we attended this past August!)…. Oh, how I wish we would have had time to make it to her fashion show in NYC. We had a chance to wear some of her line at the Hamptons event and were so excited to see the new collection at this event.

Grey Goose was the main sponsor and we were so honored to tie in both Eleven and Grey Goose brands into our graphics for the event.  We got to create the programs, passes, menus, labels, signs, and more for the show.

Read on for more fabulous details and a video snapshot of her creative presentation….

 

On September 12th, Venus Williams made her New York Fashion Week debut with a distinctly different presentation of her Spring/Summer 2013 EleVen by Venus Williams collection as part of the GREY GOOSE US Open Blue Door experience.

Venus presented a smart, wearable collection of tennis wear and off-court pieces during high-octane demonstration of athletic skill in the form of a sparring former middle weight boxing champion Michael Olajide and his co-founder Leila Fazel; Mitchell Kelly of So You Think You Can Dance; acclaimed former New York City Ballet Principal Albert Evans; and favorite local trainers from Soul Cycle and Tracy Anderson Method.

The athletic performers had their hair styled with streaks of color by famed stylist John Barrett and Make Up For Ever brought to life Venus’s vision for the fresh, clean looks they wore in the show.

Guests included Venus Williams, Jessica Baron, Davide Tomassoni, Vogues Andre Leon Talley, Olympians Ryan Lochte and Conor Dwyer, Marcus Jordan, GREY GOOSE Brand Manager Victoria Perez and Bacardi’s Eddy Garcia and Robert Epstein, Greg Lotus, Rita Schrager, Elisabeth Kieselstein-Cord, and Lara Shriftman of Harrison & Shriftman whose company produced the event.

The setup for the presentation included the spinning bike from SoulCycle®

The gorgeous models….

Hydrate with water bottles embellished with the printable drink wrap we designed to incorporate Grey Goose and Eleven by Venus Williams brands.

 

Venus Williams with Albert Evans and Rita Schrager. (We were so excited to see meet them at the Hamptons event!)

Venus Williams with Ryan Lochte and Miss USA, Olivia Culpo.

Venus Williams and John Barrett.

Venus’ personal chef, Lauren Von Der Pool serving up some healthy and delicious vegan cuisine.

Michael Olajide and his co-founder Leila Fazel;

The talented Make Up Forever team getting the models / performers ready.

Venus’ sister, Isha Price, getting her makeup done by Make Up For Ever.

Some of the models from Tracy Anderson.

Robert Epstein, Venus Williams and Ryan Lochte.

Cocktails provided by Grey Goose included….

GREY GOOSE Cherry Slice
The tasteful vigor of GREY GOOSE Cherry Noir Flavored Vodka plays perfectly with effervescent club soda in this evolution of the Collins.

2 parts GREY GOOSE® Cherry Noir flavored vodka

3/4 part fresh-squeezed lemon juice
3/4 part symple syrup
club soda
cherry garnish

Add first three ingredients to a highball glass filled with ice, and top with club soda. stir gently, and present with a cherry.

*****

GREY GOOSE MaVen
An evolution of the classic mojito, this trendsetting blend combines GREY GOOSE Vodka, fresh mint, exotic yuzu fruit, lime juice and a splash of club soda.

2oz. GREY GOOSE® original
12 fresh mint leaves
1/2oz. yuzu juice
1/2oz. fresh lime juice
1 oz. simple syrup
top club soda

Muddle fresh mint leaves gently with simple syrup.  Add Yuzu juice and fresh lime juice. Shake ingredients for 10 seconds. pour contents of shaker into collins glass. Garnish with mint leaf and Yuzu.

*****

GREY GOOSE Honey Deuce
Created to embody the spirit of the US Open with a fresh blend of GREY GOOSE Vodka, a touch of premium raspberry liqueur, lemonade and honeydew melon balls.

1 1/4 parts GREY GOOSE® Vodka
fresh squeezed lemonade
1/2 part Chambord® {or premium raspberry liqueur}
crushed ice
honeydew melon balls for garnish

Fill a chilled highball glass with crushed ice and add GREY GOOSE® Vodka. Top with lemonade to just below the rim and then add Chambord®.  Garnish with honeydew melon balls.

*****

(Wish I could enjoy one of those right now!)

Venus looks so gorgeous! Don’t you LOVE her tennis dress?

Last (but NOT least), Harold Reginald Williams, Venus’ precious doggie….

Now, for the video footage! (Pretty unique and awesome presentation, right?)

 

 

CREDITS:

Hair | John Barrett Salon
Make Up | Make Up For Ever
Stylist | Lawren Howell
Producer | Laura Mcmullin
Casting | Jen Schram Maxwell
DJ | Sal Morale
Graphic Design | Anders Ruff
PR & Production | Harrison & Shriftman

Special Thanks
Aerospace High Performance Center™
SoulCycle®
Tracy Anderson Method™

Wilson | Baume & Mercier | Mosley Tribes

Special Thanks to Grey Goose Vodka