Nike Officially Announces Virgil Abloh's Serena Williams "QUEEN" Collab
Featuring a new Air Max 97.
Virgil Abloh and Serena Williams have teamed up on an exclusive Nike capsule created under his label, Off-White™. Titled the “QUEEN” collection, the range fuses the fashion and tennis worlds together in a unique, bold manner. The collab includes a bomber jacket, two tulle dresses, a bag and footwear offerings.
In an official press release, Nike shared that the collab began with Abloh and the NikeCourt design team in Paris, to discuss a performance dress for Williams. From there, a body form designed for Williams’ measurements to Italy to explore options with materials. It was then sent back to Indian Wells, California, where Serena selected features for the dress.
The two dresses come packed with Abloh’s design cues, including the “LOGO” branding from previous collections with Nike, paired with the word “SERENA.” Additionally, the text is also seen on a limited-edition NikeCourt Flare 2 PE. Notably the “QUEEN” collection will also feature newly-designed iterations of the Air Max 97 and Blazer Mid SW. The AM 97 is constructed in a bright pink color, while the Blazer’s come in grey. A standout detail is each sneaker’s gradient-inspired midsole.
Abloh shared his thoughts on working with Williams:
“With Serena, we have one of our generation’s most powerful, inspiring athletes as the muse. I was trying to embody her spirit and bring something compelling and fresh to tennis. What I love about tennis is the gracefulness. It’s an aggressive and powerful game, but it takes touch and finesse. So the dress is feminine, but combines her aggression.”
Williams will debut the “QUEEN” collection during the U.S. Open’s 50th anniversary which begins in two weeks. The Virgil Abloh x Nike for Serena Williams dress in “Day” and “Night” prices out at $500 USD while the jacket prices out at $900 USD. The Off-White™ NikeCourt Flare and The Ten: Nike Air Max 97 will be available for $190 USD. Lastly, The Ten: Nike Blazer prices out for $130 USD. The “QUEEN” collection will drop at Nike.com and select Nike stockists.
Stay tuned here as details emerge on an official drop date. Check out the lookbook in the gallery above.
