A Grand Slam Double Fault

One of the biggest celebrity and sport icon’s wedding took place over the weekend. Of course, I am speaking of none other than the incomparable, Serena Williams (Photo Cred: People Magazine). I have been a huge fan of the Williams sisters from when they first hit the courts in their cornrows with the beads at the ends. These ladies gave me life, they helped to reinforce that with hard work anything is possible, no matter your circumstance. So it is with a heavy heart that I give my honest thoughts on Serena’s styling on her big day. Now, I wasn't going to say anything, but my inbox was blowing up of ladies wanting my expert opinion. So here goes...

For as long as I can remember Serena has not been known for her fashion sense. I would never call her a fashion or style icon. She has had some good moments, but unfortunately her wedding day was not one of them.

She wore an ivory strapless natural waistline ball gown from designer Alexander McQueen. She paired the gown with a cathedral length beaded cape and a veil. Perfect, sounds like every little girl's dream dress...except…..it wasn't properly fitted. What a disappointment not just for us, but I assume for her as well when she realised that the dress wasn't holding up.

Here’s the deal... Serena just gave birth a few short months ago and I am going to assume like many new mothers she’s lactating. This means at the beginning of her day her breast could be empty (if she fed or pumped) and then within a few hours they could be full again. I saw a pic of Serena in her gown and she looked absolutely stunning, everything was in place and the gown fit like a glove. How is it that not too long after everything was falling out.

I remember last year I had a mommy-to-be bride. She came to me at least 3 times before she decided on a gown. Once she decided on a gown we scheduled her first fitting. Her wedding was set for 4pm. I noticed each time she came to me at a different time of the day the fit of the bust of the dress changed. So I asked her and she told me that her ‘girls’ are bigger in the morning than they are in the afternoon. So what did that mean for me? Every fitting I had with her after that would be at 4pm or later. I took no chances. A woman's body is fluid especially if she is pregnant or has recently given birth.

Here’s my gripe ALEXANDER MCQUEEN (Design House)!!!! C’mon you are every girl's dream dress designer. You knew millions of eyes would be set on the beautiful tennis goddess, why in the world did you not account for the boobage situation? I am no fashion designer but here are a few suggestions:

Illusion neckline- a simple sheer stretch tulle neckline would have helped to camouflage the fluctuation in the size of your brides bustline, assuming Serena wanted it

Additional structure or boning. You have dressed many a woman, and I am sure you have had the pleasure of working with a few new mothers. One would assume that you would recognize how heavy lactating boobs can be and structure the gown accordingly.