Serena Williams Talks Planning Meghan Markle's Baby Shower for the First Time
Serena Williams, who co-hosted Meghan Markle's baby shower in New York City in February, opens up about planning the event for the first time.
She told Business of Fashion, "Planning something like that takes a lot of effort," and called herself a "perfectionist."
The party, which included a flower arranging lesson, saw guests like Gayle King and Amal Clooney and featured food from chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
Most details about Meghan Markle's New York City baby shower in February have still remained under wraps, but Serena Williams, who co-hosted the lavish soirée, briefly opened up about planning the celebration for the first time. The tennis star spoke to Business of Fashion just days after holding the celebrity-filled party at Manhattan's Mark Hotel.
"Planning something like that takes a lot of effort. I’m a perfectionist, so I’m like, 'Let’s make it perfect,'" she told the outlet. "It’s been a lot the last few days."
Williams isn't exaggerating. The "private, intimate" shower, which Williams co-hosted with Meghan's longtime friend and sorority sister Genevieve Hillis, involved a number of special highlights that were arranged without the public's knowledge. For example, it took place at the Grand Penthouse of the Mark Hotel, included a flower arranging lesson by floral designer Lewis Miller (the bouquets were later donated to the organization Repeat Roses) and featured food from Michelin-star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
The guest list included about 20 of Meghan's closest friends from her past and present, including Gayle King, Amal Clooney, Abigail Spencer, and Jessica Mulroney. Despite the fanfare surrounding the event, the shower itself was actually relaxed and chill, an attendee previously told BAZAAR.com. The party was coordinated by Jennifer Zabinski of JZ Events, who did Williams's wedding to Alexis Ohanian in 2017.
Meghan had reportedly only arrived to New York five days before the shower, but she was able to quietly catch up with friends before the big party. The night before the fête, she and Williams stepped out for dinner at The Polo Bar with a few other pals.
A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on Feb 20, 2019 at 8:56am PST
Although the tennis star didn't share any footage from inside the party with Meghan (she's a good friend), she did post a mirror selfie from one of the bathrooms in the Mark Hotel, and honestly, we'll take it.
