When the Met Gala calls, one must always be ready to answer (preferably with a special look at the ready.) For Venus Williams, the Tennis icon was more than ready to show up and show out for Monday’s star-studded affair with a custom Marc Jacobs gown for the museum’s annual fundraising event, in support of The Costume Institute and this year’s latest exhibition “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” Paired with the ever-covetable Kiki boots, Williams’ glam was just as perfect as the ensemble, with hair done by Nikki Nelms (assisted by Vincent Tobias), makeup by Karina Milan, and manicure by Gina Edwards.

Before Venus hit the museum’s famed steps, V got the inside look at her glam-ready process for the evening, below!

“Stepping up the Met steps was only right with the iconic Marc Jacobs Kiki Boots”

“Reflecting beauty in every shimmering detail – Marc custom designed this beautiful bustier satin gown compiled of dozens of tiny mirror discs for me encompassing the idea of fragility and time. It felt like magic!”

“When I have nails on, I turn into a different person! Gina did such a fabulous job making my nails sparkle”  

“From emails to glam, multitasking at its finest even on Met day. So thankful for Karina she always gets the beat right! ”

“Pausing the glam session for some hugs with the pups- Harry always steals the spotlight!”

“Dripping in gems from head to toe, Nikki and Vincent were the perfect duo for the 60’s inspired bouffant!“

“So incredibly honored to wear custom Marc Jacobs for this year’s Met Gala – he really let me live out my fairytale dreams”

“Frost queen energy!“

“Because no night is truly over until the afterparty begins! Bejeweled by the one and only Marc Jacobs!”