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After being sidelined for more than six months due to an autoimmune disease, Venus Williams is poised to make a comeback and she’ll do it in high-style. The tennis champ is relaunching her EleVen by Venus Williams fashion range at the Sony Ericsson Open Tournament in Miami this week. She’ll return to the court showcasing her latest apparel designs.

Venus makes a bold fashion statement each time she hits the court, with designs that are uniquely hers. Lace, fringe and mesh embellishments have allowed her to add a bit of personal flair to her ensembles. “I put in the time to go to school for fashion design, so I knew that when I came out with a line of apparel, it would be on my own terms, and definitely designed by me,” she said.

The EleVen line first launched in 2007 as an exclusive collection for Steve & Barry’s and in 2010, EleVen partnered with Ralph Lauren on a capsule collection that sold online and at the U.S. Open. The ready-to-wear clothing line has now relaunched with a capsule collection for Spring 2012. “Strong, simple, and iconic are the words I kept in mind when I designed this collection,” says Venus.

The new line is divided into “Classic” and “Essentials” styles with pieces ranging from dresses and skirts to sports bras and tees. Pulling form current ruway trends, items featured color-blocking designs and other high-fashion themes such as graphic prints, abstract prints, and rose-gold metal accents. Selected women’s items feature a small print of a handwritten note from Venus that encourages a positive attitude. such as “Oh & Oh beat ‘em.”  T-shirts bear the EleVen logo or an Oh & Oh print, both of which were created exclusively for EleVen. EleVen has now expanded to include menswear as well, with polos, crew necks and v-necks among the offerings.

“EleVen is really about being better than a 10,” Williams told WWD. “It’s bringing your personal best which makes you an 11, and not accepting the standards of what is considered the best….It’s overcoming defeats and being a champion in life. If you don’t look good, you won’t play well.”

This Summer Venus will offer a collection inspired by the French Open, Wimbledon and the Summer Olympics, followed by a U.S. Open-inspired line for the Fall. The gear will be available at elevenbyvenus.com.

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