By Kim Douglass

(December 10, 2010) Fashion and sports have always had a bit of a tumultuous relationship. There once was time when Brett Favre’s decision to endorse Wrangler Jeans would’ve been considered normal, but in 2010, where most pro athletes can be seen sporting a pair of designer jeans, it just seemed out of place.

As consumers demand aesthetic appeal and brands seek to answer their cries, the line between fashion and practicality becomes more blurry. But, for the players that put their names on these innovative pieces, they have found a way to achieve it.

Named on the Forbes Magazine “2010 Best Dressed Athlete” list, stars from football, basketball, tennis, and other arena’s are named for their innovations in design both in their field and off. In tennis, on the list Maria Sharapova is no newcomer to the world of fashion; the recent Instyle Russia covergirl showed fans that she could step out of the traditional tennis apparel box with her tuxedo jacket worn at Wimbledon. Moving into accessories, Sharapova’s collaboration on a shoes and handbags for Cole Haan has been well received with fashion critiques, awarding the 6’2” Russian the 2010 ACE Awards in New York City for her collaboration.

On the list as well was Roger Federer, the Swiss tennis player always gives the classic appeal of players from the past. His style of clean and crisp polo’s, rarely wavers when out on the court, a style that would seem monotonous on some but works for the quiet player. Off court shows no difference, the 29-year-old player is typically photographed with his children in preppy sweaters and clean khaki’s. In addition to this, his friendship with Vogue Editor-In-Chief Anna Wintour certainly doesn’t hurt his runway cred.

Featured together, Venus and Serena Williams have been causing a stir on the court since they first stepped on the scene, beaded braids shaking in the wind. The sisters daring outfits, think Venus’ 2010 French Open Dress, have successfully managed to raise eyebrows with fans over the years. But these burst of individuality didn’t go unnoticed by the fashion world, with Serena being spotted next to Anna Wintour during the 2010 Fashion Week, and even being asked, personally, to model by Editor-At-Large Andre De leon Tally.

Also making the list were New England Patriots Quaterback Tom Brady, LA Galaxy Midfielder David Beckham, New York Rangers Left Wing Sean Avery and Goalie Henrrik Lundqvist, amongst others.