Maria Sharapova, CFDA Together for Breast Cancer

The fifth seed ate Pinkberry. On Wednesday, less than a week before the start of the U.S. Open, Maria Sharapova claimed she has no pre-tournament regime, illustrating her point by noshing on a cup of the frozen treat, topped with bits of her own Sharapova brand candy. “It’s nothing crazy,” she said between bites. “It’s quite simple. The week before is always a balance of preparation and rest. It’s a two-week tournament with seven matches. It’s a very physical event in a very loud city.”

Sharapova was holding court at the New Museum’s rooftop Sky Room, where she, in partnership with the CFDA and Porsche, was hosting a cocktail party to mark the 20th anniversary of Fashion Targets Breast Cancer. The charity, a CFDA initiative, raises public awareness and funds for the cause; Sharapova is currently the face of the charity.

The fashion contingency was out in full force to support, with Jennifer Fisher, Pamela Love, Kelly Framel, Michelle Smith and Danielle and Jodie Snyder of Dannijo among those milling about, while Hannah Bronfman and Beau Brendan Fallis manned the turntables.

The ever-effervescent Betsey Johnson flitted about the room, her signature hot-pink attire very apropos given the cause. “Breast cancer was the first issue that the industry rallied behind,” said CFDA chief executive officer Steven Kolb, perched against a narrow balcony. “It showed that there is a collective voice and a powerful opportunity to make money, but to also make a statement to the world that the industry really is caring. Fashion can be perceived as superficial, but the depth of the foundation’s work disputes that.”

For the occasion, Sharapova donned a refreshingly feminine look before her many spandex-wearing days to come. “There is only so much you can do with sport,” she said. “A lot of it is in the details. You need to push boundaries in areas where you can.” A quick segue into a plug for her ongoing collaboration with Nike: “When I work with Nike, we talk about new fabrics and materials.

Performance is key. Before you go out, you have to know that you can do all of your movements. We work very far in advance, so I get to test out everything first.” The towering 6-foot, 2-inch athlete, slightly more elevated by a pair of strappy Aquazzura sandals, surveyed the designer-heavy room. “I love clothes,” she concluded.