Kwan won the silver medal. Meite, of France, competing at the Iceberg Skating Palace during the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics on Feb. 8, 2014. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. Figure Skating Championships. The American skater competing in the free skate portion of the ladies singles event at the 1994 Winter Olympics on Feb. 25, 1994, at the Hamar Olympic Hall in Lillehammer, Norway. America's Tim Wood in a form-fitting suit at the Olympics in 1968. As difficult as it is, Olympic figure skaters make it look effortless, and their intricately designed dresses are all part of the illusion. In addition, in Ice Dance ladies must wear a skirt. Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. As soon as the skirt-only ice age melted away, Russian skater Irina Slutskaya wore a fiery bodysuit at the 2006 Olympics. Basically, the flesh colored panels make itseem like skaters are showing a lot of skin, without actually showing any and thus breaking the rules. Katarina Witt, a competitor from East Germany, performed in a blue costume, adorned at the waist with feathers instead of a skirt, the likes of which barely covered her posterior as she moved. While dresses have to be lightweight to not create too much drag, each one is unique. In 1936, though, Norwegian skater Sonja Henie changed the game when she competed in a skirt with a comparatively short hemline. Figure skaters shouldnt wear outfits that could arouse judges. East Germany's Katarina Witt won the 1984 Olympic gold medal and sought a back-to-back victory four years later at the 1988 Calgary Games. German skater Katarina Witt in a pink illusion V-neck number at the 1984 Games. She was also paid seven figures to pose, making her one of the highest paid models for Playboy in the 1990s. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Bonaly finished in fifth place. And that right there feels worth at least another gold medal for Witt. This is the calendar that will keep you at the forefront of the cultural scene this [], Welcome to this interview with Johannes Breyer, Co-Founder and Creative Director at Dinamo. You've hit your max! ESPN dove deep into this moment in a documentary called The Diplomat which, if you can get your hands on a copy, is a great journey into the intersection of sports, politics, and the Cold War. American skater Heiss at the 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. Katarina Witt Evening Dress. Its absolutely nightmarish!, says runway designer Vera Wang, who custom designed the outfit of US competitor Nathan Chen. Katarina Witt's infamous blue dress at the 1988 Olympics is the reason figure skating now has a dress code. Yep, in 1995, Witt joined with Melanie Thornton (the voice behind 90s dance sensation La Bouche) as well as singers Joan Faulkner and Linda Rocco who sang back-up for acts like Milli Vanilli, for the most 90s dance track imaginable: Skate With Me.. Her red dress with a sheer chest panel at the 1988 Olympics abided by the Katarina Rule. Swedish skater Ulrich Salchow in a suit at the Olympic Games in 1908. The skater from East Germany skating during the 1984 Winter Olympics held in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, on Feb. 18, 1984. And speaking of dresses, Witt's '88 Olympics blue dress made history itself. Fleming, of the U.S., practicing on an outside rink in February 1968 in Grenoble, France, during the Winter Olympics. Tens across the board for Katarina Witt, the Olympic figure skating powerhouse whose determination on and off the ice dominated American pop culture of the 80s and 90s. As a result, the ISU instituted "The Katarina Rule." This French Figure Skater May Not Have Won A Medal, But Her Pants Took People's Choice. By most standards today it was basically a blue dress with some feathers. Chin, of the U.S., performing at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Ilia Kulik of Russia in a flowing, see-through costume at the 1998 Olympics. The rule was repealed . Ivanova, of the Soviet Union, at the 1984 Winter Olympic Games in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. Janet Lynn, Beatrix Schuba and Karin Magnussen, 1972. To read and save unlimited articles, sign up to become a Cosmopolitan member. A figure skater born in an authoritarian state who got scolded by Dr. Ruth, won 2 gold medals AND an Emmy, rebuffed a gross pick-up line from Donald Trump, caused Playboy magazines to soar off the shelves, starred in a movie with Robert DeNiro, and was featured in a 90s dance song with one of the members of La Bouche!? Keep scrolling to see the stunning evolution of womens figure skating costumes through the years. You know, the kind that punctuate songs by Cathy Dennis, The Real McCoy, Le Click, etc. Sign up here to get INSIDER's favorite stories straight to your inbox. These days, embellishments are still popular as ever and short skirts are still No. South Korea's Lily Lyoonjung Lee in a cute, short-skirted, pink piece at the 1994 Winter Olympics. When East-German figure skating competitor Katarina Witt performed in an outfit that resembled a bathing suit at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, she shocked audiences around the world. Not only do the athletes put on an impressive display of grace and skill, they also dazzle us with their glittering costumes. Katarina Witt's blue costume caused a stir. Dinamo is not just a design practice, it is a way of thinking that applies interesting concepts to a wide range of production areas, from typography and design to research and consulting. Margot Robbie portrays the life of American skater Tonya Harding. The charismatic Witt defined the sport in the 1980s with her flirtatious and graceful performances. While there's no official explanation for the rule, one could speculate that the mandatory pants-not-leggings rule may have something to do with controlling the presence of bulge. With designing the outfits comes great resposibility. "I have been close for being docked points but, it has never happened," Marissa Castelli, an Olympic bronze medalist and two-time national champion tells Bustle. The Russian skater during the ladies singles figure skating short program at the Sochi Winter Olympics, 2014. Witt was a high-profile sporting star and landed tv and film cameo roles. They dont just sit and drink coffee and they move the bottom half of their bodies well, which is very beneficial. Paging Gus Kenworthy. but alas, Dr. Ruths vision for a dress code came true, and the Katarina Rule was born requiring skaters to (in the words of Jurassic Park) cover their butts. And what's an Olympic figure skating competition without controversy? An unabashed 80s & 90s pop culture junkie, Michael Jones is a Brooklyn-based writer and co-host of the Pop Trash Podcast. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Aug 12, 2022 - Explore Randy Lantz's board "Katarina Witt", followed by 399 people on Pinterest. And speaking of dresses, Witts 88 Olympics blue dress made history itself. Cosmopolitan participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. East German figure skater, Katarina Witt, wore a Bavarian themed dress complete with billowing sleeves and dazzling tiara for her routine at the Sarajevo Winter Olympics. So, Mit might be onto something. Oct 19, 2021 - Explore Rich Hassey's board "Katarina Witt" on Pinterest. Competing for her 9th consecutive U.S. Champion title, Michelle Kwan wore a one-shouldered gold sequin dress. Skating her free program in the ladies singles event of the figure skating competition in the 1998 Winter Olympics held on Feb. 20, 1998, in Nagano, Japan. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. Kostner, of Italy, performing during the free skating program of the ladies singles event during the 2006 Winter Olympics on Feb. 23, 2006, at Palavela in Turin, Italy. Witts a fascinating character in the narrative of sports stars who cross over into pop culture figures. Spoiler alert: There's a lot of illusion mesh and Spandex going on. Laetitia Hubert of France in a yellow skirt and some strategically-placed flames at the 1998 Games. Kristi Yamaguchi opted for a long sleeved gold brocade dress for the Olympic Games in Albertville, France the year she took home the gold medal. That rule was overturned in the early 2000s, bringing back the pants. The South Korean skater competing in the figure skating team event during the 2018 Winter Olympics. The odd badass bodysuit happens from time to time, and many use their costumes as an opportunity to express themselves. The crowds at the Nagano Olympics cheered on the-then-15-year-old as she won the gold medal in a stylish and sweet blue dress. Yes, most competitors stick to the glitzy, skirted bodysuit situations that our brains automatically associate with figure skating but over the years, many have put variations on the classics. 100+ Years of Olympic Opening Ceremony Highlights. The opening credits are a dream. Performing during the ladies short program as part of the figure skating team event at the 2018 Winter Olympics at the Gangneung Ice Arena. After Katarina Witt came out on the ice in a few feathers barely covering her behind in 1988, the International Skating Union enacted a rule that women had to wear skirts. And Witt wasn't the only who'd offended the delicate sensibilities of the judges, either. For $5.95 you could catch Katarina Witt baring it all or, if you were one of those who bought Playboy for the articles, you could read the latest story from Joyce Carol Oates or read 20 questions with Gore Vidal! Countless others have dug deep into Witts figure skating legacy. Collect, curate and comment on your files. The award-winning film I, Tonya in which Margot Robbie portrays the life of American skater Tonya Hardingrecreated the pleated teal outfit Harding wore for the U.S. We're not really sure why people have been complaining. Katarina Witt's Net Worth and Career Earnings. Cohen refers to the red velvet and gold embroidered dress that she won her silver medal in at the Turin Olympics as her "Romeo and Juliet dress.". Mit might prefer pants; she competed in the same costume at the womens short program dance during the Internationaux de France ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating in Grenoble, France, in November. I had a few judges question it but, after a year of wearing it I still never received any costume violations.". While competing in her third and last Olympic Games ever, Surya Bonaly took the ice in a blue and gold beaded fringe dress. The guidelines continue: "The clothing must not give the effect of excessive nudity inappropriate for the discipline. The following is Rule 501 in the [ISU Special Regulations & Technical Rules handbook, last updated in 2016: In short, women's costumes don't have to follow a specific formula. "If youre going for strapless, it's nice to have that nude in there, to make everything stay," he told Slate,suggesting that flesh-colored panels help ensure modesty, but also a better, more flexible fit. not to mention a backflipping Surya Bonaly! But after Katarina Witt famously competed in the 1998 Olympics in a scandalously short, feathery blue costume that officials deemed too revealing, the International Skating Union stepped in and put official dress code regulations in place. The regulation dictated that it was mandatory for women to wear a skirt that covered their hips and butt, and also required that women covered their midriffs. American skater Hayes Alan Jenkins in a chunky sweater and pants at the 1956 Olympics. Katarina Witt performs on stage during the 'Jedermann' dress rehearsal at the Berlin Cathedral Church on October 13, 2009 in Berlin, Germany. Dubravcic, representing Yugoslavia, skating her long program during the Winter Olympics on Feb. 18, 1984, in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. For her routine, Shizuka Arakawa wore a unique dual-toned blue dress with sheer sleeves and low neckline. Including some of the best from the games in Beijing. That is how serious it is. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. I loved the French skater (Ma-Brnice Mit)'s awesome pants outfit and the Bey song. Get ready todiscoverfestivals, must-see performances, and hidden gallery shows. Nagasu of the United States reacts after her routine in the figure skating team event during the 2018 Winter Olympics. Katarina Witt performs on stage during the 'Jedermann' dress rehearsal at the Berlin Cathedral Church on October 13, 2009 in Berlin, Germany. Katerina looked like a . SI Staff Dec 2, 2015 Rare Photos of. Katarina Witt has an estimated net worth of $9 million. "One time we had a gold dress that had the whole back open and cutouts on the front with nude mesh. In this interview, we dive into her [], Spring is in the air, and we cant wait to embrace all the excitement it brings! even Dr. Ruth was contacted by Reuters to comment on the dres, boogie to the dulcet sounds of a cold bottle of Diet Coke being cracked open, for the most 90s dance track imaginable: Skate With Me., an anecdote about how Trump once tried to hit on Katarina Witt, The East German Stasi (secret police) kept 3,500 pages of files on her. . See more ideas about katarina witt, figure skater, hot figure skaters. Despite the relatively vague assessment metric for women's costumes, there is one black-and-white rule is that men can't stray from: No leggings. She plays a figure skater, but dont let that fool you: theres some good acting chops on display, and her character plays a massive role in the films ending. Male figure skater, Adam Rippon kept his pants simple and stole the show with his skin tight sequin shirt while competing at the Pyeongchang Olympics. Witt, a German double Olympic gold medal-winning skater, was said to be upset over the criticism about her low-cut outfits. American skater Polina Edmunds wore a purple bodysuit in the ladies short program during the 2018 Prudential U.S. The figure skater won Japan its first gold medal in the sport during the Turin, Italy Olympics. American skater Dorothy Hamill in a black and gold fringey design with a deep neckline in 1980. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. Cozy Up With These Movies About Skiing. Get ready for sheer mesh, catsuits, and a whole lotta plunging necklines. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. AP But after Katarina Witt famously competed in the 1998 Olympics in a scandalously short, feathery blue costume that officials deemed too revealing, the International Skating Union stepped in and put official dress code regulations in place. Planck-Szabo of Austria, Muckelt of Great Britain and Loughran of the United States at the 1924 winter Olympics in Chamonix, France, Jan. 30, 1924. Photo: Getty Images The Canadian athlete competing in a figure skating competition in the 1988 Winter Olympics. 1. At the beginning of her career, Dorothy Hamill stood out among her competitors with the understated and simple designs she chose for her skating costumes. In 1994, after the absolute blockbuster chaos of the Tonya Harding/Nancy Kerrigan story, figure skating was riding an all-time high in the zeitgeist of American culture. As a result, the ISU changed dress code rules and introduced The Katarina Rule, which stated that womens hips, midriffs and buttocks had to be covered with a skirt, as noted by The Atlantic. Michelle Kwan, for example, popularized a look that was more swimsuit than skating, eschewing beaded sleeves for spaghetti straps. As the New York Times recently noted, two-time gold medalist Katarina Witt has written about how, in 1987, her costume slipped during a competition and she was forced to finish the routine with. The American athlete skating her short program at the 1988 Winter Olympics on Feb. 25, 1988, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Performing at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. As for more pop culture Katarina Witt treasures? Sparkles reign supreme today, but they weren't always the norm. At the peak of her professional skating career, Katarina Witt could have expected to earn in the region $1.5 million a year. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. American skater Michelle Kwan in a flowing pink piece with a sheer illusion triangle top in 2000. Both of these hardcore costume bans were lifted in 2003, and since then, the ISU has kept the Olympic figure skating dress code rules relatively subjective at least for women. But back in 1988, it stopped the presses. Blue feather costume that shows off too much butt cheek sold separately. Osmond, from Canada, competing in figure skating team event during the 2014 Winter Olympics at Iceberg Skating Palace on Feb. 8, 2014, in Sochi, Russia. And sure, a certain Nancy and Tonya helped with that too (not to mention a backflipping Surya Bonaly! As the years progressed, figure skating fashion evolved both men and women's costumes got shorter, more embellished, and more dramatic. Canada's Joannie Rochette in the ladies figure skating event at the 2010 Winter Olympics at Pacific Coliseum on Feb. 23, 2010, in Vancouver, Canada. So much so that after television network CBS lost the rights to broadcast NFL football games, they turned to figure skating (and the Gone With the Wind sequel miniseries Scarlett, because frankly my dear, lots of people dont give a damn about football) to save their November sweeps. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. Then the '80s rolled around, and spandex, sparkles, chiffon, sequins and beads reigned supreme. German skater Katarina Witt in a red design with a low-cut sheer panel and very '80s sleeves at the 1988 Games. Last week, costume designer Jan Longmire told InStyle, The guidelines change every now and then, but every girl always has to wear a skirt she cant come out in a leotard on its own.. Not to be hyperbolic, but this might be the best 90s dance song no one has ever heard. Gold medalist at the 1956 Olympic Games in Cortina, Italy, Tenley Albright wore a dress with a panel-pleated skirt. A Canadian coach called it practically a g-string (one has to wonder if this Canadian coach ever saw a g-string), and even Dr. Ruth was contacted by Reuters to comment on the dress. The Katarina rule dictates that women's hips, midriffs and butt are covered. The American skater performing during the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. July 26, 2001 -- When Katarina Witt glided onto the ice, the world watched every move of the beautiful East German figure skater. Costumes also run the style gamut, and range from DIY imagination (Figure skating legend and 1976 gold medalist Dorothy Hamill, for instance, wore super simple, floating designs her first costume was made by her mother's friend) to inspired by the runway (Vera Wang, for example, has collaborated with many Olympic figure skaters on their looks, including Nancy Kerrigan and Michelle Kwan). Henie ended up becoming a Hollywood star, posing for this picture in a feathery skating getup in 1943. From some of the earliest modern Olympic games to this week's events in Beijing, here are the most iconic figure skating outfits to have ever graced the ice. The year American figure skater, Peggy Fleming, won an Olympic gold medal in Grenoble she donned a chartreuse dress with a high neck and white beaded trim. Katarina Witt's infamous blue dress at the 1988 Olympics is the reason figure skating now has a dress code. (October 12, 2009 - Source: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images Europe) see more angles Newest Full List. During the Winter Olympic Games in St. Moritz, American skater, Gretchen Merrill, opted for an all white ensemble complete with a beaded cap. France's Ma-Brnice Mit skated IN PANTS, and ended her Beyonc medley with "Run the World (Girls)". And her performance was just as dazzling as it would have been in a frilly, flouncy skirt, if not more so, because it was so bold. Katarina Witt attends the Laureus Charity Gala at the Mercedes Benz branch on July 7, 2008 in Stuttgart, Germany. [1] Search instead in. One outfit, a feathered blue number worn by East Germanys Katarina Witt at the 1988 Olympic games (pictured below), was deemed too scandalous by the International Skating Union. German skater Katarina Witt in a red design with a low-cut sheer panel and very '80s sleeves at the 1988 Games. Calgary, Alberta, CANADA - 1988 Winter Games, Ladies' Short Program - Re-posting another one of the videos the IOC had filed copyright infringement and had me taking it down. Performing during the free program of the ladies singles figure skating event at the Olympic Ice Center, Feb. 21, 2002, during the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. Wish she could've done better #Olympics. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. When East-German figure skating competitor Katarina Witt performed in an outfit that resembled a bathing suit at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, she shocked audiences around the world. British figure skater John Curry in a disco-worthy jumpsuit at the Olympics in 1976. The International Skating Union now stipulates, that the clothing must not give the effect of excessive nudity inappropriate for the discipline. However, clothing may reflect the character of the music. Kerrigan, of the U.S., performing at the 1994 Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway, where she won the silver medal. The Russian skater performing in the women's free program of the figure skating event at the Olympic Ice Center, Feb. 21, 2002, during the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Yes, you read that right: A figure skater competed at the PyeongChang Olympics sans skirt. I'd be walking through an airport and I'd see someone with the issue of Playboy in their hands, and they'd see me, and their eyes would go right to my chest. Through the 50s and 60s, womens costumes were still quite basic and generally featured high necklines with flared skirts. Gracie Gold represented the United States at the Sochi Olympic Games in a theatrical red velvet dress with an embellished necklace and rosebud detail. Thomas was the bronze medalist in the event. Katarina Witt's outfit caused the ISU to institute "The Katarina Rule." Associated Press "The Katarina Rule" dictates that women's hips, midriffs, and behinds are covered. The three medal winners Lynn of the U.S., Schuba of Austria, Magnussen of Canada in ladies singles figure skating at the Winter Olympics in Sapporo, Japan, Feb. 7, 1972. Graceful figure skating twists and turns against a backdrop of NYC skyscrapers pair with Ella Fitzgerald crooning Autumn in New York, then suddenly break way to John Mellencamps and Meshell Ndegeocellos Wild Night and eight figure skaters going absolutely bananas on the ice, with Katarina Witt wearing a Robin Hood outfit. But back in 1988 . At the 88 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Witt was attempting to do what very few people have done: become a back-to-back Olympic gold medal winner. The no-skirt ban was lifted in 2003, per The Boston Globe, and full leotards became acceptable; most recently, Mae Berenice Meite of France competed in Pyeongchang wearing a bedazzled unitard, while Russias Irina Slutskaya wore a sparkly one-piece at the 2006 Olympics. 55 Outdoor Date Ideas You Won't Actually Hate, Turns Out, We're All Really Pissed About Money, The Very Best High-Waisted Jeans on the Internet, 30 Spring Cocktails to Shake Up This Weekend, 39 of the Best Bubble Butts, Bulges, and VPLs From the Rio Olympics. Stay up to date with what you want to know. Keeping all of these creative decisions in mind, skaters have to consider that the rules are pretty subjective: What's perfectly acceptable to one judge might be "garish" or "too theatrical" to another. And when you do, you are sure to notice that the sport offers the rare combination of athleticism and fashion sensibility. American skater and bronze medalist Debi Thomas decided to forgo a dress at the Calgary Olympics, instead opting to perform her routine in an embellished jumpsuit instead. My dressmaker loaded up my dress with sparkles so you never knew when the dress ended. See more ideas about katarina witt, figure skater, figure skating. The Russian athlete competing in the figure skating team event during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics on Feb. 11, 2018. Norwegian figure skater Sonja Henie wore a playful long sleeve black dress and beret for her routine at the Olympic Games in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, for which she won her third gold medal. The best part is that figure skating fashion just keeps getting better. Men must wear full length trousers and must not wear tights. One outfit, a feathered blue number worn by East Germany's Katarina Witt at the 1988 Olympic games (pictured below), was deemed too scandalous by the International Skating Union. Austrian skater Karl Shafer in a belted suit and tapered pants at the Olympics in 1936. And they have. However, at the 1988 Olympics, the official Olympic dress code rules changed in response to the "scandalous" outfit worn by a competitor from East Germany named Katarina Witt. 33 Best Ice Skating Outfits - Iconic Outfits Worn by Famous Figure Skaters Style Fashion 33 Famous Ice Skating Outfits Worthy of Their Very Own Gold Medal Including some of the best from the. "[Men] can wear a tapered pant, but if it is a tight, that's a reduction in your score," two-time Olympian Johnny Weir told Cosmopolitan. The Winter Olympics in Beijing are in full swing, and let's face it, the global event brings out the inner sports fan in everyone. If it checks off all of those boxes, for me, thats a wonderful costume., Aurelia Durand is a talented illustrator and artist who hails from France but currently lives in Copenhagen. American skater Debi Thomas in a very sheer leotard during a 1989 performance. Its free! Womens figure skating is, hands down, one of the most visually stunning events to watch at the Olympics. Wish she'd done a whole program to Beyonce songs. The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. A skater named Debi Thomas hit the ice the same year in a black, beaded, full-body unitard and no skirt a move that put a temporary ban on costumes without skirts. and even more daring ensemble. 25 Sizzling Outfit Ideas Perfect for V-Day. South Korean pairs team Tae Hwa Yang (in a fringed zebra-print dress with side cut-outs) and Chuen Gun Lee (in black) at the 2002 Olympics. Not even mad about this first two jumps. The Ukrainian skater performing during the 2014 Winter Olympics at Iceberg Skating Palace on Feb. 8, 2014, in Sochi, Russia. Russian ice dancers Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin fueled controversy with their stereotyped "aboriginal" costumes. The American athlete competing in the Winter Olympics at the Zetra Ice Stadium in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, February 1984. What do you do after you win two gold medals? In this interview, we will delve into what makes Dinamo []. Katarina Witt's bejewelled blue costume at the 1988 Olympics, with feathers where a skirt should be, conjured images of a Vegas showgirl, and prompted the International Skating Union to write. The event led to a change of costume-rules, which got their latest update in 2016. Her response? The best might be her appearance in the 1998 Robert DeNiro-led movie Ronin. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider During her figure skating routine at the 1936 Winter Olympic Games in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. A two-time Olympic champion, Witt is regarded as one of the greatest ladies' singles figure skaters of all time. The 23-year-old took to the ice in black leggings that appeared to be attached to a gold and black sparkly sleeveless top. Ptzsch, of East Germany, performing at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. The American skater during the Winter Olympics skating competition in 1976 in Innsbruck, Austria. Promise. (in a fringed zebra-print dress with side cut-outs) and Chuen Gun Lee (in black . Her blue figure skating dress had feathers adorned at the waist instead of a skirt and was barely covering her posterior. Sweet dreams of rhythm and triple lutzes! French ice-dancing couple Gwendal Peizerat (in a billowy blouse) and Marina Anissina (in a dress that gave the illusion that her whole side was naked) at a competition in 2001. The World, where four figure skaters from the U.S. battled four figure skaters from well, the world. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Like the Adele of figure skaters, if youre imagining that Adele picture where shes holding 1,400 Grammy Awards. When the first Olympic figure skating competition launched in the 1920s, costumes were designed with the cold weather in mind. She has gained international recognition for her unique and empowering style, which combines bold colors, whimsical patterns, and positive messaging. These Twitter reactions sum it up. Town & Country participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. The West German skater performing at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. Michelle Kwan opted for an understated lilac velvet spaghetti-strap dress (which was super on-trend at the time) when she won silver at the 1998 Winter Olympics, a stark contrast to the ruffles and bedazzled outfits of her competitive counterparts. Surya Bonaly of France in a low-cut, bare-armed number at the 1998 Olympics.