Fashion’s Oldest Assumption
Let’s be honest: for the better part of a century, high fashion was not designed for the powerful. The ideal couture body was imagined as slender, willowy, and delicate—a physique shaped more by leisure than by lunges. From the post-war “New Look” that
demanded an impossibly narrow waist to the ‘90s “heroin chic” aesthetic that prized an almost waifish frame, the message was clear. Muscularity, the very foundation of athletic greatness, was seen as the enemy of elegance. Broad shoulders, defined quads, and powerful arms didn’t fit the sample sizes or the established silhouette. This created a paradox where the world’s most physically impressive women and men were often the most awkwardly served by the world of luxury fashion. The assumption wasn’t just about fit; it was about image. Couture was for a certain kind of person, and that person didn’t just win a gold medal.
The Red Carpet Rebellion
The ESPYs red carpet has become the primary battleground where this old assumption is being dismantled, look by stunning look. Last year, we saw gymnast Simone Biles in a custom gown from Athleta by Zac Posen, a collaboration that perfectly merged performance-wear credibility with red-carpet glamour. Skier Lindsey Vonn embraced her strength in a gown with a dramatic slit, and gymnast Jordan Chiles wore a sculptural dress that celebrated her powerful frame rather than hiding it. This isn’t just an American trend. At Wimbledon this year, tennis star Naomi Osaka made headlines with custom, couture-inspired on-court and arrival outfits that blended her heritage with high-fashion drama, sparking conversations about personal expression in a traditionally rigid environment. These aren’t athletes trying to squeeze into a fashion-world mold. This is the fashion world waking up to the power and beauty of the athletic form.
Why The Game Is Changing
So, what flipped the switch? It's a combination of factors. First, athletes are no longer just ambassadors; they are global brands and powerful influencers in their own right. With massive social media followings, stars like soccer's Jude Bellingham, whose style is described as quiet luxury, can move the needle for fashion houses more effectively than many traditional models. Second is the rise of the athlete stylist. Professionals like Courtney Mays and Brittany Hampton specialize in dressing athletic bodies, understanding the proportions and nuances required to make a look work. They work with designers to get custom pieces made, ensuring the fit is impeccable. Finally, luxury brands themselves are realizing the obvious: athletes represent aspiration, discipline, and peak human performance—qualities any high-end brand would want to be associated with. They’re finally investing in dressing a wider range of bodies because it’s smart business.
What to Watch for at the 2026 ESPYs
As the stars arrive at Lincoln Center for the July 15th ceremony, we’re expecting this trend to hit a new peak. Look for presenters like gymnast and two-time ESPY winner Eileen Gu, rugby powerhouse Ilona Maher, and the legendary Simone Biles to continue pushing the fashion envelope. WNBA star Napheesa Collier and world-ranked golfer Nelly Korda are also nominated for major awards, and their red carpet arrivals are highly anticipated. Expect to see more custom designs that celebrate muscle and form, a greater diversity of designers being worn, and a confidence that shows these athletes feel just as comfortable in couture as they do in their uniforms. The question is no longer whether an athletic body belongs in high fashion, but how designers can keep up with the athletes who are now setting the trends.
