Fashion
9 Outrageous Figure Skating Outfits That Make 'Flashdance' Look Tame
The 2014 Winter Olympics are nearly here, and we'd be lying if didn't acknowledge that one of our favorite parts of the worldwide sporting event is the parade of outrageous costumes worn by its athletes. And it doesn't get better than ice skating, where bedazzled unitards and swingy tassels are standard fare. (And, no, we're not in Williamsburg.) To prepare ourselves for the glory that's sure to hit the ice come Sochi, we dug into the archives and found nine of the most striking ensembles ever to hit the ice.
Images: Getty Images
Federica Faiella
We’re not quite sure what’s happening with this Italian skater’s blinding costume. A demure mock-neck contrasts with rib-baring side-cutouts, and several ruffles attached to the back give the costume the illusion of a tail. If the designer was going for gaudy, mission accomplished.
Kristi Yamaguchi
Just call her Alex Owens. Kristi Yamaguchi’s neon ensemble looks straight out of Flashdance, thanks to a neon pink color scheme, cutouts, and kicky arm bands.
Tonya Harding
The ’80s were alive and well in Tonya Harding’s lurid floral skating ensemble. While we applaud her for not going the traditional glittering bodysuit route, the abstract florals are more than a bit distracting.
Shizuka Arakawa
We understand that keeping warm on the ice is a concern, but donning flowing robes for the entirety of a skating routine is a dubious choice. The 2006 Olympic figure skater’s sheer blue robe gives her the illusion of wings on the ice.
Mao Asada
Remember Carrie’s “Naked Dress” on Sex and the City? Mao Asada pulls off the skating costume equivalent in a nude, halter-neck ruched ensemble that looks more like a glorified circle scarf than a dress.
Carolina Kostner
The Italian Grand Prix Final medalist has a Jekyll and Hyde moment in this putrid green costume. Part Peter Pan and part Poison Ivy, the long-sleeved ensemble is more than a little confusing.
Sasha Cohen
The 2006 Olympian looks more than a little like she’s channeling Natalie Portman in Black Swan in this feathered black and white ensemble.
Surya Bonaly
Bonaly’s three silver medals clearly aren’t for her taste in on-ice attire. A court jester-esque diamond-patterned leotard is paired with a thin range and yellow skirt in this perplexing costume.
Joannie Rochette
This 2010 Olympic Bronze medal winner may as well be called the Girl on Fire based on her taste in skating costumes. Her best look? A cross between a club-appropriate, transparent tasseled halter top and a frayed scarf.
