Fashion Month, often dubbed the “Fashion Olympics,” is truly living up to its name—and in a very literal sense. This year, the month-long spectacle of runway shows kicked off in New York with a star-studded lineup that included some of your favorite athletes, cementing the growing connection between the worlds of fashion and sports.
Olympians Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee, Gabby Thomas, and Noah Lyles were among the first to make their mark on New York Fashion Week. Lee captivated audiences with her front-row appearances at prestigious shows like Brandon Maxwell, Off-White, and Tommy Hilfiger. Meanwhile, Chiles took the runway by storm, bringing the Kim Shui Spring 2025 ready-to-wear show to a dazzling close in a floral, leotard-inspired look. “I am so excited but nervous at the same time,” she shared with Vogue before the show.
Gabby Thomas, the track and field star, also turned heads, taking a front-row seat at Carolina Herrera and Tommy Hilfiger. But it wasn’t just the Olympians making waves. Willy Chavarría’s spring 2025 collection, featuring a new Adidas collaboration inspired by Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s iconic 1978 sneakers, was a highlight of the week. The show ended with an unexpected surprise: 100M gold medalist Noah Lyles strutted down the runway in a shirtless look by Chavarría, showcasing the designer’s athletic wear aesthetic.
“I’m not going to lie, I was a little tentative [about] the outfit, but it’s a good thing I workout all year,” Lyles told Vogue backstage. “It’s a lot easier [to prepare for a runway show vs. a track meet]. Instead of running fast, I only have to walk fast, which I can definitely do.”
The star-studded shows didn’t stop there. Portland Trail Blazer Jerami Grant took to the runway, while NBA star Jordan Clarkson watched from the front row. The fashion fever even extended beyond the runway. Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson arrived at Giants Stadium wearing a look from Ib Kamara’s spring 2025 Off-White collection, the same collection that debuted earlier that day at New York Fashion Week.
The connection between fashion and sports is undeniable, and the athletes’ presence at Fashion Month is a testament to this growing trend. As the shows continue, keep an eye out for more athlete appearances and updates on the latest fashion collaborations. The world of fashion is definitely embracing the athletic spirit, and we can’t wait to see what comes next.
