From Medals to Models: The Athletes Who Walked SS25
Sporting fever is going nowhere fast.
If the Spring/Summer 2025 runways are anything to go by, the thrill of the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics is still going strong. Fashion brands have wholeheartedly embraced that athletic spirit, tapping some of the world’s top athletes as inspiration for their collections or campaigns (see AVAVAV) and bringing them along for the ride, too. Starting off New York Fashion Week with a bang, Sunisa Lee made appearances at Off-White, Tory Burch, Brandon Maxwell and Tommy Hilfiger. At Burberry, Kelly Hodgkinson and Katarina Johnson-Thompson sat side-by-side, while Dina Asher-Smith turned heads at Nensi Dojaka. Stella McCartney had an A-list lineup, too: Tom Daley, Anna Hall, Daryll Neita, Jazz Sawyers, Lola Tambling and Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, to name but a few. But what about the medalist making moves on the runway? Scroll down to see the sports stars who brought their A-game to the SS25 runways.
Noah Lyles
American track and field sprinter Noah Lyles wrapped up the Willy Chavarria show in an eye-catching Adidas x Willy Chavarria look. Titled “Welcome to América,” Chavarria’s show paid tribute to the Mexican immigrant community that the designer grew up in, showcasing outfits that reflected both their struggles and their dignity. It also offered a powerful and authentic glimpse into Chavarria’s own experiences with queerness, biracial identity and his upbringing. The diverse group of models brought these stories to life and Lyles stood out in an all-white ensemble featuring hot pants, long compression socks, a white headband and a matching arm sleeve. Sadly, his super cool nails didn’t make an appearance on the runway this time.
Jordan Chiles
American gymnast Jordan Chiles made her runway debut in style at Kim Shui‘s show. Staying true to her gymnastics roots, Chiles rocked a stunning white and blue floral leotard, perfectly complemented by her braided hair. The look was paired with Nike Shox, which not only highlighted the collection’s theme of resilience, but also allowed Chiles to exude her own vibrant energy. Her eccentric style and confidence lit up the runway and with each step, leaving a lasting impression that celebrates both her athleticism and her unique sense of beauty.
Declan Rice
Arsenal‘s Football Club midfielder Declan Rice was suspended after a controversial red card during a match against Brighton days before London Fashion Week, but he got back in the field in spectacular fashion. The Adidas athlete made his runway debut at Labrum‘s SS25 show, held right at his second home: the Emirates Stadium. The runway was a love letter to the North London soccer team, packed with nods to football culture. Rice traded his usual kit for a sharp navy blue suit, complete with a bold white ribbon lacing that tied the whole look together
Sagg Napoli
Katniss Everdeen walked so Italian performance artist and competitive archer Sagg Napoli could run. In a Hunger Games take on style, Napoli’s bullseye skills were on full display at Dior’s SS25 show. The event was all about celebrating the human body and sports, blending athleisure with contemporary femininity. Napoli herself looked stunning in an all-black, asymmetric top top and fringed mini skirt with sleek, thigh-high boots. With her hair styled in a slick braid and her archery gear slung over her shoulder, she embodied the perfect mix of fashion and sportiness.
French Artistic Swimming Team
Christian Louboutin proved that you can swim a mile in its new “Miss Z” stilettos in the brand’s pool party showcase, titled “Paris is Louboutining.” And who better to showcase it than the French Olympic synchronized swimming team? They dazzled the audience at Paris’ Art Deco Piscine Molitor with an unforgettable performance. The swimmers delivered a synchronized aquatic routine that brought to mind the glamorous water ballets of 1950s Hollywood, gracefully dipping and gliding through the water. What made it even more spectacular was their footwear. Donning stylish “Miss Z” stilettos, the swimmers showcased only their feet as they moved in perfect harmony, creating a mesmerizing visual that blended elegance with sporting prowess.
Brooke Raboutou, Molly Thompson and Solenne Piret
What can’t Silver medalist Brooke Raboutou do? Fresh off her win in the combined bouldering and lead climbing at this Summer’s Olympics, the American rock climber headed back to Paris, trading the climbing wall for the catwalk. Making her runway debut at Cecilie Bahnsen‘s SS25 show, donning the Scandi brand’s latest collaboration: a functional and stylist team-up with The North Face. Also making their runway debuts alongside Raboutou were British rock climber Molly Thompson and French paraclimber Solenne Piret. The trio strutted down the catwalk in all-black gorpy ensembles that featured Bahnsen’s signature floral details. Who says waterproofing, protective layers and durability can’t be super fun and feminine?
Matteo Berrettini and Taylor Fritz
Italian professional tennis player, Matteo Berrettini, who ranks as high as number six in the world’s tennis rankings, walked the Hugo Boss SS25 show in Milan Fashion Week alongside fellow tennis player Taylor Fritz. Swapping their tennis rackets for Boss accessories, Berrettini sported a refined, yet laid-back grey suit topped with an oversized brown trench. Fritz’s signature curtain bans were slicked back for a smarter look, matched by a tailored green jacket layered over an equally sharp suit.
Becky Downie
British gymnast Becky Downie traded in the uneven bars for the catwalk at London Fashion Week and absolutely nailed it. The double European champion, Commonwealth Games champion and three-time Olympian strutted down the catwalk in a bold red and black outfit, bringing fierce energy to Chopova Lowena‘s show. Her look featured a daring red bodysuit adorned with sparkling rhinestones, cut high on the hips for added edge. The keyhole neckline added a sultry touch, while black accents along the sides gave the ensemble dramatic flair. Serving confidence and style, Downie proved she’s just as strong on the runway as she is in on the floor.
For more fashion month roundup, read about SS25 fashion week’s spiciest moments.
