She shines in every gymnastics event. American athlete Simone Biles once again wowed spectators at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, appearing in a leotard adorned with countless Swarovski crystals. Her designers revealed where they got their inspiration…
After a notable absence, Simone Biles is back with a bang. Barely three years after withdrawing from several finals at the Tokyo Olympics, the 27-year-old American gymnast is once again aiming for the stars in Paris. And for good reason: on Tuesday, July 30, the athlete won the team gold medal in artistic gymnastics. Two days later, on Thursday, August 1, she is taking part in another major competition, the all-around, with the aim of regaining the title she won in Rio in 2016. And while Simone Biles captivates with her extraordinary athletic performances, she is also getting noticed thanks to her dazzling outfits.
With a pronounced taste for fashion, Simone Biles has always distinguished herself with sharp looks. Her signature? Her unique leotards, sparkling with a thousand lights. These are the result of a prestigious collaboration between the jeweler Swarovski and the equipment manufacturer GK Elite, specialized in gymnastics.
Thus, on Sunday July 28, the American made a particular impression, slipping into an outfit decorated with transparent tulle adorned with 10,000 crystals, with an estimated value of around $3,000 (or around €2,780). A price that makes it the most expensive leotard in the history of the Olympic Games. In an interview with the American media SelfGK Elite Design Director Jeanne Diaz and Marketing Director Erica Schnebel reveal how these exceptional models are designed.
Ultra-functional, each leotard is custom-made and laser-cut, with the safety of the athletes in mind. The goal is for these outfits to fit the body like a second skin. The addition of sparkling crystals recalls the splendor of Paris, the City of Lights. As Jeanne Diaz points out, “Not every place lends itself to inspiration for a fashion collection, but Paris, being the fashion capital of the world, definitely does.“. She adds that design, French art, soft lines, curves, Chantilly lace, and even elements of corsetry have strongly influenced the creation of the models.
In total, no fewer than 47,000 crystals, some of which are hand-applied, decorate Team USA’s leotards.Our athletes always tell us that the more crystals the better.“, confides Jeanne Diaz. And if the gymnasts wear nearly 0.8 kilos of rhinestones on them, the designer assures that there is no concern about a potential impact on their performances.