Thus was born Ice Wars: The USA vs. In 1936, though, Norwegian skater Sonja Henie changed the game when she competed in a skirt with a comparatively short hemline. Katarina Witt's infamous blue dress at the 1988 Olympics is the reason figure skating now has a dress code. Not to be hyperbolic, but this might be the best 90s dance song no one has ever heard. German skater Katarina Witt in a red design with a low-cut sheer panel and very '80s sleeves at the 1988 Games. The Japanese skater competing during the 2010 Winter Olympics at Pacific Coliseum on Feb. 25, 2010, in Vancouver, Canada. American skater and bronze medalist Debi Thomas decided to forgo a dress at the Calgary Olympics, instead opting to perform her routine in an embellished jumpsuit instead. See more ideas about katarina witt, figure skater, figure skating. Lu, of China, in the free skate portion of the ladies singles figure skating competition at the 1994 Winter Olympics on Feb. 25, 1994, in Lillehammer, Norway. Lynn, representing the U.S. at 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France. Including some of the best from the games in Beijing. Without giving too much away, lets just say that if you like your double toe-loops with a dose of snipers and car chases, this movies for you. And speaking of dresses, Witt's '88 Olympics blue dress made history itself. Katarina Witt of the German Democratic Republic placed 2nd in the portion of the competition. Hamill won the gold medal for the U.S. in the ladies singles figure skating event. The Russian skater during the ladies singles figure skating short program at the Sochi Winter Olympics, 2014. info); born 3 December 1965) is a German former figure skater. They dont just sit and drink coffee and they move the bottom half of their bodies well, which is very beneficial. Paging Gus Kenworthy. but alas, Dr. Ruths vision for a dress code came true, and the Katarina Rule was born requiring skaters to (in the words of Jurassic Park) cover their butts. She plays a figure skater, but dont let that fool you: theres some good acting chops on display, and her character plays a massive role in the films ending. Arakawa, of Japan, performing during the free skating program of the ladies singles event during the 2006 Winter Olympics on Feb. 23, 2006, at Palavela in Turin, Italy. Graceful figure skating twists and turns against a backdrop of NYC skyscrapers pair with Ella Fitzgerald crooning Autumn in New York, then suddenly break way to John Mellencamps and Meshell Ndegeocellos Wild Night and eight figure skaters going absolutely bananas on the ice, with Katarina Witt wearing a Robin Hood outfit. Basically, the flesh colored panels make itseem like skaters are showing a lot of skin, without actually showing any and thus breaking the rules. Which brings us to 1988 and. As the New York Times recently noted, two-time gold medalist Katarina Witt has written about how, in 1987, her costume slipped during a competition and she was forced to finish the routine with. I had a few judges question it but, after a year of wearing it I still never received any costume violations.". By most standards today it was basically a blue dress with some feathers. Blue feather costume that shows off too much butt cheek sold separately. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Search instead in. Lia Beck. Gold medalist at the 1956 Olympic Games in Cortina, Italy, Tenley Albright wore a dress with a panel-pleated skirt. She won four world titles (1984-85 and 1987 . Russian ice dancers Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin fueled controversy with their stereotyped "aboriginal" costumes. 1988: Katarina Witt Although it looks relatively tame today, this was the look heard around the figure skating world. American skater Debi Thomas in a very sheer leotard during a 1989 performance. Sign up here to get INSIDER's favorite stories straight to your inbox. What do you do after you win two gold medals? The presence of glaring Olympian butt cheek scandalized the International Skating Union, the governing body for competitive figure skating including the Olympics. Albright of the United States displaying her grace and technique during her free skating program at the 1956 Winter Olympics. Keeping all of these creative decisions in mind, skaters have to consider that the rules are pretty subjective: What's perfectly acceptable to one judge might be "garish" or "too theatrical" to another. From wearing tighter-fitting suits in the early 1900s to showing a little kneecap in the 1930s, then flirting with fringe-y miniskirts and skintight catsuits in the 1980s to going all-out with cutouts in the 2000s. Her red dress with a sheer chest panel at the 1988 Olympics abided by the Katarina Rule. And hey, if you have an extra $7.50 USD lying around, you can always head on over to eBay and grab yourself a Katarina Witt action figure. . Debi Thomas dazzled in an embellished bubblegum pink outfit as she placed second at the U.S. Katarina Witt attends the Laureus Charity Gala at the Mercedes Benz branch on July 7, 2008 in Stuttgart, Germany. The three medal winners Lynn of the U.S., Schuba of Austria, Magnussen of Canada in ladies singles figure skating at the Winter Olympics in Sapporo, Japan, Feb. 7, 1972. The best part is that figure skating fashion just keeps getting better. Unfortunately, the judges werent as impressed, giving her a score of 46.62, putting her in ninth place. American skater Polina Edmunds wore a purple bodysuit in the ladies short program during the 2018 Prudential U.S. Tens across the board for Katarina Witt, the Olympic figure skating powerhouse whose determination on and off the ice dominated American pop culture of the 80s and 90s. In fact, at the 1924 games in Chamonix, France, women wore full skirts with sweaters and hats that didnt look much different from their everyday clothes (which makes sense, considering Olympic skating rinks used to be outdoors). You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Performing during the ladies short program as part of the figure skating team event at the 2018 Winter Olympics at the Gangneung Ice Arena. Alina Zagitova took her cues from ballerinas when wore an intricately embroidered red and gold tutu and red gloves for her gold medal performance at the Pyeongchang Olympics. Well first you win an Emmy for a performance of Carmen on ice aptly called Carmen on Ice. That rule was overturned in the early 2000s, bringing back the pants. The Russian skater competing in the figure skating team event during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics at Gangneung Ice Arena on Feb. 12, 2018. Katarina Witt has responded to comments that she shows too much boob on Dancing On Ice, claiming that it's only because she 'sits down'. Katarina Witt's blue costume caused a stir. During the ladies short event, French figure skater Ma-Brnice Mit carved out a place for herself by skating to music including the Beyonc hits Halo and Run the World (Girls). But thats not the only aspect of her performance making waves. The odd badass bodysuit happens from time to time, and many use their costumes as an opportunity to express themselves. A bodysuit full of rhinestones can weigh up to two pounds. American skater Hayes Alan Jenkins in a chunky sweater and pants at the 1956 Olympics. . After Katarina Witt came out on the ice in a few feathers barely covering her behind in 1988, the International Skating Union enacted a rule that women had to wear skirts. Even though she failed to medal Italian figure skater Carolina Kostner looked stunning in an ombr dress encrusted with crystals for the Sochi Winter Olympics. The rule is known tomany as "The Katarina Rule," and it states that"At ISU Championships, the Olympic Winter Games, and International Competitions, the clothing of the Competitors must be modest, dignified and appropriate for athletic competition not garish or theatrical in design. Not only do the athletes put on an impressive display of grace and skill, they also dazzle us with their glittering costumes. The figure skater won Japan its first gold medal in the sport during the Turin, Italy Olympics. Hamill's red dress and wedge haircut instantly became iconic after she nabbed a silver Olympic medal in Innsbruck, Austria. Last week, costume designer Jan Longmire told InStyle, The guidelines change every now and then, but every girl always has to wear a skirt she cant come out in a leotard on its own.. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. The West German skater performing at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. Long before ESPN would release their annual Body issue showing off naked Gronk or chiseled Ronda Rousey or the of Jerry Rice, Witt appeared on the December 1998 cover of Playboy Magazine and in a spread that delivered all the body positivity. Then the '80s rolled around, and spandex, sparkles, chiffon, sequins and beads reigned supreme. Tonya Harding's red dress at the Lillehammer Olympic Games has become infamous when the figure skater was controversially allowed to re-do her routine because of a broken lace. At the beginning of her career, Dorothy Hamill stood out among her competitors with the understated and simple designs she chose for her skating costumes. Figure Skating Championships. American skater Heiss at the 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. Meet Ma-Brnice Mit, an Olympic Figure Skater from France.- Dark skinned black woman- Wore pants for her routine- Skated to BeyoncHAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackGirlMagic #BlackExcellence #ItsTooColdForSkirtsOutThere pic.twitter.com/jYkEGqbkup, how she scored is irrelevant; Ma-Brnice Mit skating to a Beyonce mashup in pants is my new queen and 2018 mood #Olympics, I love everything about Ma-Brnice Mit's outfit. For her routine, Shizuka Arakawa wore a unique dual-toned blue dress with sheer sleeves and low neckline. However, those glimmering crystals and sheer panels aren't just deployed for ornamental purposes they actually serve as bulwarks against immodesty and point deductions. Did she lose points for her pants? During the Winter Olympic Games in St. Moritz, American skater, Gretchen Merrill, opted for an all white ensemble complete with a beaded cap. However, at the 1988 Olympics, the official Olympic dress code rules changed in response to the "scandalous" outfit worn by a competitor from East Germany named Katarina Witt. In terms of decoration, most skating outfits were quite plain during the World War II era, as fabric shortages led skaters to favor simple silhouettes with less fabric and little embellishment, according to Insider. For real. See how figure skating dresses have evolved over the years, from vintage 1920s costumes to the outfits Olympians wear today. Michelle Kwan, for example, popularized a look that was more swimsuit than skating, eschewing beaded sleeves for spaghetti straps. Clothing that does not adhere to these guidelines will be penalized by a deduction.". 25 Sizzling Outfit Ideas Perfect for V-Day. Mit might prefer pants; she competed in the same costume at the womens short program dance during the Internationaux de France ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating in Grenoble, France, in November. As the years progressed, figure skating fashion evolved both men and women's costumes got shorter, more embellished, and more dramatic. Both of these hardcore costume bans were lifted in 2003, and since then, the ISU has kept the Olympic figure skating dress code rules relatively subjective at least for women. Witt, a German double Olympic gold medal-winning skater, was said to be upset over the criticism about her low-cut outfits. Sep 8, 2021 - Katarina Witt Evening Dress - Katarina Witt attended the Echo Klassik in a dazzling royal blue evening dress. Decades later, the niece of outgoing President Donald Trump would write that her uncle also noticed Katarina Witt, but hated her because Witt rebuffed his advances. Gracie Gold represented the United States at the Sochi Olympic Games in a theatrical red velvet dress with an embellished necklace and rosebud detail. Unlike the dress code, the actual rules of competitive figure skating which has been around for over 100 years are complicated enough to make your head spin. The Canadian athlete competing in a figure skating competition in the 1988 Winter Olympics. Aside from winning a gold medal for East Germany at the Calgary Olympics, Katarina Witt caused quite the uproar over the short hemline on her blue feathered dress. Costume designer Brad Griffies who designed American skaterGracie Gold's blue costume, below likes to deploy nude fabric strategically. These days, embellishments are still popular as ever and short skirts are still No. But if women can wear tuxedos on the red carpet and not be any less elegant, female skaters can do the same in the rink. 55 Outdoor Date Ideas You Won't Actually Hate, Turns Out, We're All Really Pissed About Money, The Very Best High-Waisted Jeans on the Internet, 30 Spring Cocktails to Shake Up This Weekend, 39 of the Best Bubble Butts, Bulges, and VPLs From the Rio Olympics. Shaun White and Nina Dobrevs Cutest Moments, Meet Naomi Osakas Incredibly Supportive Parents, 16 Pics of Olympians the Moment They Knew They Won, You Def Wanna See Funny Tweets About the Olympics, This 15-Year-Old Ice Skater Just Made History, Dont Let Maame Bineys Smiling Face Fool You, Meet Olympian Chloe Kims Skateboarder Boyfriend, Wondering When the Next Olympics Games Are? Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. not to mention a backflipping Surya Bonaly! One outfit, a feathered blue number worn by East Germanys Katarina Witt at the 1988 Olympic games (pictured below), was deemed too scandalous by the International Skating Union. Thomas was the bronze medalist in the event. Fleming, of the U.S., practicing on an outside rink in February 1968 in Grenoble, France, during the Winter Olympics. Janet Lynn, Beatrix Schuba and Karin Magnussen, 1972. As for more pop culture Katarina Witt treasures? Dinamo is not just a design practice, it is a way of thinking that applies interesting concepts to a wide range of production areas, from typography and design to research and consulting. Now that is some ooey-gooey dance pop music bliss that may or may not make any sense, but just try not listening to this song and feeling like you can land a double salchow right in the middle of Limelight or Palladium. Get ready for sheer mesh, catsuits, and a whole lotta plunging necklines. I would say that in order to keep a certain decorum there should be some regulations on what type of dress is appropriate., Oddly enough in that same interview Dr. Ruth went on to describe how skiers make the best lovers. But the 90s also took Witt out of the figure skating world and directly into dance clubs? Not even mad about this first two jumps. And it must have worked, because Witt and company propelled Ice Wars into a 13-year phenomenon. Yep, in 1995, Witt joined with Melanie Thornton (the voice behind 90s dance sensation La Bouche) as well as singers Joan Faulkner and Linda Rocco who sang back-up for acts like Milli Vanilli, for the most 90s dance track imaginable: Skate With Me.. In the 1990s, another trend that emerged was designer costumes. , She might have had no intention of making this into a spectacle, but it certainly will arouse the judges, Dr. Ruth said. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. German skater Katarina Witt in a red design with a low-cut sheer panel and very '80s sleeves at the 1988 Games. That same year, American skater Debi Thomas made waves by wearing a full unitard for competition, which led to a ban on costumes without skirts. The South Korean skater competing in the figure skating team event during the 2018 Winter Olympics. Youll also find her briefly hanging out with Jerry Maguire, or in season one of Everybody Loves Raymond. and even more daring ensemble. As Bustle notes, because the ISU rules apply to men and women, sheer panels and embellishments can be seen on both genders. Katarina Witt Evening Dress. While competing in her third and last Olympic Games ever, Surya Bonaly took the ice in a blue and gold beaded fringe dress. American skater Dorothy Hamill in a black and gold fringey design with a deep neckline in 1980. One outfit, a feathered blue number worn by East Germany's Katarina Witt at the 1988 Olympic games (pictured below), was deemed too scandalous by the International Skating Union. At the 88 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Witt was attempting to do what very few people have done: become a back-to-back Olympic gold medal winner. While dresses have to be lightweight to not create too much drag, each one is unique. American skater Michelle Kwan in a flowing pink piece with a sheer illusion triangle top in 2000. From some of the earliest modern Olympic games to this week's events in Beijing, here are the most iconic figure skating outfits to have ever graced the ice. Katarina Witt performs on stage during the 'Jedermann' (Everyman) dress rehearsal at the Berlin Cathedral Church (Berliner Dom) on October 13, 2009 in Berlin, Germany. The 23-year-old took to the ice in black leggings that appeared to be attached to a gold and black sparkly sleeveless top. 3. The regulation dictated that it was mandatory for women to wear a skirt that covered their hips and butt, and also required that women covered their midriffs. Wish she could've done better #Olympics. Nagasu of the United States reacts after her routine in the figure skating team event during the 2018 Winter Olympics. When the first Olympic figure skating competition launched in the 1920s, costumes were designed with the cold weather in mind. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. The Women Skating for Team USA at the Olympics, This Vermont Family Is an Olympic Skiing Dynasty, Princess Anne's Message to British Olympians, 11 Royals Who Have Competed in the Olympics, Simone Biles Reflects On Withdrawal From Tokyo, Meet Some of Team USA's Track and Field Stars, Bruce Springsteens Daughter Wins Silver Medal, 33 Famous Ice Skating Outfits Worthy of Their Very Own Gold Medal. The following is Rule 501 in the [ISU Special Regulations & Technical Rules handbook, last updated in 2016: In short, women's costumes don't have to follow a specific formula. By most standards today it was basically a blue dress with some feathers. French ice-dancing couple Gwendal Peizerat (in a billowy blouse) and Marina Anissina (in a dress that gave the illusion that her whole side was naked) at a competition in 2001. German figure skater Katarina Witt is known as one of the greatest of all time in her sport, thanks in part to her back-to-back Olympic gold medals. Ivanova, of the Soviet Union, at the 1984 Winter Olympic Games in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. If one strap were to break, or if the beading on the sleeve gets caught when they turn, their whole Olympics is over. Then you star in a commercial where you lure a bunch of boys onto the ice and boogie to the dulcet sounds of a cold bottle of Diet Coke being cracked open. French skater Philippe Candeloro in a Braveheart-inspired costume at the Goodwill Games in 2000. Cozy Up With These Movies About Skiing. France's Ma-Brnice Mit skated IN PANTS, and ended her Beyonc medley with "Run the World (Girls)". Katarina Witt's outfit caused the ISU to institute "The Katarina Rule." Associated Press "The Katarina Rule" dictates that women's hips, midriffs, and behinds are covered. has collaborated with many Olympic figure skaters, Olympic bronze medalist and two-time national champion. I'd be walking through an airport and I'd see someone with the issue of Playboy in their hands, and they'd see me, and their eyes would go right to my chest. A figure skater born in an authoritarian state who got scolded by Dr. Ruth, won 2 gold medals AND an Emmy, rebuffed a gross pick-up line from Donald Trump, caused Playboy magazines to soar off the shelves, starred in a movie with Robert DeNiro, and was featured in a 90s dance song with one of the members of La Bouche!? In this interview, we dive into her [], Spring is in the air, and we cant wait to embrace all the excitement it brings! Bustle reached out to The International Skater's Union for comment on these rules, but has not received a response. The Russian skater Irina Slutskaya's embellished black dress stood out with it's jagged neckline during the Salt Lake City Olympics. And then you wait for CBS to call and say two magical words: Ice Wars.. Not possible. The judge, who once stripped for Playboy, now says she will change her. The Ukrainian skater performing during the 2014 Winter Olympics at Iceberg Skating Palace on Feb. 8, 2014, in Sochi, Russia. Figure skating competitors often make headlines for their extravagant outfits as much as they do for their athletic abilities. Katarina Witt has an estimated net worth of $9 million. She was of course up against Thomas, and the drama was high as both Witt and Thomas chose music from Carmen to skate to, letting the media bill this like a professional wrestling bout: The Battle of the Carmens. South Korea's Lily Lyoonjung Lee in a cute, short-skirted, pink piece at the 1994 Winter Olympics. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. I Was a Teenage Catfish and I Regret Nothing. Or as Bustle put it, Katarina Wittts butt cheek single-handedly changed the figure skating dress code for over a decade. The American skater performing her routine during the free skate at White Ring Arena during the 1998 Winter Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan. Plus, skirts are just easier on the eyes and more frequently identified with femininity, which is what figure skating is pretty much all about. Skaters also favor illusion mesh and backless designs that mirror dresses we see on runways and red carpets. Then the 80s rolled around, and spandex, sparkles, chiffon, sequins and beads reigned supreme. Become a Cosmo member to read and save unlimited articles. Her response? Glitter and crystals, however, werent always the norm in the world of figure skating. The American skater performing her free skating program during the ladies singles event at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. (That butt cheek took home its second gold medal though, winning the Battle of the Carmens, and it wouldnt be the end of said butt cheeks foray into the history books. The American skater performing during the women's free skating program at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games on Feb. 23, 2006, at Palavela in Turin, Italy. Rare Photos of Katarina Witt Here are some rare and classic photos of two-time Olympic gold medalist skater Katarina Witt, who turned 50 on Dec. 3, 2015. A Canadian coach called it practically a g-string (one has to wonder if this Canadian coach ever saw a g-string), and even Dr. Ruth was contacted by Reuters to comment on the dress. Figure skaters shouldnt wear outfits that could arouse judges. Ilia Kulik of Russia in a flowing, see-through costume at the 1998 Olympics. Her colorful and vibrant artwork celebrates diversity, representation, and equality. So even if you don't keep up with competitive figure skating, you'll probably tune in at least once during these next few weeks. From then on, hemlines continued to go shorter. Real good. Sparkly and pants . The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. Johnny Weir selected a V-neck embellished jumpsuit complete with white gloves for his routine at the Vancouver Olympics. As difficult as it is, Olympic figure skaters make it look effortless, and their intricately designed dresses are all part of the illusion. And what's an Olympic figure skating competition without controversy? So scroll on for the steamiest figure-skating costume looks of all time. The American athlete skating in the free skate during the ladies singles figure skating event of the 1998 Winter Olympics on Feb. 20, 1998, in Nagano, Japan. Sasha Cohen wowed the crowd at the Salt Lake City Olympic Games in a red dress with sunburst yellow and orange hemline. And the lyrics are Susan Powter-level inspiration: Just take the mirror and hold up highLook at yourself straight in the eyeYour moment of truth has finally arrivedSkate with me skate with meWe dont need tomorrow, no cause youll be far away Skate with me skate with meIf your heart says follow go and you can come along and skate with me. 100+ Years of Olympic Opening Ceremony Highlights. The design process usually starts with the music, says Pat Pearsal, who has been designing costumes for years. During her figure skating routine at the 1936 Winter Olympic Games in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. Witts a fascinating character in the narrative of sports stars who cross over into pop culture figures. Canada's Joannie Rochette in the ladies figure skating event at the 2010 Winter Olympics at Pacific Coliseum on Feb. 23, 2010, in Vancouver, Canada. Witt was a high-profile sporting star and landed tv and film cameo roles. Nancy Kerrigan looked chic in a simple sheer and ruched white dress as she took the podium for her bronze medal at the Albertville, France Olympic Games in 1992. Mit expressively floated and twirled around the ice winning the hearts of the world, despite her fall, with her boundary-pushing music (this is the first Olympics at which skaters are allowed to use music with lyrics!) Yes, you read that right: A figure skater competed at the PyeongChang Olympics sans skirt. By the 70s, lower necklines were making their way onto the ice and embellishments also started gaining popularity. "One time we had a gold dress that had the whole back open and cutouts on the front with nude mesh. Promise. Create an account and youll be able to save and revisit articles. Part of HuffPost Style & Beauty. Figure skating fashion just keeps getting better. The American skater during the Winter Olympics skating competition in 1976 in Innsbruck, Austria. Kwan won the silver medal. In 1994, after the absolute blockbuster chaos of the Tonya Harding/Nancy Kerrigan story, figure skating was riding an all-time high in the zeitgeist of American culture. This past year when Mary Trump dropped her book Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the Worlds Most Dangerous Man, she included an anecdote about how Trump once tried to hit on Katarina Witt. The skater from East Germany skating during the 1984 Winter Olympics held in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, on Feb. 18, 1984. In this interview, we will delve into what makes Dinamo []. The rule was repealed . Costumes also run the style gamut, and range from DIY imagination (Figure skating legend and 1976 gold medalist Dorothy Hamill, for instance, wore super simple, floating designs her first costume was made by her mother's friend) to inspired by the runway (Vera Wang, for example, has collaborated with many Olympic figure skaters on their looks, including Nancy Kerrigan and Michelle Kwan).