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 Russian athlete competing in the figure skating team event during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics on Feb. 11, 2018. The International Skating Union now stipulates, that the clothing must not give the effect of excessive nudity inappropriate for the discipline. However, clothing may reflect the character of the music. 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. Witt, and the only woman to beat her since winning. Katarina Witt, Wladimir Klitschko, Countess Mariella von Faber-Castell Ahrens and Henry Maske attend the after show party to 'Tribute To Bambi 2009'. Katarina Witt's infamous blue dress at the 1988 Olympics is the reason figure skating now has a dress code. 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. The Russian skater competing in the figure skating team event during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics at Gangneung Ice Arena on Feb. 12, 2018. The Forward Calendar March is bursting with the most vibrant and inspiring cultural events. In this interview, we will delve into what makes Dinamo []. Bonaly finished in fifth place. 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. Men must wear full length trousers and must not wear tights. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Youll also find her briefly hanging out with Jerry Maguire, or in season one of Everybody Loves Raymond. The World, where four figure skaters from the U.S. battled four figure skaters from well, the world. Which Olympic Figure Skaters Are Actually Dating? Now, the IOC only wants to monetize on these clips.Katarina Witt of the German Democratic Republic placed 2nd in the portion of the competition. Debi Thomas dazzled in an embellished bubblegum pink outfit as she placed second at the U.S. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. And then you wait for CBS to call and say two magical words: Ice Wars.. 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. Ito, of Japan, performing at the 1992 Olympic Games in Albertville, France. (in a fringed zebra-print dress with side cut-outs) and Chuen Gun Lee (in black . Promise. "[Men] can wear a tapered pant, but if it is a tight, that's a reduction in your score," two-time Olympian Johnny Weir told Cosmopolitan. 3. Basically, the flesh colored panels make itseem like skaters are showing a lot of skin, without actually showing any and thus breaking the rules. Performing in the ladies singles figure skating event at the 1988 Winter Olympics on Feb. 25, 1988, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. 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. Its absolutely nightmarish!, says runway designer Vera Wang, who custom designed the outfit of US competitor Nathan Chen. Evgeni Plushenko of Russia in a silver disco outfit with a sheer panel down the front at the 2002 Games. 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. Costume designer Brad Griffies who designed American skaterGracie Gold's blue costume, below likes to deploy nude fabric strategically. 1988: Katarina Witt Although it looks relatively tame today, this was the look heard around the figure skating world. The American skater performing her routine during the free skate at White Ring Arena during the 1998 Winter Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan. The best part is that figure skating fashion just keeps getting better. The award-winning film I, Tonya in which Margot Robbie portrays the life of American skater Tonya Hardingrecreated the pleated teal outfit Harding wore for the U.S. At the peak of her professional skating career, Katarina Witt could have expected to earn in the region $1.5 million a year. 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. Wish she'd done a whole program to Beyonce songs. As soon as the skirt-only ice age melted away, Russian skater Irina Slutskaya wore a fiery bodysuit at the 2006 Olympics. Yes, most competitors stick to the glitzy, skirted bodysuit situations that our brains automatically associate with figure skating but over the years, many have put variations on the classics. There was one scandalous moment at the 1988 Winter Olympics that changed the rules of competitive figure skating costumery for a decade-and-a-half, anyways. The American skater competing in the ladies free program during the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games at the Salt Lake Ice Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Herma Planck-Szabo, Ethel Muckelt and Beatrix Loughran, 1924. Like the Adele of figure skaters, if youre imagining that Adele picture where shes holding 1,400 Grammy Awards. As the years progressed, figure skating fashion evolved both men and women's costumes got shorter, more embellished, and more dramatic. Saaame, Leslie Jones Is Narrating the Olympics and Its , 70 of the Sexiest Figure-Skating Costumes of All Time. Gold medalist at the 1956 Olympic Games in Cortina, Italy, Tenley Albright wore a dress with a panel-pleated skirt. This is the calendar that will keep you at the forefront of the cultural scene this [], Welcome to this interview with Johannes Breyer, Co-Founder and Creative Director at Dinamo. 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. Planck-Szabo of Austria, Muckelt of Great Britain and Loughran of the United States at the 1924 winter Olympics in Chamonix, France, Jan. 30, 1924. I Was a Teenage Catfish and I Regret Nothing. Competing in the figure skating team event at the 2018 Winter Olympics at Gangneung Ice Arena on Feb. 11, 2018. Figure Skating Championships. 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. 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. Johnny Weir selected a V-neck embellished jumpsuit complete with white gloves for his routine at the Vancouver Olympics. We're not really sure why people have been complaining. But the 90s also took Witt out of the figure skating world and directly into dance clubs? The Katarina rule dictates that women's hips, midriffs and butt are covered. 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. Unfortunately, the judges werent as impressed, giving her a score of 46.62, putting her in ninth place. What do you do after you win two gold medals? Calgary, Alberta, CANADA - 1988 Winter Games, Ladies' Short Program - Re-posting another one of the videos the IOC had filed copyright infringement and had me taking it down. As difficult as it is, Olympic figure skaters make it look effortless, and their intricately designed dresses are all part of the illusion. (October 12, 2009 - Source: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images Europe) see more angles Newest Full List. The skater from East Germany skating during the 1984 Winter Olympics held in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, on Feb. 18, 1984. While dresses have to be lightweight to not create too much drag, each one is unique. 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. See more ideas about katarina witt, figure skater, figure skating. Performing during the free program of the ladies singles figure skating event at the Olympic Ice Center, Feb. 21, 2002, during the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. During the Lillehammer Olympic Games, Nancy Kerrigan wore an elegant black and white dress with sheer sleeves that designer Vera Wang said "made her look tougher.". Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. Katarina Witt attends the Laureus Charity Gala at the Mercedes Benz branch on July 7, 2008 in Stuttgart, Germany. Only Cosmo members can save this exclusive article. Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. Not possible. 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. Kristi Yamaguchi opted for a long sleeved gold brocade dress for the Olympic Games in Albertville, France the year she took home the gold medal. Meite, of France, competing at the Iceberg Skating Palace during the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics on Feb. 8, 2014. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. Sumners won the silver medal in the event. Kwan won the silver medal. The Ukrainian skater performing during the 2014 Winter Olympics at Iceberg Skating Palace on Feb. 8, 2014, in Sochi, Russia. The ISU instituted " The Katarina Rule, " which dictated that women's hips, midriffs, and butt were covered. 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. 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. An unabashed 80s & 90s pop culture junkie, Michael Jones is a Brooklyn-based writer and co-host of the Pop Trash Podcast. Katarina Witt, Wladimir Klitschko, Countess Mariella von Faber-Castell Ahrens and Henry Maske attend the after show party to 'Tribute To Bambi 2009'. The event led to a change of costume-rules, which got their latest update in 2016. As for more pop culture Katarina Witt treasures? Girl, you are an #OlympicHero, Ma-Brnice Mit to Beyonce in pants. info); born 3 December 1965) is a German former figure skater. Collect, curate and comment on your files. 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. Performing at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. For one, it seems not everyone is up to date on the new rules. Henie ended up becoming a Hollywood star, posing for this picture in a feathery skating getup in 1943. In the words of Beyonc, the pants-clad and badass skater is repping for the girls who taking over the world.. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. , She might have had no intention of making this into a spectacle, but it certainly will arouse the judges, Dr. Ruth said. Its free! To read and save unlimited articles, sign up to become a Cosmopolitan member. Not to be hyperbolic, but this might be the best 90s dance song no one has ever heard. 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. American skater Heiss at the 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. Gracie Gold represented the United States at the Sochi Olympic Games in a theatrical red velvet dress with an embellished necklace and rosebud detail. Dubravcic, representing Yugoslavia, skating her long program during the Winter Olympics on Feb. 18, 1984, in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. The French skater performing her free program during the Winter Olympics Feb. 21, 1992, in Albertville. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Womens figure skating is, hands down, one of the most visually stunning events to watch at the Olympics. The American skater performing her free skating program during the ladies singles event at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. and even more daring ensemble. I'm with it. 23.02.2018. 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. The odd badass bodysuit happens from time to time, and many use their costumes as an opportunity to express themselves. Katarina Witt of the German Democratic Republic placed 2nd in the portion of the competition. 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. Swedish skater Ulrich Salchow in a suit at the Olympic Games in 1908. Also, the costume needs to be exactly what it should be for that particular skater, and that particular program. Sasha Cohen wowed the crowd at the Salt Lake City Olympic Games in a red dress with sunburst yellow and orange hemline. These days, embellishments are still popular as ever and short skirts are still No. But behind the curtain, her East . Sarah Hughes wore a lavender dress with a beaded bodice for the Salt Lake City Olympics, at which she won a gold medal in the ladies free program. You know, the kind that punctuate songs by Cathy Dennis, The Real McCoy, Le Click, etc. Norwegian skater Sonja Henie in a knee-length, long-sleeve silk dress in 1932. Male figure skater, Adam Rippon kept his pants simple and stole the show with his skin tight sequin shirt while competing at the Pyeongchang Olympics. America's Tim Wood in a form-fitting suit at the Olympics in 1968. Then the 80s rolled around, and spandex, sparkles, chiffon, sequins and beads reigned supreme. The American athlete competing in the Winter Olympics at the Zetra Ice Stadium in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, February 1984. The 23-year-old took to the ice in black leggings that appeared to be attached to a gold and black sparkly sleeveless top. 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. By most standards today it was basically a blue dress with some feathers. . Her response? Not even mad about this first two jumps. Katarina Witt Evening Dress. Real good. Nagasu of the United States reacts after her routine in the figure skating team event during the 2018 Winter Olympics. Chin, of the U.S., performing at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. Ice skating costumes have often been a great example of what constitutes "sexy" attire maybe it's just the chill thrill of the rink, but skaters' attire has often been boundary-pushing (and, in olden times, modesty-pushing too). Ptzsch, of East Germany, performing at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. South Korea's Yuna Kim performs in the Ladies' Free skating program at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, during the 2010 Winter Olympics on Feb. 25, 2010. German skater Katarina Witt in a red design with a low-cut sheer panel and very '80s sleeves at the 1988 Games. The guidelines continue: "The clothing must not give the effect of excessive nudity inappropriate for the discipline. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Blue feather costume that shows off too much butt cheek sold separately. For $5.95 you could catch Katarina Witt baring it all or, if you were one of those who bought Playboy for the articles, you could read the latest story from Joyce Carol Oates or read 20 questions with Gore Vidal! 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.. Michelle Kwan opted for an understated lilac velvet spaghetti-strap dress (which was super on-trend at the time) when she won silver at the 1998 Winter Olympics, a stark contrast to the ruffles and bedazzled outfits of her competitive counterparts. Hamill won the gold medal for the U.S. in the ladies singles figure skating event. Norwegian figure skater Sonja Henie wore a playful long sleeve black dress and beret for her routine at the Olympic Games in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, for which she won her third gold medal. The best might be her appearance in the 1998 Robert DeNiro-led movie Ronin. Lia Beck. 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. 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. #Olympics, I dont care about how the skate goes, but Mae-Berenice Meit wearing pants and skating to Beyonc is a powerful thing. "I have been close for being docked points but, it has never happened," Marissa Castelli, an Olympic bronze medalist and two-time national champion tells Bustle. If one strap were to break, or if the beading on the sleeve gets caught when they turn, their whole Olympics is over. But back in 1988, it stopped the presses. East Germany's Katarina Witt won the 1984 Olympic gold medal and sought a back-to-back victory four years later at the 1988 Calgary Games. Janet Lynn, Beatrix Schuba and Karin Magnussen, 1972. For her routine, Shizuka Arakawa wore a unique dual-toned blue dress with sheer sleeves and low neckline. The East German Stasi (secret police) kept 3,500 pages of files on her, as they monitored her every move in the late 70s/80s, ensuring she could be seen as the most beautiful face of socialism. The East German government even got involved in Witts first relationship, forcibly stationing her boyfriend at a military post far away to make sure Witt wasnt distracted by a boy in her pursuit for Olympic gold. 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? Katarina Witt of Germany in a strapless, arm-baring number at the 1988 Olympics. Sweet dreams of rhythm and triple lutzes! 4. even Dr. Ruth was contacted by Reuters to comment on the dres, boogie to the dulcet sounds of a cold bottle of Diet Coke being cracked open, for the most 90s dance track imaginable: Skate With Me., an anecdote about how Trump once tried to hit on Katarina Witt, The East German Stasi (secret police) kept 3,500 pages of files on her. (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. As a result, the ISU instituted "The Katarina Rule." 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. See how figure skating dresses have evolved over the years, from vintage 1920s costumes to the outfits Olympians wear today. Her colorful and vibrant artwork celebrates diversity, representation, and equality. 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.. Katarina Witt, (born December 3, 1965, Karl-Marx-Stadt, East Germany [now Chemnitz, Germany]), German figure skater who was the first woman to win consecutive Olympic gold medals (1984 and 1988) in singles figure skating since Sonja Henie in 1936. Russian team Oksana Grichtchuk (in a steamy mesh-illusion crop top) and Evgeni Platov (in a suit) at the 1994 Olympics. 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). Witt, a German double Olympic gold medal-winning skater, was said to be upset over the criticism about her low-cut outfits. 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. Katarina Witt, a competitor from East Germany, performed in a blue costume, adorned at the waist with feathers instead of a skirt, the likes of which barely covered her posterior as she moved. Or as Bustle put it, Katarina Wittts butt cheek single-handedly changed the figure skating dress code for over a decade. Russian ice dancers Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin fueled controversy with their stereotyped "aboriginal" costumes. Witts a fascinating character in the narrative of sports stars who cross over into pop culture figures. 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. The rule was repealed . 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.