Cosmopolitan participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. 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. Showing Editorial results for katarina witt. Her blue figure skating dress had feathers adorned at the waist instead of a skirt and was barely covering her posterior. 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. As the years progressed, figure skating fashion evolved both men and women's costumes got shorter, more embellished, and more dramatic. Katarina Witt, Wladimir Klitschko, Countess Mariella von Faber-Castell Ahrens and Henry Maske attend the after show party to 'Tribute To Bambi 2009'. The best might be her appearance in the 1998 Robert DeNiro-led movie Ronin. A two-time Olympic champion, Witt is regarded as one of the greatest ladies' singles figure skaters of all time. So much so that after television network CBS lost the rights to broadcast NFL football games, they turned to figure skating (and the Gone With the Wind sequel miniseries Scarlett, because frankly my dear, lots of people dont give a damn about football) to save their November sweeps. She has gained international recognition for her unique and empowering style, which combines bold colors, whimsical patterns, and positive messaging. And Witt wasn't the only who'd offended the delicate sensibilities of the judges, either. 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. Katarina Witt even does one of those 90s dance talk-raps in the middle of it! By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider The opening credits are a dream. Womens figure skating is, hands down, one of the most visually stunning events to watch at the Olympics. Katarina Witt has an estimated net worth of $9 million. The American skater during the Winter Olympics skating competition in 1976 in Innsbruck, Austria. Collect, curate and comment on your files. Did she lose points for her pants? Prev 5 of 8 Next . Countless others have dug deep into Witts figure skating legacy. And they have. The rule was repealed . Witt was a high-profile sporting star and landed tv and film cameo roles. Oct 19, 2021 - Explore Rich Hassey's board "Katarina Witt" on Pinterest. Not even mad about this first two jumps. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. Real good. 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. The best part is that figure skating fashion just keeps getting better. Secret Tapes of Katarina Witt. That is how serious it is. Get ready todiscoverfestivals, must-see performances, and hidden gallery shows. Her red dress with a sheer chest panel at the 1988 Olympics abided by the Katarina Rule. For real. 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. [1] 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. 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. In this interview, we dive into her [], Spring is in the air, and we cant wait to embrace all the excitement it brings! 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. 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!) 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. 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. French skater Philippe Candeloro in a Braveheart-inspired costume at the Goodwill Games in 2000. She also wore pants for her free skate at the 2014 Olympics the unitard was similar, but the sparkly top was silver, blue, and black. Clothing that does not adhere to these guidelines will be penalized by a deduction.". Ito, of Japan, performing at the 1992 Olympic Games in Albertville, France. Wittjust like the states of Georgia, Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin in the 2020 electionrefused him, leading Trump to add Witt to a grudge list of women who declined to date him. American skater Michelle Kwan in a flowing pink piece with a sheer illusion triangle top in 2000. 100+ Years of Olympic Opening Ceremony Highlights. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Johnny Weir selected a V-neck embellished jumpsuit complete with white gloves for his routine at the Vancouver Olympics. If it checks off all of those boxes, for me, thats a wonderful costume., Aurelia Durand is a talented illustrator and artist who hails from France but currently lives in Copenhagen. Katarina Witt's blue costume caused a stir. 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. ESPN dove deep into this moment in a documentary called The Diplomat which, if you can get your hands on a copy, is a great journey into the intersection of sports, politics, and the Cold War. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. But back in 1988 . As for more pop culture Katarina Witt treasures? You know, the kind that punctuate songs by Cathy Dennis, The Real McCoy, Le Click, etc. Sep 8, 2021 - Katarina Witt Evening Dress - Katarina Witt attended the Echo Klassik in a dazzling royal blue evening dress. 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! But after Katarina Witt famously competed in the 1998 Olympics in a scandalously short, feathery blue costume that officials deemed too revealing, the International Skating Union stepped in and put official dress code regulations in place. Competing for her 9th consecutive U.S. Champion title, Michelle Kwan wore a one-shouldered gold sequin dress. 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. 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. 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. , She might have had no intention of making this into a spectacle, but it certainly will arouse the judges, Dr. Ruth said. 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. Part of HuffPost Style & Beauty. "One time we had a gold dress that had the whole back open and cutouts on the front with nude mesh. Blue feather costume that shows off too much butt cheek sold separately. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. Unfortunately, the judges werent as impressed, giving her a score of 46.62, putting her in ninth place. as well as other partner offers and accept our, If youre going for strapless, it's nice to have that nude in there, to make everything stay," he told, NOW WATCH: A dog owner built custom ice skates for her pup and taught him how to skate, costumes were designed with the cold weather in mind. 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. See how figure skating dresses have evolved over the years, from vintage 1920s costumes to the outfits Olympians wear today. 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. The no-skirt ban was lifted in 2003, per The Boston Globe, and full leotards became acceptable; most recently, Mae Berenice Meite of France competed in Pyeongchang wearing a bedazzled unitard, while Russias Irina Slutskaya wore a sparkly one-piece at the 2006 Olympics. "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. The year American figure skater, Peggy Fleming, won an Olympic gold medal in Grenoble she donned a chartreuse dress with a high neck and white beaded trim. ), The 80s may have set the rink stage, but the 90s are where Katarina Witt really gets her pop culture creds. 23.02.2018. During her figure skating routine at the 1936 Winter Olympic Games in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. German skater Katarina Witt in a pink illusion V-neck number at the 1984 Games. 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. 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'. Create an account and youll be able to save and revisit articles. 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 across the ice. 3. Kwan won the silver medal. Norwegian skater Sonja Henie in a knee-length, long-sleeve silk dress in 1932. Then the 80s rolled around, and spandex, sparkles, chiffon, sequins and beads reigned supreme. 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. American skater Debi Thomas in a very sheer leotard during a 1989 performance. The controversy here was how short and skimpy the \"skirt\" part of Katarina's outfit was, especially in the front. Kerrigan, of the U.S., performing at the 1994 Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway, where she won the silver medal. Clothing may, however, reflect the character of the music chosen.". This means that although most competitors stick with the typical glitzy, sparkling dresses, there are hardly any strict rules that have to be followed. The Katarina rule dictates that women's hips, midriffs and butt are covered. Spoiler alert: There's a lot of illusion mesh and Spandex going on. As a result, the ISU instituted "The Katarina Rule." The Russian skater during the ladies singles figure skating short program at the Sochi Winter Olympics, 2014. She won her first at the 1984 . Witt won the gold at the 84 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, then for the next four years flip-flopped with American figure skater Debi Thomas to be the best in the world. Cohen refers to the red velvet and gold embroidered dress that she won her silver medal in at the Turin Olympics as her "Romeo and Juliet dress.". 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. Thus was born Ice Wars: The USA vs. 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 skater from East Germany skating during the 1984 Winter Olympics held in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, on Feb. 18, 1984. And her performance was just as dazzling as it would have been in a frilly, flouncy skirt, if not more so, because it was so bold. A skater named Debi Thomas hit the ice the same year in a black, beaded, full-body unitard and no skirt a move that put a temporary ban on costumes without skirts. Nagasu of the United States reacts after her routine in the figure skating team event during the 2018 Winter Olympics. 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. 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. 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. Katarina Witt performs on stage during the 'Jedermann' dress rehearsal at the Berlin Cathedral Church on October 13, 2009 in Berlin, Germany. Photo: Getty Images 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The Forward Calendar March is bursting with the most vibrant and inspiring cultural events. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. (October 12, 2009 - Source: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images Europe) see more angles Newest Full List. Sonja Henie in a dark dress with an embellished hem at the 1936 Games. Michelle Kwan, for example, popularized a look that was more swimsuit than skating, eschewing beaded sleeves for spaghetti straps. The Russian skater performing in the women's free program of the figure skating event at the Olympic Ice Center, Feb. 21, 2002, during the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. 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. Basically, the flesh colored panels make itseem like skaters are showing a lot of skin, without actually showing any and thus breaking the rules. Bustle reached out to The International Skater's Union for comment on these rules, but has not received a response. 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. The odd badass bodysuit happens from time to time, and many use their costumes as an opportunity to express themselves. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. 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. The Russian athlete competing in the figure skating team event during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics on Feb. 11, 2018. Only Cosmo members can save this exclusive article. The so-called "Katarina rule" required female skaters to cover their "hips and posterior," and was instituted thanks to Katarina Witt's racy costume at the 1988 games. 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. 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. Henie ended up becoming a Hollywood star, posing for this picture in a feathery skating getup in 1943. The mostly vast amount of crystals is also affecting the competitors performance. The rule is you have to be 50 percent covered with material, which I was but, it depends on how tastefully you do it. Ilia Kulik of Russia in a flowing, see-through costume at the 1998 Olympics. Then why dont more women wear pants? Osmond, from Canada, competing in figure skating team event during the 2014 Winter Olympics at Iceberg Skating Palace on Feb. 8, 2014, in Sochi, Russia. American figure skater Gretchen Merrill in a button-down shirt and pleated skirt at the 1948 Winter Games. 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. 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. Gracie Gold represented the United States at the Sochi Olympic Games in a theatrical red velvet dress with an embellished necklace and rosebud detail. 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. American skater Dorothy Hamill in a black and gold fringey design with a deep neckline in 1980. And it must have worked, because Witt and company propelled Ice Wars into a 13-year phenomenon. The Japanese skater competing during the 2010 Winter Olympics at Pacific Coliseum on Feb. 25, 2010, in Vancouver, Canada. 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. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. 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. Philippe Candeloro of France in a pirate-esque costume at the 1998 Olympics. 25 Sizzling Outfit Ideas Perfect for V-Day. For her routine, Shizuka Arakawa wore a unique dual-toned blue dress with sheer sleeves and low neckline. What do you do after you win two gold medals? The World, where four figure skaters from the U.S. battled four figure skaters from well, the world. While dresses have to be lightweight to not create too much drag, each one is unique. 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. 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). With her 3rd place finish in Compulsory Figures, she would be in 2nd Place going into the Long. Katarina Witt's bejewelled blue costume at the 1988 Olympics, with feathers where a skirt should be, conjured images of a Vegas showgirl, and prompted the International Skating Union to write. The American skater performing her free skating program during the ladies singles event at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. Christopher Morris - Corbis via Getty Images, competed in a skirt with a comparatively short hemline, lower necklines were making their way onto the ice, womens hips, midriffs and buttocks had to be covered with a skirt. While dresses have to be lightweight to not create too much drag, each one is unique. Mit emerged from the masses in a bodysuit with pants. Or as Bustle put it, Katarina Wittts butt cheek single-handedly changed the figure skating dress code for over a decade. Then the '80s rolled around, and spandex, sparkles, chiffon, sequins and beads reigned supreme. Sweet dreams of rhythm and triple lutzes! 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. Town & Country participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. "If youre going for strapless, it's nice to have that nude in there, to make everything stay," he told Slate,suggesting that flesh-colored panels help ensure modesty, but also a better, more flexible fit. She was also paid seven figures to pose, making her one of the highest paid models for Playboy in the 1990s. The guidelines continue: "The clothing must not give the effect of excessive nudity inappropriate for the discipline. The charismatic Witt defined the sport in the 1980s with her flirtatious and graceful performances. Yes, you read that right: A figure skater competed at the PyeongChang Olympics sans skirt. 1988: Katarina Witt Although it looks relatively tame today, this was the look heard around the figure skating world. These Winter Cocktails Will Warm Ya Right Up. As difficult as it is, Olympic figure skaters make it look effortless, and their intricately designed dresses are all part of the illusion. We're not really sure why people have been complaining. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. SI Staff Dec 2, 2015 Rare Photos of. As difficult as it is, Olympic figure skaters make it look effortless, and their intricately designed dresses are all part of the illusion. But back in 1988, it stopped the presses. Aug 12, 2022 - Explore Randy Lantz's board "Katarina Witt", followed by 399 people on Pinterest. When East-German figure skating competitor Katarina Witt performed in an outfit that resembled a bathing suit at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, she shocked audiences around the world. And when you do, you are sure to notice that the sport offers the rare combination of athleticism and fashion sensibility. During the Winter Olympic Games in St. Moritz, American skater, Gretchen Merrill, opted for an all white ensemble complete with a beaded cap. Accessories and props are not permitted. The crowds at the Nagano Olympics cheered on the-then-15-year-old as she won the gold medal in a stylish and sweet blue dress. 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. The French skater performing her free program during the Winter Olympics Feb. 21, 1992, in Albertville. Brian Boitano of the United States in a billowing, V-neck blouse and skintight pants at the 1988 Olympics. While there's no official explanation for the rule, one could speculate that the mandatory pants-not-leggings rule may have something to do with controlling the presence of bulge. The Canadian athlete competing in a figure skating competition in the 1988 Winter Olympics. . By most standards today it was basically a blue dress with some feathers. And what's an Olympic figure skating competition without controversy? And speaking of dresses, Witts 88 Olympics blue dress made history itself. Which Olympic Figure Skaters Are Actually Dating? Skaters like Nancy Kerrigan and Frances Surya Bonaly skated in costumes designed by Vera Wang and Christian Lacroix, respectively. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. 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). Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. 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. 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). The American skater competing in the free skate portion of the ladies singles event at the 1994 Winter Olympics on Feb. 25, 1994, at the Hamar Olympic Hall in Lillehammer, Norway. The South Korean skater competing in the figure skating team event during the 2018 Winter Olympics. Katarina Witt performs on stage during the 'Jedermann' dress rehearsal at the Berlin Cathedral Church on October 13, 2009 in Berlin, Germany. 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.