By Vinod Ram 
Olympic champion Sunisa “Suni” Lee has proven her talents extend far beyond the gymnasium. The two-time Olympic gold medalist has gracefully transitioned from competitive athletics to becoming a major style icon in America. Her fashion journey reflects more than just wardrobe changes. It’s a powerful statement about identity, representation, and breaking boundaries for Asian American women in fashion.
Early Fashion Instincts: The Gymnast Who Designed Her Own Leotards
Before Suni Lee became a red carpet regular, she was already thinking about fashion. Even while competing, the trailblazing USA Gymnastics athlete designed some of her own competition leotards. This showcased an early creative flair. It would later blossom into a full-fledged fashion presence. This hands-on approach was just the beginning of her style transformation.
Breaking Olympic Records in Tokyo 2020: A Star is Born
Lee’s fashion journey truly began during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The world’s eyes turned to her as she made history. She became the first Hmong-American and first Asian American woman to win the Olympic all-around gold medal. Lee became an instant icon. While the focus was on her incredible athletic achievements, her poised presence stood out. Her natural confidence hinted at star power. It would later translate seamlessly to fashion and modeling.
The Paris 2024 Comeback: A Triumph Beyond Medals
Lee battled two incurable kidney diseases. They threatened to end her gymnastics career. Her return to the 2024 Paris Olympics was nothing short of miraculous. She brought home three medals. These included a team gold and two individual bronze medals. Beyond the podium, her post-Olympic presence marked a turning point. Her style evolution accelerated as she embraced opportunities outside of gymnastics. Major fashion brands came calling.
New York Fashion Week Debut: The Prada Moment
Following the Paris Olympics, Lee celebrated her arrival in the fashion world. She made a stunning appearance at New York Fashion Week. Dressed in an elegant Prada ensemble, she commanded attention. The gymnast-turned-fashion-star proved she could own the runway. She did it just as effortlessly as the balance beam. Her move to New York City signaled a new chapter. She was building her personal brand beyond athletics. She joined other athlete fashion influencers making waves in the industry.
Red Carpet Royalty: The 2025 ESPY Awards Glow-Up
Lee absolutely stunned at the 2025 ESPY Awards. The event was held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. She wore a shimmering gold Oscar de la Renta gown. It radiated championship confidence. The glittering designer dress perfectly captured her golden Olympic achievements. It showcased her sophisticated style evolution. She brought Dr. Marcia Faustin as her red carpet date. The physician had helped save her gymnastics career. This made the moment even more meaningful. For Lee, fashion is about more than just looking good. It’s about celebrating the people and moments that matter.
The CFDA Fashion Awards: Sheer Elegance and Bold Choices
Lee turned heads at the 2024 CFDA Fashion Awards. She wore a stunning sheer-lace dress. Everyone was talking about it on social media. The daring look showcased her willingness to take fashion risks. She was stepping outside her comfort zone. At the star-studded event, she mingled with music superstar Tyla. Other fashion industry luminaries were there too. She proved she belongs among fashion’s elite. Her plunging, sheer-lace design demonstrated newfound confidence. She was expressing herself through bold fashion choices. These resonated with young fashion enthusiasts across America.
The Raising Cane’s New York Fashion Week Statement
Lee showcased her versatility at Raising Cane’s New York Fashion Week event. She wore a striking red off-shoulder dress. It featured strategic pockets on each hip. She paired the vibrant ensemble with a diamond necklace and ring. Chic white pointed heels completed the look. She sat front row at the runway show. Lee looked every bit the fashion insider. She proved she’s comfortable watching runway presentations. She’s just as comfortable participating in them. That’s a true mark of a fashion industry player.
Embracing Quiet Luxury: The Model-Off-Duty Aesthetic
Lee has mastered the art of effortless, everyday casual style. Her recent Instagram posts showcase her love for “quiet luxury” aesthetics. She pairs sleek black tanks with baggy, light-wash jeans. It creates that coveted model-off-duty vibe. Her minimalist approach to casual fashion works perfectly. Complete with bronzy glam and glossy mauve lips, she proves fashion is personal. It’s about feeling confident in your own skin. It’s not just about wearing expensive labels. This street style approach has made her a favorite. Fashion bloggers and Gen Z fashion enthusiasts love her democratic take on style.
The Downtown Cool Girl Era: New York City Style
Lee has fully embraced New York City’s downtown aesthetic. She’s often spotted in stylish pieces. These include a brown textured leather jacket from The Frankie Shop. She styles it with blue jeans and white boots. Her ability to mix high-end designer pieces with accessible fashion is impressive. It creates a relatable yet aspirational style. This resonates with her fans. Whether it’s a tailored gray YSL corporate set for Forbes 30 Under 30 or a red high-neck mini dress at a stadium event, Lee demonstrates remarkable range. Her wardrobe choices are always on point.
Major Brand Partnerships: Building a Fashion Empire
Lee’s fashion credibility has attracted some of the biggest names in the industry. She’s modeled for Kim Kardashian’s Skims. The limited-edition Team USA collection was a hit. She became a brand ambassador for athleticwear powerhouse Lululemon. She was unveiled as the face of Japanese skincare brand Tatcha’s Dewy Milk Moisturizer. These brand partnerships showcase her crossover appeal. She can represent both athletic and luxury brands authentically. Her collaboration with Hoka running shoes further solidifies her position. She’s a sought-after athlete brand ambassador.
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Debut: Confidence in Color
Lee made her debut in the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition. She posed in Boca Raton, Florida. She showcased her athletic physique with confidence and grace. Ben Horton photographed her. She wore a stunning cocoa brown bikini by St. Agni. It was a simple yet sophisticated choice. It highlighted her natural beauty. The bralette-style top added a feminine touch to the classic two-piece. Lee’s fashion sense extends to swimwear style as well. This appearance marked another milestone. It showed her journey as a body-positive influencer. It celebrated Asian American representation in mainstream media.
Glamour’s Woman of the Year: Recognition Beyond the Gym
Lee was named one of Glamour magazine’s Women of the Year for 2024. She joined fellow Olympic champions Serena Williams and Allyson Felix. This cemented her status as more than just an athlete. The honor recognized her Olympic comeback. It also recognized her emergence as a multifaceted role model. She’s redefining what it means to be a champion in the modern era. This recognition placed her among the most influential women in sports and fashion.
The Historic Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Debut
On October 15, 2025, Suni Lee made history once again. She became one of the first professional athletes to walk the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway. WNBA star Angel Reese walked alongside her. The momentous occasion represented the culmination of her fashion journey. She went from Olympic champion to bonafide runway model.
Representing Victoria’s Secret PINK, Lee strutted down the catwalk. She wore a pink sports bra emblazoned with “PINK” in silver letters. Black short shorts and a pink zip-up hoodie completed the look. The hoodie featured miniature angel wings on the back. She accessorized with massive silver hoop earrings. Sparkling silver pumps added glamour. Her glam featured flushed cheeks and purple shimmer eyes. Her hair was sleek and straight.
“Stepping into something like the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show felt like a dream,” Lee shared with Marie Claire. “It was outside of my comfort zone. But that’s exactly why I said yes.” She walked to a performance by K-pop group TWICE. Lee beamed from ear to ear. She was clearly savoring every moment of her runway debut.
Fashion as Representation and Empowerment
What makes Lee’s style evolution particularly powerful is the meaning behind it. “Growing up, I didn’t see many girls who looked like me in spaces like this,” she has reflected. She’s talking about entering the fashion world. As the first Hmong-American Olympic champion and now a fashion force, Lee is breaking barriers. She’s consciously creating space for young girls from underrepresented communities.
“I want young girls to see they can own every version of themselves,” Lee emphasized before her Victoria’s Secret debut. “Especially those who look like me or come from communities like mine. They can be strong, soft, bold, or glamorous.” This philosophy drives her fashion choices and public presence. She’s more than just a style icon. She’s a symbol of possibility for Asian American representation in the fashion industry.
Beauty and Makeup: The Finishing Touches
Lee’s style evolution isn’t limited to clothing. She’s developed a serious passion for beauty and makeup. This began during her gymnastics career. “I feel like I’m more of a makeup person,” she shared with Cosmopolitan in 2025. She explained that she noticed her performances often went better when she wore makeup. It became an essential part of her competition routine.
She’s kept her skincare routine simple. She learned that extensive routines made her skin “freak out.” She sticks to just three products. Meanwhile, her makeup looks bring confidence. They help her feel her best. “Makeup made me feel more confident and better about myself by the end of the day,” she explained. This authentic approach to beauty resonates. It’s about finding what works for you rather than following trends. This is emblematic of her entire style philosophy. It has made her a trusted voice in beauty tips for athletes.
Designer Collaborations and Fashion Week Appearances
Beyond her brand partnerships, Lee has become a regular at designer fashion shows. She attends exclusive industry events. Her appearances at New York Fashion Week are anticipated. She’s also seen at Paris Fashion Week and various fashion industry events. This has established her as a legitimate fashion player. Fashion critics praise her ability. She can pull off everything from haute couture to streetwear style. This makes her one of the most versatile celebrity fashion icons of her generation.
Her collaboration with brands like L’Oréal demonstrates her growing influence. Cotton x LoveShackFancy is another partnership. These collaborations are meaningful. They’re in the beauty and fashion space. These partnerships aren’t just endorsements. They represent Lee’s authentic connection to the products. They show her commitment to representing diverse beauty standards in America.
Social Media Fashion Influence
Lee has over 4 million followers on Instagram. She’s become a powerful fashion influencer. Her outfit posts regularly go viral. Her Instagram fashion content showcases everything. From designer handbags to affordable fashion finds, she covers it all. This makes her style accessible to fans across different income levels. Her ability to mix high-low fashion has earned her praise. Fashion bloggers and style experts appreciate her democratic approach to fashion.
Lee’s TikTok fashion presence further amplifies her influence. She reaches younger audiences there. She shares getting ready with me videos and outfit ideas. Behind-the-scenes glimpses of her fashion shoots are popular. This multi-platform approach is effective. It has made her one of the most followed athlete influencers in the digital space.
The Future: Los Angeles 2028 and Beyond
Lee contemplates whether to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. She’s concerned about the physical toll on her body. Meanwhile, her fashion career continues to flourish. She’s working on beauty campaigns with brands like Cotton x LoveShackFancy and L’Oréal. Her presence at high-profile events shows no signs of slowing down.
“Who is Suni outside gymnastics?” she asked herself in a 2024 Glamour interview. “She’s fun, she’s energetic, outgoing, very brave.” That brave spirit is evident in every fashion choice she makes. From daring red carpet gowns to athleisure moments that feel effortlessly cool, she owns it. Industry insiders predict she could soon land a major fashion magazine cover. She might even launch her own fashion line.
A Style Icon for the Next Generation
Suni Lee’s transformation from gymnastics prodigy to fashion icon represents a new era. It’s about athlete branding done right. She’s not just wearing clothes. She’s making statements about identity, representation, and the multifaceted nature of success. Her journey proves that athletes can excel in multiple arenas. Fashion can be a platform for empowerment. Staying true to yourself is always in style.
From designing her own leotards to walking the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway, Lee has flipped her way into fashion history. If her trajectory so far is any indication, this is just the beginning. She continues to embrace new opportunities and push boundaries. She’s excelling in both sports and fashion. One thing is certain: Suni Lee is a fashion force to be reckoned with. The world is watching her every move—both on and off the mat.
Key Takeaways: Suni Lee’s Fashion Impact
- First Asian American woman to win Olympic all-around gold and become a major fashion influencer
- Successfully transitioned from Olympic gymnast to fashion model
- Appeared at NYFW and Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
- Brand ambassador for major companies including Skims, Lululemon, Tatcha, and Hoka
- Featured in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2025 edition
- Named Glamour’s Woman of the Year 2024
- Over 4 million Instagram followers
- Top athlete influencer status
- Known for mixing designer fashion with accessible pieces
- Champion of Asian American representation in fashion and beauty
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