Eileen Gu, the 22-year-old American-born skier competing for China, has been making waves at the Winter Olympics with her unique and personalized ski suit. The outfit, designed by Gu herself and her Chinese sportswear sponsor Anta, is a fusion of her Chinese heritage and personal quirks.
The bone white base color of the suit mimics traditional Chinese ceramics, while blue graphics and pale golden highlights add a pop of color. A Chinese-style dragon rears on the sleeve, accompanied by another patch featuring a dragon looking fierce. Gu's name appears in bold letters near her neck, as well as in scrawled graffiti-like lettering under a flap.
But what sets this suit apart is its interactive elements. The thermometer changes color according to the temperature, while a tiny compass is hidden beneath a flapped section of fabric, satisfying Gu's intellectual side. Even more cleverly designed are "clouds" that appear on her shoulders, symbolizing the feeling of flying - something Gu loves dearly about freeskiing.
Gu says she was inspired by her Chinese heritage and her mother's roots when designing the suit. She also drew inspiration from the 2022 Beijing Games, where she won two gold medals and a silver. The dragon motif holds special significance for Gu, who credits it with bringing her strength and courage during competitions.
When asked about the creative process behind the suit, Gu revealed that she was "obsessed" with mood rings as a child and wanted to incorporate a similar concept into her design. With each element carefully considered, the result is a truly one-of-a-kind ski suit that showcases Gu's unique personality and athletic style.
While the focus on fashion may take a backseat when it comes to competitive skiing, Gu's show-stopping suit is undoubtedly a testament to her creativity and passion for her sport.
The bone white base color of the suit mimics traditional Chinese ceramics, while blue graphics and pale golden highlights add a pop of color. A Chinese-style dragon rears on the sleeve, accompanied by another patch featuring a dragon looking fierce. Gu's name appears in bold letters near her neck, as well as in scrawled graffiti-like lettering under a flap.
But what sets this suit apart is its interactive elements. The thermometer changes color according to the temperature, while a tiny compass is hidden beneath a flapped section of fabric, satisfying Gu's intellectual side. Even more cleverly designed are "clouds" that appear on her shoulders, symbolizing the feeling of flying - something Gu loves dearly about freeskiing.
Gu says she was inspired by her Chinese heritage and her mother's roots when designing the suit. She also drew inspiration from the 2022 Beijing Games, where she won two gold medals and a silver. The dragon motif holds special significance for Gu, who credits it with bringing her strength and courage during competitions.
When asked about the creative process behind the suit, Gu revealed that she was "obsessed" with mood rings as a child and wanted to incorporate a similar concept into her design. With each element carefully considered, the result is a truly one-of-a-kind ski suit that showcases Gu's unique personality and athletic style.
While the focus on fashion may take a backseat when it comes to competitive skiing, Gu's show-stopping suit is undoubtedly a testament to her creativity and passion for her sport.