London Week 2: The Olympic Moments That Are Inspiring Designers

Even though most designers are toiling away on their spring '13 collections (Fashion Week, after all, kicks off in five weeks), they're not immune to getting into the Olympic spirit. Here, some of our favorite fashion folks weigh in on the athletes and events they're cheering on.

"My favorite olympic sport is dressage. The equestrian event gets a bad rep but it's so much fun to watch—the outfits, the horses. What's not to love?" - Melissa Coker, Wren

"I have loved watching Gabby Douglas in women's gymnastics. She is an
adorable little powerhouse. I am also mesmerized by men's diving." - Whitney Pozgay, Whit

"I loved the backstory about McKayla Maroney and Kyla Ross. Hearing about how they are best friends and have been doing gymnastics together since they were 6 was just awesome and made it more exciting to watch them." - Rachel Antonoff

"I'm a self-proclaimed Olympics addict, willing to skip sleep to catch up on almost every event, particularly gymnastics and swimming so far. The Fab Five have admittedly sent me through exasperation, tears and inspiring pride. I love this kind of positive global human emotion and can't wait to get to London I fly out tonight." - Jen Kao

"Our father went to the Munich Olympics in 1972 for Mexico in fencing so we always love to watch. We particularly pay attention to fencing but also love gymnastics, tennis, swimming, and diving. This year we are watching Marlen Esparza. She is beautiful and tough and a fellow Latina!" - Phoebe and Annette Stephens, Anndra Neen

"I am loving the Russian gymnast Aliya Mustafina, she is obsessively competitive and shows such strength and determination in all her performances." - Tanya Taylor

"I like the match sprint- it's and sort of cat and mouse for the first few laps—sometimes they're completely stopped for a while. It's entertaining because its more tactical than most races." - Collette Ishiyama

"We're really inspired by Yelena Isinbayeva, the Russian pole vaulter. It's so amazing that she's competed in two Olympic games before London and she's just getting stronger."- Shannon Davenport and Julia Wilson, Fortune Favors the Brave

"We're looking forward to seeing Oscar Pistorius compete in the 400m. He's the first double amputee to compete in the Olympics and also has a great sense of style. He was voted GQ's Best Dressed South African last year." -  Dave Gilboa and Neil Blumenthal, Warby Parker

"I've always had a soft spot for grills and I really got a kick out of the diamond pave'd red, white and blue one Ryan Lochte was rocking after he accepted his gold metal." - Aaron Ruff, Digby & Iona

"I'm Canadian so of course I'm rooting for team Canada and as a result I tend to prefer the Winter Games. But I do love watching the gymnastics. They make it look so easy!" - Tara St James, Study

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What Fashion Designers Will be Watching at the Olympic Games

The Best Olympic Enembles On and Off the Field

Fleury Rose's Olympic-Ready Nail Art

 

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