“Every competition is a chance to redefine myself,” this saying rings true for Simone Biles as she reflects on her journey toward what she terms her “redemption tour.” Following the unprecedented challenges of Tokyo, where her resilience shone brightly, Biles is ready to showcase her unmatched skills once again. Her unparalleled dominance on the leaderboard, marked by record-breaking scores, paves the way for her grand showcase in Paris. She will be wearing the newest Team USA gymnastics leotards. These dazzling leotards, worn by Biles, Suni Lee, and the Team USA squad, have become icons of excellence and style.

Adorned with thousands of Swarovski crystals, they epitomize the pinnacle of athletic fashion. Crafted to blend athleticism with artistic expression, these garments symbolize more than just attire; they embody the spirit of competition and the relentless pursuit of perfection. In this article, we delve into the intricate details and costs associated with these stunning leotards, highlighting the exquisite craftsmanship and innovative design that make them stand out on the global stage.

Simone Biles and team USA’s leotard that costs a fortune

The Paris Olympics this year are set to be an extravagant affair. Simone Biles leads the women’s gymnastics team, which includes Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera. They are set to don leotards designed by Jeanne Diaz. Diaz, the design director at GK Elite, the official manufacturer of the leotards, has spearheaded the creation of this year’s costumes, and they come with a hefty price tag. The design process began with Diaz visiting runways and art museums, gathering inspiration to create an elaborate mood board.

The costumes aim to bring Parisian flair to classic American iconography, hinting at a symphony between the cultures of the two countries. After a dozen top-secret samples, USA Gymnastics selected the final design, priced at $3,000 each. As a NOD to the City of Lights, one pearl-studded white leotard is inspired by couture runway gowns, featuring delicate Art Nouveau embellishments that adorn an ombre bodice.

Additionally, an Eiffel Tower-inspired crystal pattern leotard is adorned with jewels resembling fireworks bursting in the sky. However, Diaz’s favorite is the last design. The blue fabric, adorned with red and silver crystals, cuts diagonally across a white bodice, creating the illusion of an athlete wrapped in a star-spangled flag. 

Thousands of crystals for the City of Light

Nearly 10,000 Swarovski crystals have been used to embellish each leotard. Additionally, each gymnast, who will receive 8 costumes for the competitive rounds, will have a total of 47,000 crystals. Every crystal has been meticulously hand-placed on the ornate leotards. The leotards incorporate the red, white, and blue of the American flag, skillfully designed to include French accents. Each gymnast received a red box with a gold nameplate reading “made exclusively for.” According to Diaz, “they were in awe.”

“We are charged to create this beautiful intersection of fashion and sport and the Team USA leotard represents that at its pinnacle,” GK Elite CEO Matt Cowan said. “But ultimately they’re there to perform. They’re there to win gold medals.” These leotards are even more bejeweled than the ones worn at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. That year, 6,400 Swarovski crystals were used alongside sustainable and recycled fabrics, in tribute to Japan’s commitment to environmental consciousness.

In tribute to America’s founding year of 1776, 76 stars were incorporated into the design. Just as athletes vie for Olympic glory, GK Elite contended with fierce competition from manufacturers like Adidas and Under Armour to earn the honor of placing their logo on the Olympic garment for the second time since Tokyo. As the gymnasts take to the mat in Paris, they will undoubtedly wear true artistry on their bodies.