Flo-Jo Died 26 Years Ago, but Beyoncé, Serena Williams and Other Black Women Are Taking Forward Her Fashion Legacy

Florence Griffith Joyner, affectionately known as Flo-Jo, remains an unforgettable legend in the world of track and field. With five Olympic medals to her name and two world records in the 100 meters (10.49 seconds) and 200 meters (21.34 seconds), set in 1988 and still standing strong after 36 years, she is the fastest woman ever recorded. However, when the world wasn’t witnessing her making and breaking speed records, all eyes were on her captivating fashion and style.

Who could overlook her iconic wavy hair, vibrant long nails, and bold lipstick, not to mention her legendary tracksuits? Her mantra is “Dress good to look good. Look good to feel good. And feel good to run fast!” and reverberates even 26 years after her passing. Today, Beyoncé, Serena Williams, and other black women are proudly carrying forward Flo-Jo’s fashion legacy.

Flo-Jo-inspired fashion donned by Beyoncé and Serena Williams

In 2018, Beyoncé chose to portray Flo-Jo by dressing up as the track and field phenom for Halloween. Beyoncé paid close attention to the details of Griffith-Joyner’s appearance. She recreated the distinctive look that Flo-Jo sported during the 1988 Olympic trials when she set a world record for the 100-meter dash. This included the iconic one-legged Adidas leotard in fluorescent purple, Flo-Jo’s black long wavy hairdo, the orange nails with blue and white French tips, the 371 number taped to her front, and bright red lipstick.

This attention to detail demonstrates Beyoncé’s commitment to honoring Flo-Jo’s legacy accurately. Like Queen Bey, tennis queen Serena Williams has noted the impact Flo-Jo has had on her. At the 2021 Australian Open, Serena Williams made a bold statement with her striking multi-colored, one-legged pink and black catsuit, capturing the attention of fans and fashion enthusiasts alike. This iconic outfit served as a homage to the legendary Flo-Jo. In an interview, Serena expressed her admiration for Flo-Jo, saying, “I was inspired by Flo-Jo, who was a wonderful track athlete, amazing athlete when I was growing up.”

Williams further elaborated on the collaborative process behind her catsuit’s design, highlighting the involvement of the Nike team, which drew inspiration from Flo-Jo’s unparalleled style. Reflecting on their work, Serena exclaimed, “‘Oh, my God, this is so brilliant’”, underscoring the innovative fusion of athleticism, fashion, and inspiration. Did you know that Flo-Jo’s iconic outfits also found their way onto the NBA court and even extended to male athletes?

How the track icons legacy extended to another sport

Flo-Jo’s influence on fashion and style transcended track and field and trickled into the world of basketball. In the 1990s, she revolutionized the design of NBA uniforms as she collaborated with the Indiana Pacers. Infusing her signature style, Flo-Jo introduced longer shorts, stretchable fabric, and V-neck jerseys, creating the iconic ‘Flo-Jo’s.’ These uniforms not only refreshed the Pacers’ image but also became synonymous with the team’s identity and success.

Today, Flo-Jo’s innovative spirit lives on as her iconic asymmetrical one-legged tracksuits make their way onto NBA courts, with stars like LeBron James sporting similar outfits in practice videos. Furthermore, her legacy extends to college and professional basketball, with players like Angel Reese and A’Ja Wilson embracing the distinctive one-legged leotards during their games and even track icons like Shericka Jackson and Sha’Carri Richardson. Flo-Jo’s lasting impact on sports fashion continues to inspire athletes and fans alike, perpetuating her pioneering vision for generations to come.

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