Johnny Weir performs his short program during the mens figure skating competition at the Vancouver Olympics in 2010. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
Doubtlessly one of the greatest pleasures of this years Olympics has been watching the many flamboyant wardrobe changes of Johnny Weir former figure-skating champion, current NBC commentator and future fashion icon for Putin trolls everywhere.
Weir, who appears on-air with his (comparatively unglamorous) co-commentator Tara Lipinski, has worn a series of outfits intended either to make the next edition of The Sartorialist or to rally Russias LGBT advocates around their TVs. Weir has long been known for what he calls his crazy fashion sense he once showed up to an Isaac Mizrahi fashion show in a baby blue fur coat with coordinating tote. As for his look at the Olympics, he told Philadelphiamagazine it was inspired by another kind of game:
I decided to go more of Stanley Tuccis character from The Hunger Games. Im trying to stay between the lines of Johnny on Skating with the Stars and the rest of the NBC mens family in Brooks Brothers.
It would seem hes leaning toward the Skating with the Stars end of that spectrum. On Saturday, he wore a ruffled shirt, skinny jeans and the first of many fur coats. The necklace is Joomi Lim; his shoes appear to be Louboutins.
Sunday, Weir broke out the lipstick, pearl necklace and what have to be the tightest pants NBC is allowed to show on TV. The necklace is Erickson Beamon, a brand also beloved by Kim Kardashian and Beyonce.
Yesterday was tame by comparison: a ruffled shirt, Billy Reid NYC jacket, leather leggings by RAI LA and wedges by Rick Owens.
Apparently underwhelmed by that muted palette, Weir appeared on todays broadcast in a hot-pink vintage Chanel blazer and leather leggings.
to paraphrase Weirs legions of Instagram fans: flawless.
That said, Weirs tenure as NBC analyst has not been without controversy.The 29-year-old, whodescribes himselfas as gay as they come, defied LGBT activists who wanted him to boycott the games in protest of the countrys human rights abuses. (Many of them are still very angry about it.) Meanwhile, he insisted that he didnt want to make any kind of political statement at the games, even telling the New York Times that the Olympics are not the place to make a political statement:
Im not a politician and I dont really talk about politics. You dont have to agree with the politics, but you have to respect the culture of a country you are visiting.
Whether Weir intends it or not, however, his flamboyant furs and hot-pink blazer have become a symbol of more than just good fun. Thats at least how theyre being interpreted by Sochi-watchers back home.
In either case, we look forward to seeing what Johnny wears tomorrow.
View Photo Gallery From Michelle Kwan to Dorothy Hamill, heres a look at some of the most memorable ensembles on the ice.
Also on The Style BlogWhat you should be listening to: Katy B; Miloh Smith; Irene Kelley
Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/style-blog/wp/2014/02/11/johnny-weirs-hunger-games-inspired-outfits-are-possibly-the-best-thing-at-the-sochi-olympics/