Johnny Weir's Extravagant Style Is A Labor Of Love — & Luxury
By Gina Marinelli, Photographed by Geordy Pearson
Johnny Weir, Figure Skater, Television Personality, Designer
Athletes in the style spotlight are not uncommon, but we'll argue that no one has ever done it quite as unapologetically extravagant as Mr. Johnny Weir. From dazzling, on-ice creations to — well — dazzling, off-ice ones, it's Weir's strong sense of adventure and self that we can't help but admire. That and, of course, it's hard to look away when the Pennsylvania-born, two-time U.S. Olympian figure skater hits the ice with as much (maybe, more) stage presence as any catwalk queen at Fashion Week.
But, make no mistake, Weir's larger-than-life personality and style is not for the judges' sake. He tells us he's a self-taught student of the wear-what-inspires-you school of thought. And, be that in the rink or on the red carpet, we're always watching to see whatever he comes up with next.
The greatest style lesson I've ever learned: "Wear the pieces that you love and inspire you. I taught myself.∠
My first major, big-ticket style purchase: "When I was 13, I bought Chanel sunglasses with one of my first paychecks. They are aqua gradient, and I still own them.∠
My most surprising, out-of-left-field fashion find: "At my costume-designer studio in Manhattan, I was going through dusty, old boxes of fabric and found a vintage black tutu from the '70s, which became a hat for Johnny Weir circa now. Not to be outdone, I found a lynx-fur skirt at some Goodwill shop years ago and now use it as a scarf or, if the mood strikes me, a skirt."
My three favorite places to shop: "Harajuku and Omotesando in Tokyo; Soho and Meatpacking in New York; and Kuznetsky Most, Tverskaya, and Bolshaya Dmitrovka in Moscow."
I could never, ever part with: "The white-silk jacket I got married in, my olive-green Hermès Birkin, and my first fur coat I bought at Roberto Cavalli on Madison."
My definitive summer go-to outfit: "My cream Uma Wang balloon tank, Theory leather short shorts, and Rick Owens wedges with my crocodile Céline."
If you were 80 years old today: "I would dress exactly as I do, although I may have trouble walking in my wedges at 80. I do foresee a lot of vintage Chanel in my future."
Styled by Laura Pritchard, Hair by Bethany Brill, Makeup by Tiffany Patton
Look 1: Lithium Homme white tuxedo shirt; Mikio Sakabe white short with suspenders; Lanvin black platform booties; Lizzie Fortunato The Desert Lily Necklace, $482, available at Hampden Clothing; Cartier rose-gold watch;Miriam Haskell gold-and-pearl-twisted necklaces (worn as belt), $375, available at Miriam Haskell. Look 2: Chanel vintage hot-pink tweed jacket; Limedrop white button-up shirt with long tail; Theory black leather short; Christian Louboutin leopard gold-spike loafer; Hermès classic “H” bangle; Chanel vintage gold bracelet;Opening Ceremony vintage gold bracelet; Miriam Haskell gold multistrand bracelet, $400, available at Miriam Haskell; Oscar de la Renta Cast Lace Necklace, $550, available at Neiman Marcus; Lomography Diana F+ Gold Edition Camera, $129, available at Lomography.
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