This article is part of our Vogue Business Membership package. To enjoy unlimited access to Member-only reporting and insights, our NFT Tracker, Beauty Trend Tracker and TikTok Trend Tracker, weekly Technology, Beauty and Sustainability Edits and exclusive event invitations, sign up for Membership here.
Artist Sagg Napoli kicked off Dior’s Spring/Summer 2025 show by striding onto the runway wielding a bow. Assuming position in a glass case, she then began firing arrows continuously at a bullseye, while models wearing motorcycle jackets and bodysuits circled around her.
This striking display of archery underscored fashion’s latest fascination: athletic disciplines that fall outside the mainstream. In London this season, we saw boxing-inspired designs at Yuhan Wang, figure skating motifs from Ashley Williams, and rhythmic gymnastics silhouettes at Chopova Lowena. Milan had its moment too, with ballet influencing Ferragamo’s collection.
The resurgence of athletic influences in fashion isn’t entirely new — sportswear has had its hold on the industry for decades, from streetwear to luxury athleisure. The popularity of football-inspired styles, particularly the “blokecore” trend, which drew from a nostalgia for ’90s football culture, has also shown how deeply sports silhouettes resonate with consumers in 2024. What is new is that niche, underrepresented sports — like archery, figure skating and rhythmic gymnastics — are now coming to the fore of fashion’s interest. It reflects a deeper cultural shift.