Simone Biles was a vision in glittering royal blue as she walked the red carpet at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre for the 2025 ESPY Awards. The record-breaking Olympic gymnast shone in a custom Athleta by Zac Posen gown. It was a body-hugging floor-length design with short sleeves that mimicked the stretchy fit of a gymnastics leotard. The dress also boasted a sleek open back, which Posen designed to resemble one of Biles’s favorite Athleta pieces, the Transcend open-back tee. The gown’s glow came not from the Swarovski crystals used to bedazzle leotards but from the hundreds of small light bugle beads that covered it all over.
Each bead was hand stitched and took more than 25 artisans over 1,000 hours to complete. “For this piece, I wanted to create something that speaks to her power, her movement, and her identity,” Posen said. “Using Athleta’s performance fabric allowed me to explore a new kind of couture—one that marries functionality with elegance.” Biles wore the dress with black leather platform Aquazzura heels with a silver sphere charm, plus a white watch and layers of Effy diamonds, including dangly earrings and several rings. She had her hair styled in a wavy bob and capped off her look with a luxurious French manicure.
When Simone Biles walks into a room, all eyes follow her—whether it’s a gymnasium or a red carpet. But at the 2025 ESPY Awards, she didn’t just walk in. She owned it. In collaboration with Athleta and designed by fashion icon Zac Posen, Biles debuted a custom gown that looked like her signature competition leotard—only this time, it was dripping in elegance, class, and thousands of shimmering beads. Let’s dive into why this gown is making waves in both the fashion and sports worlds.
A Gown That Felt Like Gold—But Looked Like Diamonds
Simone Biles’s ESPY gown was far more than just a red carpet moment. It was a symbol. It blended her gymnastics roots with couture craftsmanship, marrying movement and elegance into one dazzling piece.
Designed for a Champion—Zac Posen’s Vision
Why Zac Posen Was the Perfect Match
Known for dressing A-listers in iconic silhouettes, Zac Posen has an eye for structure. That’s exactly what Biles needed—a design that nods to her athleticism while embracing red-carpet glamour.
Athleta’s Powerful Partnership
Athleta, Biles’s longtime apparel partner, has always emphasized strength, confidence, and female empowerment. This gown wasn’t just fashion—it was a celebration of those values in fabric and beads.
Inside the Details—Beads, Bodice & Boldness
Inspired by a Leotard
From the fitted silhouette to the sleeveless shoulders, the gown echoed the leotards Biles dominates competitions in. It was like watching gold-medal grace transformed into eveningwear.
The Power of Beads
Thousands of hand-applied beads cascaded across the gown like stardust. The effect? Pure shimmer with every step. Imagine a floor-length leotard dipped in liquid diamonds.
A Sculpted Fit
The corseted bodice gave structure while allowing Simone to move freely. Fashion that didn’t restrict—but empowered.
The Red Carpet Reaction Was Instant
Social Media Lit Up
Within minutes of stepping onto the carpet, Simone’s look trended across platforms. Instagram exploded with admiration, with users calling it “iconic,” “next level,” and “a look for the ages.”
Fashion Critics Applauded
Vogue called it “an ode to athletic elegance,” while Elle labeled it a “show-stopping fusion of sport and style.”
What Simone Said About the Gown
“It Felt Like Me—Just Elevated”
In an ESPYs interview, Biles said, “It felt like I was wearing a leotard made for a gala. Comfortable, confident, and completely me.”
Fashion Meets Function—Why It Worked
Movement Was Key
Simone didn’t just stand still in this gown. She moved, twirled, and even jumped for a few playful red carpet shots. This wasn’t a dress to be looked at—it was made to be lived in.
Embracing Body Confidence
The design accentuated Simone’s powerful frame in the best way—celebrating muscle, curves, and grace. It was body positivity in beadwork.
Custom Couture With Meaning
Not Just Another Pretty Dress
This wasn’t about flash. It was about meaning. The leotard-inspired shape was a subtle reminder: Simone Biles is more than an athlete—she’s an artist.
A Tribute to the Journey
From Olympic podiums to fashion runways, this gown told the story of a girl who flipped, twirled, and soared all the way to the top—and looked damn good doing it.
How This Look Redefined Gymnast Fashion
Sporty Can Be Glamorous
Gone are the days when “athletic” meant basic or boring. Biles’s ESPYs gown proved that strength and elegance can coexist beautifully.
A New Red Carpet Blueprint
Simone set a new bar. Expect to see more athletes opting for couture that reflects their sporting identity.
The Internet Can’t Stop Talking About It
Viral Moments Galore
From TikTok edits to fan art, the gown has inspired countless tributes online. Some fans even started calling it “The Golden Leotard Gown.”
Memes & Magic
One viral tweet read: “Simone Biles just stuck the landing on the fashion world.” Mic drop.
Empowerment Through Style
More Than a Look—A Statement
The gown was a reminder: women can be powerful and glamorous. Simone didn’t hide her athleticism—she highlighted it.
What This Means for Future Red Carpets
Athletes Are Changing Fashion
Simone’s look marks a shift. Red carpets are no longer just for Hollywood—it’s time sportswomen claim their fashion crowns too.
Expect More Collaboration
With brands like Athleta and designers like Zac Posen stepping up, the future of athlete-inspired couture looks bright—and bold.
Simone Biles—Always Ahead of the Curve
Whether it’s twisting mid-air or turning heads on the red carpet, Simone Biles continues to push boundaries. This ESPYs gown wasn’t just another outfit—it was another moment of brilliance from a woman who’s used to making history.
Conclusion: A Gown Worthy of Gold
Simone Biles didn’t just walk the ESPYs red carpet—she reinvented it. Her Athleta x Zac Posen beaded gown wasn’t just fashion-forward; it was future-forward. A stunning blend of strength, sparkle, and story. It reminded the world that when Simone steps out, she’s not just representing gymnastics—she’s representing power, beauty, and grace, all rolled into one beaded masterpiece.
