Alysa Liu, the celebrated Olympic figure skater, made a stylish statement at the 2026 ESPY Awards held on July 15, showcasing her artistic flair not just on the ice, but also on the red carpet. Liu donned a custom gown by Louis Vuitton that featured an open back, providing a canvas to display her striking back tattoo. This bold choice captivated attendees and viewers alike, drawing attention to both her personal style and the significance of her ink.
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The 20-year-old athlete won the ESPY for Best Breakthrough Athlete, an accolade that celebrates her impressive achievements in the sport. Liu, who gained international recognition during the Milan Cortina Olympics after clinching gold in both the Women’s Singles and Mixed Team events, continues to evolve her presence within and beyond figure skating. Her aesthetic, marked by her distinctive ringed hairstyle and piercings, has turned her into a notable figure in the realm of sports fashion.
During her appearance at the awards ceremony, Liu revealed the emotional weight behind her tattoo. In a discussion with PEOPLE, she clarified that while this piece of body art may be new to many, it has held personal significance for her for years. She explained that at the age of 18, she and her best friend decided to commemorate their bond by getting matching tattoos. “It’s not a secret,” Liu mentioned, while teasing that there are additional intimate details woven into the design that are meaningful to both of them.
The tattoo’s reveal at such a prominent event further reinforces Liu’s allure as she navigates her dual career in sports and fashion. Her striking look at the ESPYs is just one of many appearances that highlight her growing influence. At the recent TIME100 Sports Gala, she made another fashion statement by selecting a Nicholas Oakwell Couture dress, a nod to the late Chinese-American actress Anna May Wong, and adorned it with jewellery from Pandora.
Liu’s ascent in the fashion world began to gather momentum earlier this year when she was appointed as a house ambassador for Louis Vuitton. Her Met Gala debut saw her turn heads in a custom-made, dramatic red gown that featured ruffles, continuing to establish her as a fashion icon in addition to her athletic accomplishments.
The theme of her Met Gala attire resonated deeply with Liu, leading her to reflect on the intersection of art and fashion. Speaking to Vogue, she explained that the relationship between clothing and the human body is paramount to her artistry, “because for me it’s all about the relationship with clothing and our bodies as an artistic medium.” This notion connects directly to her sport, which demands precision and grace, factors that she aims to embody through her fashion choices.
Her stylist, Katie Qian, elaborated on the inspiration behind Liu’s bespoke gown, suggesting that it references elements of vascularity and muscle structure while also echoing the artistry present in figure skating. Qian pointed out that the design emulates the intricacies of ice carving, further establishing a creative connection between Liu’s athletic discipline and her sartorial expression.
As Liu continues to shine both on the ice rink and in the world of high fashion, she stands as a testament to the evolving nature of modern athlete celebrities. Her decisions not only reflect her personal style but could inspire a new generation of athletes who are eager to blend their sporting identities with vibrant expressions of self through fashion. With an eye on her future, Alysa Liu is certainly one to watch as she breaks barriers in both her sport and beyond.