Celebrities at the 2026 ESPY
The 2026 ESPY Awards took place in New York City on Wednesday night, bringing together some of the biggest names in sport alongside a handful of familiar faces from fashion and entertainment.
Metallic Magic
Eileen Gu, the Olympic freestyle skiing champion, shimmered in Guo Pei Spring 2026 Couture. The metallic finish, floral shoulder detail and sculptural pleating created one of the evening’s most memorable looks.
Champions Together
Jonathan Owens, the NFL player, looked sharp in a rich chocolate-brown suit, making a strong case for the cropped tuxedo jacket, while Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles wore a champagne satin gown with dramatic sculptural draping. Together, they struck the perfect balance between contemporary tailoring and red carpet glamour.
Keeping It Simple
Alysa Liu, the Olympic figure skating champion, opted for a chocolate-brown Louis Vuitton gown. The softly draped neckline and clean silhouette felt understated, allowing the rich colour to do all the work.
Plus One
Kate Upton, attending in support of her husband, MLB pitcher Justin Verlander, stood out in a cobalt-blue Schiaparelli Fall 2025 dress. The textured fabric gave the minimalist silhouette plenty of interest.
A Miss For Me
Sunisa Lee, the Olympic gymnast, chose a shimmering red column gown, but the straight strapless neckline and close fit made it read a little flat. Unfortunately, I didn’t think it was the most flattering choice for her.
Spider Web Sparkle
Television personality and cookbook author Ayesha Curry, attending with NBA star Stephen Curry, wore Christian Siriano Pre-Fall 2026 with Tiffany & Co. jewels. The crystal web detailing over the sheer corseted bodice created a striking focal point. I’m surprised Law Roach didn’t pull this for Zendaya.
Tulle Overload
Olympic ice dancer Madison Chock also chose Christian Siriano, wearing an aqua tulle mini with oversized floral texture. It’s certainly memorable, but for me, the volume competed with itself from every angle.
Pretty In Brocade
Team USA triathlete Julia Howe, one of this year’s Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award recipients, wore an off-the-shoulder blue brocade gown that some might feel is a bit mature for her, but I love how timeless it feels.
Fringe Benefits
Karl-Anthony Towns, the NBA All-Star, kept things classic in black tailoring, while Jordyn Woods dazzled in an Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2026 embellished fringe gown with Bucherer Fine Jewellery.
Just OK
Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim wore an Alex Perry strapless gown, which would have been pretty uneventful had it not been for the detail around the waist.
Silver Statement
Olympic ski racing legend Lindsey Vonn will always embrace glamour at this event, as she did so in Gucci, styled with Fred Leighton and Kwiat jewels.
We’ve Seen This Before
Content creator Morgan Riddle, best known for documenting life on the professional tennis tour, chose a Thom Browne gown, which we first saw on Chase Sui Wonders at the 2025 Emmys. Right now, I’m not tired of this dress.
The back is divine.
Classic Black
Television host Rocsi Diaz closed out the evening in a black Mac Duggal halter gown finished with a feathered hem that added a touch of drama.
Who was your favourite on the night?
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