Top Athletes at Spring/Summer 2025 Fashion Weeks

Spring/Summer 2025 Fashion Weeks brought more than just high-fashion designs; they featured star athletes whose presence injected a fresh dynamic into the runway shows and marketing campaigns. Major brands leveraged athletes' followings and cultural influence to drive visibility and engagement, creating buzz that transcended traditional fashion audiences. Here are the top athletes who made an impact during the SS25 shows, and how their partnerships with brands turned heads and raised brand profiles.

1. David Beckham at Paris Fashion Week

• Brand: Victoria Beckham
• Engagement Media Value (EMV): $2.11M
• Average Engagement Rate: 1.19%
• Followers: 88.4M
• Sport: Football (Soccer)
• Competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics?: No

David Beckham continues to be a global fashion icon, and his appearance at Paris Fashion Week in support of his wife’s brand, Victoria Beckham, generated significant media coverage. The Beckham family’s influence, especially David’s appeal across sports and fashion, elevated the collection's visibility. With a staggering 88.4 million followers, his support brought in over $2 million in EMV, contributing to the brand’s credibility and exposure beyond fashion insiders to mainstream audiences.

2. Sunisa Lee at New York Fashion Week

• Brands: Tommy Hilfiger, Tory Burch, Brandon Maxwell
• EMV: $866K
• Average Engagement Rate: 8.41%
• Followers: 3.45M
• Sport: Gymnastics
• Competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics? Yes

Olympic gold medalist Sunisa Lee made waves at New York Fashion Week with appearances for major American brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Tory Burch, and Brandon Maxwell. As an Olympic athlete, her star power extends beyond gymnastics enthusiasts, appealing to a wide range of fans. Her high engagement rate of 8.41% on social media is a testament to her strong connection with her audience. These partnerships allowed fashion brands to tap into her athletic credibility while emphasizing inclusivity and modern American style.

3. Gabby Thomas at New York Fashion Week

• Brands: Tommy Hilfiger, Carolina Herrera
• EMV: $667K
• Average Engagement Rate: 5.62%
• Followers: 1.14M
• Sport: Sprinter (Track & Field)
• Competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics?: Yes

Gabby Thomas, the Olympic sprinter, brought her power and grace from the track to the runway, representing brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Carolina Herrera. Her involvement in these shows underscored the rising trend of athleticism in high fashion, promoting not only brand awareness but also discussions on diversity and empowerment in the fashion industry. With her role, brands could highlight speed, strength, and style, positioning themselves as forward-thinking and dynamic.

4. Declan Rice at London Fashion Week

• Brand: Labrum London
• EMV: $294K
• Average Engagement Rate: 7.71%
• Followers: 3.83M
• Sport: Football (Soccer)
• Competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics?: No

The English soccer star Declan Rice made a statement at London Fashion Week, walking for Labrum London. Known for his leadership and performance on the field, Rice’s collaboration with a socially conscious brand like Labrum helped showcase the importance of community-focused fashion, blending cultural heritage with contemporary designs. His involvement highlighted the intersection of sports and fashion, where athletes can represent social movements and new forms of expression.

5. Gareth Bale at London Fashion Week

• Brand: Burberry
• EMV: $249K
• Average Engagement Rate: 0.47%
• Followers: 53.2M
• Sport: Football (Soccer)
• Competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics?: No

Gareth Bale, former Welsh footballer and global icon, made a stylish appearance at the Burberry show during London Fashion Week. Known for his career with Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur, Bale embraced high fashion. His presence in a tailored Burberry outfit added star power and highlighted the brand’s broad appeal. His attendance reflects the growing trend of athletes influencing luxury fashion beyond their sports careers.

6. Mondo Duplantis at Paris Fashion Week

• Brand: Dior, Hermès
• EMV: $241K
• Average Engagement Rate: 8.71%
• Followers: 1.3M
• Sport: Pole Vaulting
• Competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics?: Yes

Mondo Duplantis, the world-record-holding pole vaulter, recently made a striking appearance at the Dior and Hermès shows during Paris Fashion Week. Known for his athletic prowess and charismatic personality, Duplantis turned heads with his refined yet modern style, blending effortlessly with the fashion-forward crowd. Attending two of the most prestigious shows, he highlighted the synergy between sports and high fashion, reflecting a growing trend of athletes embracing the world of luxury fashion. His presence underscored the influence of sports figures in redefining contemporary style, as brands like Dior and Hermès increasingly seek ambassadors who bridge athletic excellence with a fashionable lifestyle.

7. Jayson Tatum at New York Fashion Week

• Brand: Coach
• EMV: $166K
• Average Engagement Rate: 2.30%
• Followers: 7.23M
• Sport: Basketball
• Competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics?: Yes

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum made a stylish appearance at New York Fashion Week, attending Coach’s Spring/Summer 2025 show. Known for his fashion-forward looks off the court, Tatum wore a sleek Coach ensemble, blending the brand’s street-chic aesthetic with his modern flair. His presence brought a sports-meets-fashion vibe, capturing the attention of NBA fans and fashion enthusiasts. Coach highlighted its strategy of blending luxury with urban appeal by having a high-profile athlete like Tatum at the show, resonating with younger, style-conscious audiences.

8. Jordan Clarksons at New York Fashion Week

• Brand: Tommy Hilfiger, Willy Chavarria, Ralph Lauren
• EMV: $153K
• Average Engagement Rate: 2.49%
• Followers: 2.05M
• Sport: Basketball
• Competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics?: No

Jordan Clarkson, the NBA star known for his unique style, made waves at New York Fashion Week by attending major shows for Tommy Hilfiger, Willy Chavarria, and Ralph Lauren. Clarkson added dynamic appeal and was photographed in standout looks that balanced sporty sophistication with high fashion. At Tommy Hilfiger, he embraced the brand's iconic style, while Willy Chavarria's show saw him in edgy streetwear that matched the designer's bold, socially conscious designs. The Ralph Lauren show featured Clarkson in a refined, classic ensemble, reflecting the brand's timeless elegance. His presence underscored the crossover between sports and fashion, highlighting how athletes influence runway trends and make them accessible to diverse audiences.

9. Paige Bueckers at New York Fashion Week

• Brand: Off-White
• EMV: $148K
• Average Engagement Rate: 7.31%
• Followers: 2.03M
• Sport: Basketball
• Competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics?: No

Paige Bueckers, the star UConn basketball player and prominent figure in sports and fashion, attended the Off-White show during New York Fashion Week, bringing a sporty flair to the high-fashion event. Dressed in an edgy Off-White ensemble, Bueckers drew attention from the fashion crowd and fans of her dynamic athletic style. Her appearance signaled the growing intersection between sports and fashion and Off-White's commitment to bridging these worlds by engaging young, influential athletes. Bueckers’ presence also highlighted the brand's appeal among Gen Z audiences, known for their enthusiasm for authenticity and trendsetting influencers across diverse spheres.

10. Jordan Chiles at New York Fashion Week

• Brand: Kim Shui
• EMV: $117K
• Average Engagement Rate: 6.99%
• Followers: 1.58M
• Sport: Gymnastics
• Competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics?: Yes

Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles made a striking impression at the Kim Shui show during New York Fashion Week, showcasing her unique sense of style and charisma. Dressed in a chic ensemble that effortlessly blended elegance and edge, Chiles stood out among the star-studded audience, embodying the fusion of athleticism and fashion. Her presence at the event highlighted her growing influence in the fashion world and served as a celebration of diversity and empowerment in the industry. As she mingled with fellow attendees and engaged with designers, Chiles exemplified the modern athlete's role as a trendsetter, inspiring her fans with her bold fashion choices and confidence on and off the mat.