The Winter Olympics 2026 in Milano Cortina has delivered more than headline sporting moments. Hosted in one of the world's fashion capitals, the Games have also become a global showcase for high-impact celebrity style. From couture gowns at the Opening Ceremony to polished appearances in the stands, fashion has played a visible role in shaping the cultural narrative of this year's Olympics.
As reported by the South China Morning Post, the first eight celebrity appearances in particular captured attention for their craftsmanship, symbolism, and connection to Italian design heritage. Here is a closer look at the standout ensembles that defined Winter Olympics 2026 celebrity style.
1. Mariah Carey in Roberto Cavalli
Mariah Carey opened the Games in dramatic fashion at Milan's San Siro stadium. She wore a white satin Roberto Cavalli gown that combined old Hollywood glamour with theatrical detailing. The fitted silhouette featured crystal embellishments that caught the stadium lights, while a sweeping train and plume cape amplified the sense of spectacle.
The look reflected both the grandeur of the Opening Ceremony and the Italian flair for opulence. In the context of Winter Olympics 2026 celebrity style, Carey's ensemble set a high-glamour tone from the outset.
2. Vittoria Ceretti in Armani Privé
Italian model Vittoria Ceretti carried the national flag in a custom all-white Armani Privé gown. The design featured long sleeves, a high neckline, and clean, sculpted lines. The monochromatic palette echoed the winter setting while honoring Italy's couture legacy.
Her appearance underscored how Winter Olympics 2026 merged national pride with refined celebrity style, especially in a host country known for its fashion heritage.
3. Charlize Theron in Versace
Charlize Theron delivered a message of peace during the ceremony wearing a black Versace gown. The design stood out for its sculpted silhouette and distinctive cut-out near the collarbone that subtly formed a heart shape.
The choice of black offered contrast against the icy setting, while the structured tailoring embodied Versace's signature strength. Her look became one of the most discussed fashion moments of the evening.
4. Deanna Stellato-Dudek in Oscar de la Renta
On the ice, Deanna Stellato-Dudek demonstrated how performance wear can reach couture levels. Her custom Oscar de la Renta costume combined athletic functionality with intricate detailing. Flowing fabric and delicate embellishments elevated the routine visually while allowing full technical precision.
This moment highlighted that celebrity style at the Winter Olympics 2026 extended beyond red carpet appearances into the arena itself.
5. Usher in Ralph Lauren
Usher brought a modern edge to the Games with layered winter pieces from Ralph Lauren that balanced comfort and polish. His look leaned into structured outerwear and tailored separates, reflecting the colder climate while maintaining his signature stage-ready presence.
Street style moments like these contributed to the broader celebrity style narrative surrounding Winter Olympics 2026.
6. Donatella Versace in Versace
Donatella Versace, the designer at the helm of the iconic house of Versace, made a notable fashion statement on the Opening Ceremony red carpet of the Winter Olympics 2026. She wore a body-hugging red dress that tapped into her house's signature fearless glamour while also embracing a classic European color of power and celebration.
The red dress was cut to flatter with ruched detailing near the neckline, creating texture and visual interest, and was paired with sheer black tights and striking platform heels.
7. Maggie Rogers in Ralph Lauren
Maggie Rogers embraced a relaxed aesthetic, choosing contemporary pieces that reflected a youthful sensibility. Her outfits leaned into soft tailoring and modern layering, offering contrast to the formal gowns seen during the ceremony.
This balance between polished and approachable style helped round out the fashion spectrum at the Games.
8. Jeff Goldblum in Tom Ford
Jeff Goldblum brought his unmistakable sartorial energy to the Winter Olympics 2026, wearing a custom Tom Ford suit that became one of the most talked-about off-red-carpet looks. Known for merging classic tailoring with modern sensibility, designer Tom Ford crafted a sharply structured suit for Goldblum featuring rich textured fabric and a bold pattern that captured attention against the alpine backdrop.
Winter Olympics 2026 Celebrity Style: Why Fashion Took Center Stage
With Milan as co-host city, it was perhaps inevitable that fashion would share the spotlight. Italian luxury houses, global celebrities, and world-class athletes converged on the same stage, creating a visual story that extended beyond competition results. Winter Olympics 2026 celebrity style has demonstrated how global sporting events increasingly function as cultural and fashion platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why was fashion such a major focus at the Winter Olympics 2026?
Milan's reputation as a global fashion capital naturally elevated style at the Games. With leading Italian houses involved and numerous celebrities attending the Opening Ceremony, fashion became part of the broader cultural showcase.
2. Which designers stood out at the Winter Olympics 2026?
Italian brands such as Roberto Cavalli, Armani Privé, and Versace gained significant attention, alongside international houses like Oscar de la Renta. Their designs helped define the visual identity of the event.
3. How does celebrity style influence global sporting events?
High-profile appearances generate worldwide media coverage, expanding the event's reach beyond sports audiences. At Winter Olympics 2026, celebrity style amplified visibility and reinforced the connection between athletics, entertainment, and luxury fashion.
