Lindsey Vonn Electrifies ESPYs 2025 Red Carpet with Fearless Fashion Statement

 

Los Angeles, CA – Olympic skiing icon Lindsey Vonn once again proved her prowess extends far beyond the slopes, commanding attention on the 2025 ESPY Awards red carpet with an unequivocally bold and audacious fashion choice. The decorated athlete, known for her powerful presence and fearless approach, embraced risqué glamour in a stunning eggplant-colored gown by Italian luxury fashion house Elisabetta Franchi, from its much-anticipated Fall/Winter 2025 collection.

The annual ESPY Awards, a celebrated event recognizing excellence in sports performance, is not just a platform for athletic achievement but also a stage for significant style moments.¹ This year, Vonn undeniably seized that opportunity, delivering a look that immediately became a focal point of discussion. Her strapless gown featured a dramatically high, hip-bone-grazing slit that offered an audacious glimpse of a black g-string thong, a deliberate design element that challenged conventional red carpet modesty.

The Elisabetta Franchi Fall/Winter 2025 collection, which debuted at Milan Fashion Week earlier this year, has been lauded for its "bold femininity" and "unapologetic sensuality."³ Designer Elisabetta Franchi herself described the collection as a "tribute to the strength and freedom of women who are unafraid to express themselves, who embrace their sensuality with confidence and determination." Vonn's choice perfectly embodied this ethos, pairing the structured yet fluid design with her confident demeanor. The collection is noted for its sharp tailoring and play on contrasts, balancing precision with seductive textures – a philosophy clearly evident in Vonn's chosen piece.⁴

Vonn, no stranger to the ESPYs stage where she has garnered four awards previously, skillfully accessorized her daring ensemble. Statement drop earrings elegantly framed her face, complementing a sleek black clutch and towering black platform heels that added to the look's commanding presence. Her beauty styling further amplified the edgy vibe, with a side-parted wet wave hairstyle and dramatic smokey eye makeup, creating a cohesive and impactful aesthetic that solidified her status as a red carpet risk-taker.

While Vonn's past red carpet appearances have often featured elegant, form-fitting gowns with strategic cutouts or high slits – such as her eye-catching yellow gown at last year's ESPYs – this 2025 ensemble marks a significant step into more overt and provocative fashion territory.⁵ Her willingness to showcase a visible thong aligns with a broader trend seen on runways and by celebrities embracing a more body-positive and unconventionally sexy approach to formal wear.

The look is anticipated to ignite a flurry of reactions across social media, undoubtedly sparking debate and admiration in equal measure. As athletes increasingly use red carpet events to express their personal style beyond their professional uniforms, Vonn's audacious choice serves as a powerful statement on self-expression and body confidence.

Vonn, who is nominated in the "Best Comeback Athlete" category at this year's ESPYs following her return to competitive skiing, is also preparing for the 2026 Winter Games in Milan.⁶ Her striking appearance at the ESPYs adds another layer to her already formidable public image, showcasing her as an athlete who not only dominates in sport but also fearlessly defines her own style narrative.