SPORT AND FASHION MEET IN MILAN AHEAD OF MILANO CORTINA 2026

editor MAREK BARTEK

It is one thing to host Winter Olympics and it is another when the city hosting is also one of fashion’s capitals. At Clubhouse 26 in Milan, the International Olympic Committee hosted the Olympic Winter Games Fashion Showcase, offering an early glimpse into what style will look like at Milano Cortina 2026 — and proving that winter sports have always been as much about image as performance.

all images courtesy of INTERNATIONAL OLYMPICS COMMITTEE

The event brought together kits and ceremonial looks from a selection of National Olympic Committees, with athletes themselves stepping onto the runway. It was a reminder that Olympic uniforms sit in a unique intersection of technical performance wear built for competition, but also highly symbolic pieces designed to represent identity, nationhood, and pride. With 2,900 athletes from 90 NOCs set to participate, the showcase was a preview of a global wardrobe.

A key highlight was a one-off collection of 26 looks, created by students from the Accademia di Brera, each inspired by winter sport movement — its shapes, shadows, and speed — alongside references to Cortina d’Ampezzo 1956 vintage posters and heritage Olympic imagery. Worn by models from MD Model Academy, the project spotlighted Italy’s next generation of designers and positioned the Games as a cultural platform, not just a sporting one.

The showcase also introduced pieces from the new Olympic Collection, including modern outerwear and relaxed sportswear built around the Olympic rings — designed to bring the Milano Cortina spirit beyond the stadium. With the Games officially beginning 6 February 2026, Milan made one thing clear: fashion will be part of the competition.