The leotard fashion at the Baku was not particularly newsworthy because many of the pieces were repeats from previous competitions. Still, there were a couple of new appearances and some interesting or catchy leotards we have not featured and discussed in the past.
Let’s hear it from the ‘judges’:
Emma MoominWhiskey – author of MoominWhisky Meets and regular at Gymcastic
TCG’s Sara Dorrien
and yours truly, Bea …
Enjoy and leave a comment, if you have any other favorites or if you disagree with us, but also if you just want to tell us what your favorite leotard is:
Tutya Ilmaz
Bea: I don’t mind the pink (that much) the swirls are a nice touch. But the flesh colored mesh and asymmetric sleeve are a bit much.
Sara: Least favorite. Gotta draw the line. Pink AND purple? Both are lovely colors, separately. At the risk of sounding cliche, Tutya is too pretty for this. The leo should complement, not distract.
Emma: It’s a little bright for my personal tastes. I like it though, apart from the flesh coloured sleeve.
Andreea Iridon
Bea: Playful, colorful without making my eyes hurt. I think she looks interesting and age-appropriate. But Andreea is the type of petit and graceful gymnast that could make anything work.
Sara: I think others (like Larissa Iordache, right?) wore this bumble bee leo more convincingly, but it’s not bad. Andreea seems rather quiet and has had a slow start to her first senior year, so the leo serves her by helping her stand out a bit more!
Emma: It’s reminiscent of Lari’s Pikachu Leo although not quite hitting the mark that that one did. Nice effort but not iconic status.
Giulia Steingruber
Bea: A fresh look from Giulia who is usually wearing leotards that are either the white and red national colors or solid-color in jewel tones. It had a nice ‘vintage’ touch and looked good overall.
Sara: I LOVE this. The black and sea blue contrast, the delicate jewels. She seems to be going for the regal look these days, appropriate given the competitive season she’s having!
Emma: This is a classic Christian Moreau that’s been around a long long time in various colour schemes and materials. I like it, it’s become a bit of a staple. This version of it it lovely I love the colours.
Tea Ugrin
Bea: A few years ago I would have been mortified but it just looks so unique and personal that I will give it a pass… Even to the pink velvet… even to the crochet embroidery.
Sara: I always feel like a horrible person giving negative feedback on pretty-princess pink leos. Add white lace (Right? Is that lace?) and I feel extra horrible because I have a feeling Tea really likes this leo. So hey girl, if that much pink and lace makes you feel bold and on top of your game, go for it. I wouldn’t wear it, but that’s just me!
Emma: I actually love it! Florals are making a big comeback and most of the ones I’ve seen I’ve loved (Maroney/Chuso). I’m not so enamoured of the velvet but it’s a bold statement in an era of super shiny.
Bea: Mustafina was all business in blue for the all around final. She didn’t need props and a shiny pretty leotard, gymnastics would do the talking for her. I also thought it looked very nice in motion.
Sara: Hmmm, one of her less bejeweled leos. I thought it was appropriate for this competition. It’s a bit “business as usual.” She didn’t need a statement here, only prove the training is going well and she’s well on her way.
Emma: Love the colour scheme, it’s a lovely Leo I just feel it’s not quite regal enough for Aliya, it’s quite understated.
Georgina Hockenhull
Bea: Pretty from a distance (love the shade of red), but quite a weird association from up close: mesh and rhinestones on top, sporty stripes on the side. Still a very pretty look.
Sara: I mostly like this. It’s not my favorite or my least favorite but there was no risk here (whether you think that’s a good thing or bad thing when it comes to leotard fashion). You can’t really go wrong with classic red and simple lines. It’s a sporty leo with just a touch of pizzazz.
Emma: Gorgeous! I love Adidas and I love GB so a Adidas/GB combo was always going to be a winner. My favourite.
Celine van Gerner
Bea: A very unexpected look from the Dutch, I was taken aback by the orange flames. Once seen cannot be forgotten, which is not necessarily a bad quality in a leotard. I think it could look really cute on some of the juniors but it’s a bit much for a 21 year old.
Sara: I’m not a huge fan of this one but I can’t tell you why. (Anyone else?) Maybe it’s because it has that Superwoman feel and Claudia Fragapane has dibs on that unofficially.
Emma: This is like a mash up of the USA’s flame Leo’s and every patriotic colour the Netherlands use. It’s trying very hard but not doing it for me. Either use red white & blue or orange, white & blue not all of them. It’s too much.
Edited by: Bea Gheorghisor
Photos via: UEG on Facebook, Zimbio and Getty Images