Fashion Faceoff: Weir vs. Lysacek

Exhibit A: Evan Lysacek wears feathers

We all know what the real competition is at the Vancouver Olympics this year. No, it’s not anything silly like speed, athleticism, or technical skill. No, these games are about fashion. And the competition is heating up between the two top U.S. male figure skating candidates, Johnny Weir and Evan Lysacek.

For years, male figure skating has evaded mainstream success due to its less-than-macho reputation. But Evan Lysacek, dubbed “The Less Flamboyant One” by New York Magazine, is poised to change all that with his heartthrob status and wider social appeal. That’s not to say, though, that he’s anywhere near the likes of average guy Joe the Plummer. He takes his fashion seriously and has signed on good friend and former figure skater Vera Wang to design all his costumes, which have so far included feathers, bejeweled snakes, and faux tuxedo looks.

On the other end of the spectrum is Johnny Weir. Unlike Lysacek, Weir is fully out there and he takes fashion and artistry to the max. Rodarte designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy even created a custom unitard for the skater, which he was photographed in by the The New York Times–in the rear view. Then there’s the little matter of the death threats he received when he wore a strip of fox fur along the collar of one of his outfits recently. He has since switched to faux fur. Lastly, there’s this video of him dancing to Lady Gaga’s Poker Face, which you need to take four minutes to watch right now.

So who is going to win this fashion faceoff? Let’s stop talking and take a look at the pictures:

Johhny Weir gets in trouble for his fox fur-trimmed look

Evan's classy Vera Wang tuxedo

Johnny's rear view in custom Rodarte

From the pictures seen so far, I think we’re going to have to call a tie. Evan has class and a well-respected fashion designer on his side, but Johnny  has a unique and daring eye on his. I guess we’ll have to stay tuned to see who wins this fashion faceoff!! Who do you think will win?