The 2026 ESPY Awards red carpet was a spectacle of fashion and athleticism, with Olympic champion and Louis Vuitton brand ambassador Alysa Liu making a bold statement. Liu's choice of a chocolate brown gown from Louis Vuitton, featuring a dramatic cowl neckline and a low back, was a subtle nod to the iconic low-back dress and jewelry combo popularized by Shirley MacLaine in 1964. This styling trick has been a favorite among celebrities, with Margaret Qualley and Sabrina Carpenter also embracing the look.
What makes Liu's ensemble particularly fascinating is her ability to seamlessly transition from her athletic persona to a fashion-forward icon. On the casual side, Liu opts for kicks from Nike, such as the Cortez and the Tabi-esque split-toe Nike Air Rift. For formal events, she favors classic, sleek pointed-toe pumps in black or breezy sandal heels from Louis Vuitton, a brand she is an ambassador for.
The 2026 ESPY Awards, held at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, marked a return to New York for the awards since 1999. The event was hosted by Marcello Hernández, with Jalen Brunson and Shohei Ohtani leading the nominees with three nods each. This year's show also introduced three social-only categories, including Best Tunnel Fit, which celebrates athletes' pregame style alongside Best Celebration and Best Sports Card.
Alysa Liu's presence at the ESPY Awards is a testament to her versatility and influence in the world of sports and fashion. Her subtle nod to Shirley MacLaine's iconic look is a reminder that fashion and athleticism can coexist, and that athletes can be trendsetters as well as role models. As an Olympic champion and fashion icon, Liu continues to inspire and captivate audiences, leaving a lasting impression on the red carpet and beyond.
