Tonya Harding's Skating Costumes Really Did Look Like That — Down to Every Sequin and Bead

Perhaps it's because I'm a fashion gal through and through, but the one scene from I, Tonya that stuck with me most was a close-up of Margot Robbie (as former Olympic figure skater Tonya Harding) right before beginning a routine, wearing a pair of sparkling Chanel earrings. Actually, all of the kitschy skating costumes intrigued me. "Did Harding's costumes look exactly like this throughout her career, and why do they make me feel almost . . . uncomfortable?" I immediately began to wonder as I watched the film.

Turns out, the off-putting appearance of Harding's signature look was purposeful. Costume designer Jennifer Johnson very accurately displayed the ensembles Harding wore (many of which her mother LaVona sewed by hand) which judges considered to be "tasteless" or "tacky." She told Deadline:

Johnson also told Vogue that when she was introduced to Harding at a party, "She gave me a big hug and said, 'My God! When I was watching the movie I thought, how did they get a hold of my skating costumes and my clothes?'" If you've any doubt, at this point, that Johnson is quite talented, read on to compare some of Harding's most memorable skating outfits with the near-identical replicas created for Robbie.