Nastia Liukin is pretty much the world’s best female gymnast, so it’s no surprise that her new girls clothing line is called “Supergirl by Nastia.”
The casual and affordable collection, available at JC Penney, incorporates the Supergirl ‘S’ shield, providing comfy, fun clothes that encourage young girls to be independent, active and strong. Or, in other words, like their hero, Nastia Liukin.
At the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Liukin, now 20 years old, won a total of 5 medals, including the women’s all-around gold, tying the U.S. gymnastics record for most medals in one Olympic Games. Liukin is only the third U.S. woman in history to win the Olympic all-around crown. She’s been named Athlete of the Year and similar titles more times than you’d want to count.
And, to top it all off, she’s gorgeous! Now that she’s conquered the gymnastics world, Liukin hopes to pursue a career in modeling or acting. She’s already appeared in the TV show “Gossip Girl” and the movie “Stick It.”
Liukin sat down with Make It Better to give us her fashion philosophy and advice for young girls.
MIB: Though you’ve been involved with fashion before, Supergirl by Nastia is the first clothing line that bears your name. What do you look for in fashion?
NL: It’s important to look trendy and feel comfortable, and to be able to dress for your body type. This line offers dresses, pants, skirts, hoodies—something for every girl. It’s a little bit of everything: There’s dance wear, athletic wear, and casual wear. I know that girls everywhere will love and embrace the spirit.
MIB: What’s your favorite piece?
NL: The black knit dress with a ‘S’ shield hanging from a chain. It’s a little blinged out! The design team made me my own couture version of this dress.
MIB: You’ve accomplished so much already, and you’re not even old enough to get into a bar! What are your future plans?
NL: I have a showcase in October, and I’m still undecided about competing in the 2012 Olympics in London. I want to go to college at some point, but I have to take these opportunities while they last.
MIB: Your parents are both very accomplished gymnasts as well. What advice did they give you that you would pass on to young girls?
NL: Never quit on a bad day, my mother always told me. I used to train for about 7 hours, 6 days a week. And not every day was a good day. Some days I wanted to quit, but I had to quit on a good day. So, I never did. That’s good advice not just for gymnastics, but for lots of things in life.
