Eileen Gu Rocks Radiant Gown for Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco

The decorated Olympian celebrated ‘the Year of the Fire Horse’ by matching the Zodiac’s fierce energy.

Eileen Gu | Aurore Marechal/Getty Images

On Saturday, March 7, Eileen Gu acted as the grand marshal for San Francisco’s annual Chinese New Year parade. There, the Olympian welcomed the “Year of the Fire Horse” with plenty of fun, festivities and, of course, some flawless fashion.

Eileen Gu | Tayfun CoÅkun/Anadolu via Getty Images

Celebrating in San Francisco

As the face of this year’s incredible parade, Gu had every reason to celebrate. The most decorated Olympic freestyle skier, she returned to California over the weekend following a triumphant performance at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games. In Italy, she earned a total of three medals: one gold for women’s halfpipe and two silver for Big Air and slopestyle. This trio of hard-won hardware joins her three other Olympic medals, secured during the 2022 Beijing Games, for a total of three gold and three silver, cementing the elite athlete’s impressive record.

Gu was the picture of elegance at the parade, sitting in the back of a car, waving to the audience with a smile. The Bay Area native wore a radiant red gown, featuring ruched detailing on the front, creating a uniquely asymmetrical neckline. The bodice hugged Gu’s figure before flaring out at her hips, providing plenty of volume for a timeless ballroom-style silhouette. The 22-year-old then accessorized the ensemble further with delicate jewelry, including a gold necklace, bejeweled bracelet and dangling earrings.

The Olympian left her long, dark tresses down for the event, so her casual curls cascaded onto her bare shoulders. Her makeup was a celebration-worthy glam, with matte skin, rosy cheeks and blended eyeshadow taking center stage. Still, our personal favorite touch was the pop of red Gu wore on her lips, expertly matched to her gown to tie everything together.

Gu’s gold medal-worthy style

This gorgeous Chinese New Year parade look was just one of the many fashion-forward moments Gu has gifted fans since the start of 2026. Following the Games, the Olympian remained in Italy to attend the Men’s Wear Fall/Winter 2026/2027 runway show for Prada during Milan Fashion Week. And on Tuesday, March 3, the model attended the Grand Dîner du Louvre during Paris Fashion Week. There, she rocked a sparkling sculptural gown by designer Iris van Herpen, modeled after the beloved “Winged Victory” statue on display at the iconic Louvre Museum.

Still, it would appear she’s not finished with fashionable moments in France! Following her weekend visit to the U.S., the athlete was spotted back in Paris on Monday, March 9, for the Chanel Women’s Wear Fall/Winter 2026-2027 show.

Needless to say, we can’t wait to see what Gu will wear (and win) next!

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