13 Feb Stars Who Mean Business: Kristi Yamaguchi

When skater Kristi Yamaguchi dazzled her way through the jumps, spins, and loops that won her an Olympic gold medal in 1992, she relied on stamina, skill, and split-second timing. But it didn’t hurt that her clothes helped her move with confidence and in comfort.

Today, Yamaguchi has brought her appreciation for freedom in motion to her own line of clothing, Tsu.ya. (Tsuya is Yamaguchi’s middle name.) She sharpened her eye for clothing design by serving for many years on the Olympics’ fashion committee (who knew there was such a thing?). Now, as a mom to two young daughters, she’s juggling all the usual responsibilities and then some, so she appreciates the need for clothes that can keep up with her.

The Tsu.ya line, sold through Lord & Taylor, includes tanks, jackets, a hoodie dress, and yoga pants inspired by the streamlined aesthetic of skating wear. A portion of the sales benefits Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation, which serves low-income, at-risk, and disabled children. Helping disabled kids is a cause close to Yamaguchi’s heart: she was born with club feet and had to wear casts to correct them. She only began skating as part of her physical therapy.