# Olympic Kin as Fashion Icons Debbie Phelps for Chico's By Stefanie Hutson | Published 2008-08-31 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/debbie-phelps-line-olympians-mom-featured-at-chicos References: [post-gazette](http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08238/906772-51.stm) & [chicos](http://www.chicos.com/store/browse/shelf.jsp?cat=Debbie+Phelps+Collection&colorFamily;=&size;=&subCatId;=&catId=cat3260006&viewAll=true&inSeam;=) It may have seemed like all eyes were on Michael Phelps as he swam his way to [Olympic victory](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/puma-x-247-collection) in Beijing, but the folks at Chico’s clothing were focused firmly on his mother. Debbie Phelps, the 57-year-old mother and middle school principal, dressed almost entirely in Chico’s pieces throughout the course of the Olympics. In recognition of her choices, Chico’s has showcased what they call the [“Debbie Phelps Collection”](http://www.chicos.com/store/browse/shelf.jsp?cat=Debbie+Phelps+Collection&colorFamily=&size=&subCatId=&catId=cat3260006&viewAll=true&inSeam=). Although their initial involvement is said to be entirely informal, Chico’s has stated that they are working towards some form of collaboration with the Olympic mom. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 50% | Activity: 2% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Fashion Influence of Olympic Kin:** Opportunity to explore collaborative partnerships with athletes' family members to create fashion collections - **Celebrity Endorsement in Fashion Industry:** Opportunity to leverage the influence of famous individuals' family members to promote fashion brands - **Inclusive Fashion for All Ages:** Opportunity to design fashion collections that cater to diverse age ranges and target middle-aged consumers ### Who This Affects Most - **Fashion:** Opportunity for clothing brands to capitalize on the influence of Olympic kin in their marketing strategies - **Sports:** Opportunity for sports industry to explore partnerships with fashion brands to create merchandise endorsed by athletes' family members - **Educational Institutions:** Opportunity for educational institutions to collaborate with fashion brands for endorsements by middle school principals like Debbie Phelps ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Olympic Capsule Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eam-usa-limited-capsule.md) - [Crystal-Studded Olympic Leotards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/olympic-leotards.md) - [Elegant Family-Dedicated Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chet-los-ss25-collection.md) - [Athlete Swimwear Knit Fusion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tom-daley-swimwear.md) - [Black-Tonal Olympian Denim](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-kinetic-denim.md) - [Performance-Driven Competitive Attires](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/curling-national-team.md) - [Athletic Wear Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nikeskims-collection.md) - [Sports Mom-Focused Footwear Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sports-moms.md) - [Carbon-Neutral Olympic Outfits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/official-outfit-for-team-china.md)