Alina Kabaeva has drawn attention for combining close-fitting leggings with a black Hermès Birkin handbag. The Russian champion's wardrobe includes many pieces carrying price tags in the hundreds of thousands. The Birkin is not a recent purchase, since she has owned it for a long time. Despite its high price, she is said to carry the handbag only rarely. The combination of performance clothing and elite accessories has helped shape her public image as a luxury figure. Her wardrobe is now presented as a status symbol built around costly designer goods. No exact purchase price or independent valuation was given for the bag, nor was there a date for the photographed outfit.