Most Stylish New Yorkers 2012: Ryan Lochte

USMagazine, Tuesday, September 11, 2012, 9:00pm (PDT)

Name: Ryan Lochte

Occupation: Olympic swimmer

Making a Splash: The 28-year-old swimming phenom -- who was born in Rochester, New York -- scored an impressive five medals (two gold, two silver and one bronze) at the 2012 Olympics in London this past summer. (He also won four medals in the 2008 Olympics and two in 2004 Games.) But beyond the pool, he has a passion for fashion. "I choose to wear what's hip mixed in with my personal style," he tells Us Weekly. "I just like a very sleek tailored look with a little edge." Indeed, Lochte's last major accessory purchase was the headline-making, American-flag themed grill he donned at the Olympics.

Design in Mind: "I love to shop," says the world-record-holding star, who browses everywhere from Zara ("You can find new trends at affordable pricing") to Ralph Lauren ("My best investment pieces are from Ralph Lauren Black Label"). "I think as I have gotten older, I have gotten more sophisticated and trendier in my dressing." His favorite designers: Ralph Lauren, Joseph Abboud, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger.

Sporty Chic: He tells Us he admires the style of NBA star Dwyane Wade: "He's always very fashion forward and takes risks." Not that Lochte's own choices are ever safe. The MVPs in the 6-foot-2 swimmer's colorful closet include his green Speedo high-tops (the company specially created the rhinestone-covered size 12's with his name on the soles) and a pink swimsuit that he helped design for Speedo.

Screen Shot: The aspiring designer -- who hopes to launch his own clothing line over the next year -- recently filmed a cameo for 90210 (watch him on the October 29 episode at 8 p.m. on The CW) and 30 Rock. One Hollywood vice he's already hooked on: "I love La Mer skin cream!" says Lochte, who stays fit on the road with his Lochte Hardcore workout videos. "I can do them anywhere anytime."

Quote: "I designed my own suit for the 2011 Golden Goggles awards and it was outrageous fun and completely my personality."

This article originally appeared on Usmagazine.com: Most Stylish New Yorkers 2012: Ryan Lochte