Last Fashion Week, Olympic gold medalist Nastia Liukin sat front row at Max Azria's show. Practically before she could backflip her way off the runway, the label asked her to star in the spring 2009 campaign. "The spring collection was inspired by movement and modern dance so she was perfect. It was meant to be, and the magic just sort of happened," said Max Azria creative director Lubov Azria. The ads will debut this month online, with no plans to run in print magazines because of budget.

This is Liukin's first fashion ad campaign as well as the first time Max Azria has used a well-known face. We're glad her Olympic fame still has a flame. We wonder which Olympians will sit front row at Fashion Week next month. Thom Browne, please invite Michael Phelps and make more magic happen.

Nastia Liukin for the Spring Max Azria campaign [ONTD]