The Olympics are quite the magical force for bringing people and
countries together, and eliciting a certain pride in your nation. The opening
ceremony is among one of the most exciting spectacles and millions of viewers
around the globe tune in to watch…what everyone’s wearing. Yes, the opening
ceremonies have taken on a new role apart from the kick-off to the games: a
fashion show! Designers team up with athletic brands to put their patriotic
stamp of approval on the outfits worn by their nation’s champions.
Ronald MacDonald outfit, a gym class uniform or a break dancing crew…but here are a few highlights.
including our friends south of the boarder who are outfitted in Ralph Lauren
but see the Aussies below and you’ll get the gist.
Magazine readers who vote “Team Jamaica” as the best Olympic uniforms- look
how bright and fun they are! Cedella
Marley (daughter of the late great one, himself) designed the green and
yellow gear infused with Jamaican pride and serious style, in addition to the
athletic gear that three-time gold medallist sprinter Usain Bolt will wear across the
finish line.
the opening ceremony uniforms, but the sportswear that both the 2012 Olympic
and paraolympic teams will compete in. McCartney, who is also acting as Adidas’
creative director for this year’s Olympics, spent two years designing the line
that more than 900 athletes will sport. A
challenge for McCartney to put function so far ahead of fashion; we think you
succeeded, Stella! Again.
roots by designing the jackets for France’s equestrian show jumping and
eventing teams for this year’s Olympic games. Ever-so-stylish France will also
strut their athletics selves in Adidas sophistication for the opening
ceremonies: white pants and a black trench.
ensemble in collaboration with Australian clothing company, Sportscraft, complete with a
perfectly preppy gold crest. We love a good crest! The uniforms were designed
by Australian swimmer, 2012 Olympic contender and gold medalist, Libby Trickett
(@libby_trickett) and showcase their pride. After this year’s game, Trickett
will be available for her next joint ‘fashion’ venture….anyone?
Adidas teamed up with Team Netherlands to create their white trimmed jackets and Olympic outfits with pops of pantone and cobalt. Kudos to the design team for their modern cuts and punchy styling. Kinda feels a little Joe Fresh-y, no?
Karl Lagerfeld:
For those who don’t want to pick one country in particular, while not an official uniform, Karl Lagerfeld launched an Olympic-themed collection this week, available at Selfridges. Featuring splattered denim, collars and fitted jackets, his collection has a common theme – gold! We can just picture Choupette rocking a gold collar…