Fashion Olympics 2016
Where National Teams Showcase Their Pride Off of Their BacksGlistening sweat, shiny golden medals and emotional tears. The Rio 2016 Summer Olympics has definitely been among the most talked about topics of the past few weeks… The crème of the crop of the most talented athletes proudly represented their countries, in a competition to win perhaps the most prestigious medals one could acquire in their entire sporting careers.
If you’ve been following the news on the Olympics, then you would have read lot of news on Simon Biles being perhaps the world’s best Gymnast ever, or swimmer Joseph Schooling beating his idol Michael Phelps in 100-meter butterfly. But let’s turn to Olympic fashion, where national teams showcase their pride off of their backs (literally) all thanks to the famous fashion designers/labels who have played a role…
Team Canada Canada: strutting in sharp red blazers emblazoned with the country’s national emblem of the white maple leaf, Team Canada marched in style at the Parade of Nations held at the Maracana Stadium at the opening ceremony of the Olympics. Thanks to the designer duo Dan and Dean Caten (creators of the famous DSquared2 brand) produced by Canada’s own legendary department store Hudson’s Bay, the athletic blazers and bonded zip pockets adorned with Canada’s trademark maple leaves exuded a bold high-end look in traditional red and white colors with black and grey tones were impeccably tailored to the T.
United Kingdom: in collaboration with Adidas, Stella McCartney didn’t hold back their patriotism by embroidering, printing and/or otherwise plastering a large ‘Great Britain’ in all caps on the costumers/uniforms worn by the athletes.
Not only were the huge Coat of Arms positioned smack dab in the middle of their backs, Union Jack colors were expectedly their palette of choice. You’ll see navy blue leggings, white sweaters, and red accents throughout their formal and discipline-specific uniforms that’s said to be 10% lighter than the ones used for 2012 London Olympics gear!
Sweden: the Swedish fast fashion retailer H&M managed to dress their national Olympic and Paralympic teams without having to obviously marking their attire with letters spelling out “Sweden”. From the bright gold yellow and sleek deep blue styles, you’ll be able to tell that these athletes are appropriately citing their iconic flag’s color scheme to represent their beloved country. Plus points for championing eco-sustainability by producing them with recyclable fabrics! You too can find them at flagship stores worldwide.
France: wearing their signature crocodile emblem stitched in red, white and blue, Lacoste has left a classy mark on the French team’s uniform design. Modeling deep blue trench coats, ankle cut-off white pants and rain resistant ponchos, Rene Lacoste has prepared a collection that is very clean cut and precise, successfully creating a collection that is elegant yet comfortable, that is ultimately very French…
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- United States: even if you didn’t qualify for the Olympics, grab these suits online at www.ralphlauren.com/teamusa and strut in American style like these Olympians! Designed by Ralph Lauren himself, the classic aesthetic uniform consisting of white shorts, button-down shirts and striped belts didn’t fail in giving off its go-to iconic preppy style look.
Whether or not Teams leaned more towards their traditional attires or having taken a more modern look with the popular tailored blazers, the Olympic Games have definitely been an incredible platform to see the best of each country’s athletics it can offer. Who are you keen to see creating the next collection of Olympian attire?
