Stella McCartney designed the Events Wear for Team GB in association with Adidas. I love the understated use of the Union Jack and the strong use of blue hues throughout the outfit. Having the red of the flag subtly added in collars, shoes, swimming hats etc makes the whole outfit look subtle but stylish. The Opening and Closing Ceremony wear was designed by Next.
One of the more unlikely interesting parts of the Olympics this year has been the team outfits. During the opening ceremony (and presumably during tonights closing ceremony), seeing the different countries parading in their own national outfits was so in interesting and for some of the countries, some particularly high end designers have produced the teams clothing for events, for day-to-day village wear and for the opening ceremony.
Now, we're at the end of the 2 week event, we've seen such varying looks from some pretty huge designers that I thought I'd share some thoughts about them with you.
Armani designed the Village Wear for Team Italy. I like the uniform blue and white used throughout the kit which keeps the look simple but would have perhaps like to have seen a little more excitement in the pieces from Italy! The small touches that have been added are what make this uniform so great -words to the Italian national anthem are sewn into each piece of the uniform to inspire each athlete!
Ralph Lauren designed the Ceremony Wear for Team USA as has happened for the 2010 Winter Olympics and 2008 Summer Olympics. The berets are an interesting touch and the blue and white is formal but again there is a lack of red even though it is such a feature of the flag. You can actually buy the beret and blazer from the kit from Ralph Lauren if you are particularly Olympic obsessed but it will set you back more than $500!
Other teams with interesting uniform designers include Team Jamaica whose outfits were designed by Cedella Marley, the daughter of Bob Marley and the Equestrian part of Team France had their uniforms created by Hermes. Its almost been a runway for designers! What do you think of their outfits? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
