Fashion becomes golden at the Olympic games

by YC

Team USA Opening Ceremony's outfit by Ralph Lauren

It’s being regarded as the most stylish Olympics ever.  The Games, as it’s called, have broadened its attention from just the sports world, to now, the fashion world.  Some of the biggest names in fashion, such as Ralph Lauren, Prada, and Stella McCartney – just to name a few - have momentarily taken their garments off of the catwalk, and made a prodigious appearance into the Parade of Nations during the Opening Ceremony, donned by the world’s finest athletes.  Just when you thought sports wasn’t chic.  Sure, we are used to seeing labels like Nike or Adidas representing sports, but it’s a completely new ball game when you mix in high-end designers.  Talk about a win-win!

     Let’s go back to the Opening Ceremony.  Team USA promenade wearing Ralph Lauren Blue Label (one of the many labels in the fashion house that features sports wear, knits, and tailored made garments for both, men and women), in the midst of many criticism, as it was learned that the garments were made in China.   Controversy aside, the preppy-chic wardrobe choice was military inspired, emblematic of the American flag colors - red, white, and blue.  The ladies wore a white shirt, coupled with a cream knee-length, A-Line skirt, while the men wore white shirt with cream trousers.  They both suited up with a double-breasted navy blazer, which featured the well-known large pony logo and the official U.S. Olympic Games patch.  The accessories completed the look with the men wearing ties and the women in scarves.  And the “cherry on top” was the beret worn by both, with a red and white strip on the side. 

      Other countries were not to be fashionably outdone by the Americans.  The Italian team wore performance kits by Armani, and the French equestrian team wore riding jackets from the luxury designer, Hermes.  Although Stella McCartney was tapped to design for Britain’s home team, the daughter of the famous Beatle, Paul McCartney, was clear that she did not design what some are calling hideous, the white and gold track suit, worn during the Opening Ceremony, but rather designed the performance kit. 

     As we are approaching the end of the summer games, and the fashion world is looking towards September (the start of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), the ultimate goal is to come back home with plenty of wins.  But for the first-time ever, the gold medal may have its own competition.  Although it trumps silver or bronze, when it comes to who shines the most, this year, fashion is a strong contender.    

Team Belgium (Source: Getty Images)

Team Paraguay (Source: Getty Images)

Team USA

Team The Netherlands (Source: Getty Images)

Team Great Britain (Source: Getty Images)

NBA's Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony (Source: Kevin Durant)