Mixed response to Games uniforms

IT may be the decade fashion forgot, but sadly not by the designers of Australia’s Commonwealth Games team uniforms, who seem to have taken the 1980s as inspiration for this year’s kit.

Our official team uniform was unveiled on the Gold Coast yesterday and while iconic Australian brand R.M. Williams nailed the brief regarding the opening and closing ceremony attire, the active styles produced by Diadora were anything but stylish.

Sticking to the patriotic palette of greens and yellows with elements of grey and white, the designs will be worn by our 470-member Australian team at the opening ceremony and throughout the sporting event, which will take place in April.

While this year’s formal attire — chinos cropped at the ankles, teal blazers, leather belts and boat shoes and ties sporting an indigenous print designed by Brisbane artist Jenna Lee — got a thumbs-up from the fashion critics, the team’s performance gear seemed inspired by the 1982 Brisbane Games.

Fashion expert Paula Joye said while the uniform was a mixed bag it was a great improvement on the 2014 Games uniforms, which were dubbed our worst ever.

“I think the opening ceremony outfits are sensational, and it’s a huge improvement on Glasgow,” she said.

Commonwealth Games Australia chief executive Craig Phillips said this year’s team was one of Australia’s biggest, and clothing 700-odd officials and athletes was difficult. Commonwealth