IT’S IN THE BAG
If you think the Olympics are exempt from fashion’s reach, you’d be wrong. The opening ceremony has turned into a catwalk with teams sporting designer wear. Sooni Shroff-gander picks out what you need to look your best at the Games
Adidas recently unveiled its kit for the Team Great Britain athletes, strikingly designed by Stella Mccartney around a new but nostalgic-feeling coat of arms. Far from minimal, Mccartney’s aesthetic features symbolic logos, patriotic emblems, and a red, white and blue palette, worn with red Boost trainers. That’s Team GB’S attire.
The US athletes are ready on the sartorial front, too, with Polo Ralph Lauren’s designs for the closing ceremony parade featuring uniforms with a classic, sporty all-american look. Think pony-emblazoned button-downs, chino shorts and patriotic accessories. It’s a bit of a Martha’s Vineyard, yacht-club look—and if that’s what you’re into, the collection is available to non-olympians.
Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes will be getting the upscale designer treatment courtesy of home-grown label Dsquared2, helmed by Torontoborn, London-based twins Dean and Dan Caten. The collection is emblazoned with flags and logos in Canada’s national colours. The white shirt styled like a tailcoat in the back is pretty cool and has generated some fairly major Twitter buzz. Sweden has chosen H&M to design a wide range of uniforms for its Olympic and Paralympic athletes in a supercool light blue and yellow gold combo for the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the athletic competitions in between. It may not be haute, but it goes for the gold with panache.
Meanwhile, France will step up to the podium with Felipe Oliveira Baptista’s designs for Lacoste in the blue, white and red of the French flag. The cut is narrow, close to the body and preppy. Not surprisingly, the Olympic collection has had a knock-on effect on Lacoste’s spring line, which has a similar colour palette, so you can adopt the Olympic look as well.
So while the Olympics may not be known for being the biggest fashion event of the year, it doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of designer style around. Whether you’re going to Rio this year to do the lambada in the streets, support your nation or your family, or just to watch the world’s greatest athletes make history, make sure you’re doing it in style—you’ll be in the company of 206 countries competing for 4,924 medals across 42 sports, all in just 17 days. You’d better look the part— and if you need some help, check out our guide on the right.
1. Luggage Line
Travel in style with renowned luggage maker Globe-trotter’s handcrafted, limited edition luxe luggage collection with the Stones’ lippy logo—if you can get your hands on it. It’s been created in celebration of Exhibitionism: The Rolling
Stones, taking place at the Saatchi Gallery in London this summer. The collection went on sale in April; rumour has it that the range has already sold out.
2. Carry On
Valextra’s luxurious Avietta luggage set has a number of wheeled carry-on bags and trolleys. They’re designed with Pirelli wheels, meaning you’ll make that flight no matter what.
3. Sneaky Sneaks
What else do you need but this season’s Yeezys by Adidas? They’re the most deservedly hyped kicks of the year; right now, the price for an authentic pair of Kanye’s Yeezy Boost 350s looks to be pushing US$2,800. Good luck getting them.
4. Swim Trunks
It’s going to be the biggest beach party ever at Copacabana, so make like Tom Daley and do it in Speedos; most cariocas wear them on the beach as well as when running errands. If you don’t want it all on display, try Frescobol Carioca, set up by two British stockbrokers inspired by Brazilian beach culture.
5. On your wrist
Go for gold with an Omega. Instantly recognisable by its blue leather strap with multicoloured stitching in yellow, green, red and black is Omega’s Bullhead Rio 2016 (pictured). The colours represent the distinctive Olympic rings, with the theme subtly continuing on the rotating inner bezel. Only 316 pieces will be produced: the number 3 signifies the third time golf will be played at the Olympics, while 16 of course represents the year of the Games.
If you want something more classic, make sure to grab the Speedmaster Mark II Rio 2016. With only 2,016 pieces produced, this exceptional chronograph features three sub-dials with a bronze ring, an 18K yellow gold ring and a 925 silver ring, together representing those coveted medals.
6. made in The Shades
Handmade sunnies up your chances of being papped at the Games. Favoured by Brangelina, each piece from the house of Barton Perreira is handmade by skilled craftsmen using the finest Japanese materials, and is released in very limited editions.