By Stacy Wyatt
The Olympics are well known for their funky, sometimes downright questionable fashion statements and this year the Fashions of Sochi 2014 are almost as exciting as the race for the medals. Let’s take a sneak peak at the fashions of the nations at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games.
We lead this story with the most outrageous and all around favorite, the Norwegian mens’ curling team. The colors seen on the outfits are from the Norwegian flag and staring too closely might hurt the viewer’s eyes. The red, white and blue colors offer a really vibrant zigzag print on the jackets and pants. Fashionably worn with a white shirt, these guys are impossible to miss on the ice and they know their outfits are attracting big attention.
Aramani himself dressed the Italian Olympic team and aparantly has signed on to keep creating one of a kinds for the teams until the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016. Armani says “Italy is built on the country’s passion for sport and sport promotes positive values and brings people together” and adds “I am extremely pleased to renew my collaboration with CONI.”
The Canadian Olympic Team has Hudsons Bay designing their outfits. Note the inspired touch of the Hudson’s Bay’s classic scarlet blanket and the iconic red mittens and pom-pom toques, a fitting ode to our Canadian pride.
Estonia, Designed by Monton, these outfits remind us of the Nordic landscape and wildlife and the use of white on white is keeping it in the winter theme.
Designed by Lacoste the French Team never fails to impress with their haute couture imaging. These outfits are a throwback to the 20’s when founder René Lacoste, was an Olympic medallist . The Mock T is a nice touch.
Designed by Willy Bogner for Adidas, the German Olympic Team displayed a bright rainbow uniform that drew inspiration from skiing, German heritage and sought to honour the host country of the Games. Various teams have uniforms depicting seaside florals and fauna.
Designed by Descente, the sportswear company dressed the Japanese athletes and coaches in crisp, white knee-length jackets, and heavy navy pants inspired by the city by the sea.
Russia of course had their uniforms designed by BOSCO and were inspired by Russia’s past, with traditional motifs and prints. Outfits were trimmed with real fur and adorned with symbols from Russian folklore.
USA and Ralph Lauren have shared the Olympic passion for fashion since 2008. This year he dressed the best in eye popping patchwork cardigans emblazoned with the stars and stripes and over top cream colour turtle neck sweaters. Unfortunately, the design received mostly negative reactions.