Later this summer, the U.S. Olympic team will be sporting preppy styles and miniature polo players. That’s according to an announcement that none other than Ralph Lauren will be outfitting the Team USA during the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as designing clothes for them to wear during their down time.
Ralph and Co. signed a contract with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) to replace the Canadian apparel company Roots Ltd., which outfitted the United States team for the past three Olympic Games and was to continue through 2008. The two parted ways in January.
Apparently, the committee was looking for something a little more formal for this year’s Olympians. The head officer of the USOC told Lauren that his inspiration for this year is Chariots of Fire, so expect lots of V-neck sweaters and blazers in a patriotic palette of red, white, and blue.
The Olympics deal could translate into millions in sales of Olympics-branded products that will be carried at Polo boutiques in the United States and on the company’s Web site. The company is in talks with several United States department stores to carry the clothes and is working with officials to potentially set up shops in Beijing.
In keeping with Olympic tradition, attire for the opening ceremonies won’t be revealed until August 8, the first official day of the festivities.
What do you think of the designer choice?
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[…] Lauren was selected to design the official Opening Ceremony and Closing Ceremony parade outfits as well as an assortment of Olympic “village wear” pieces for the 150 U.S. athletes competing in Beijing and they’re now available at Olympic Spirit stores, select department stores and RalphLauren.com. Ah…capitalism at it’s best. Wonder if the garments are made in China? […]