Going for Gold in Ralph Lauren

It’s well known that athletes like to look good off the court. Derek Jeter models watches, images of David Beckham in his underwear are ubiquitous, and Serena Williams is a budding fashion designer. The Olympic Winter Games 2010 are putting a new spin on this classic paradigm: athletes sporting designer threads on the field.

Though Ralph Lauren designed uniforms for the US team in Beijing 2008, his Vancouver 2010 creations are decidedly more athletic. In Beijing, Lauren aimed to make the athletes out to be statesmen, attiring the contestants in formal wear. This time, his approach is more firmly rooted in Olympic tradition. Inspired by the look of the 1932 Lake Placid games, the uniforms consist of navy puffer jackets, winter-white tapered pants, and Fair Isle knit hats.

Unfortunately for Lauren, the collection has invoked the ire of many critics. The fashion magnate has been called hubristic for making the Polo logo larger than both the American flag and the Olympic Rings.

Others have accused Lauren and his son – fellow designer David Lauren – of being unpatriotic for having the uniforms made in China. In the words of one detractor: “These outfits presented the United States athletes as rich snobs, frankly. They made the team look like a 1948 yacht club.”

Some have elected not to join the anti-Lauren furor, seeing the pieces as simple and classic. Defenders of Lauren point out that orders were placed late, forcing the company to rush the uniforms from China.

Regardless of how the public sways, the uniforms are on the athletes and the job is done. Ralph Lauren’s Olympic pieces can be bought online with flags from dozens of countries, so that fans can indulge in looking good while being patriotic.

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by William Gish
Gloobbi Fashion

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