Olympic Fashion Takes Centre Stage in Tokyo

The Olympics are technically about sports but for fashionistas, the games are a prime opportunity to make a statement. With the absence of fans in Tokyo due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, the focus over the last few days has been heavily on what the athletes are wearing. While we haven’t seen every single Olympic look as many countries have multiple uniforms it has been a fashion-forward affair. With some of the most famous brands in the world taking part in the games via athlet’s wardrobes, we expect the fashion statements to get better and better. Here are some of the best looks so far.

The United States of America: The US is an Olympic powerhouse and has entrusted its Olympic looks to  Lauren and Kim Kardashian’s Skims. While Ralph Lauren has been involved in the games before the KUWTK star revealed that she would be providing Olympic undergarments as part of her lifelong love for the games. In an Instagram statement, she said, “every moment I’ve spent admiring the strength and energy of the Olympians from the sidelines [coming] full circle.” The ultra-preppy private school look turned heads at the opening ceremonies.

Kazakhstan: Team Kazakhstan looked incredible during the opening ceremonies in their uniforms created by designer Saltanat Baimukhamedova known for her brand Salta. The bright-colored uniforms featuring a turquoise and blue color palette were a true collaboration. Thirty-five members of the Kazakh team chose the fabrics, colors, and unique elements to craft the ideal look for the delayed Tokyo games. Olympic Swimming Champion Dmitry Balandin said, “For athletes, quality and comfort are the most important things since these are our clothes for the coming weeks of preparation and performance. The clothes have to be comfortable so that you can move freely and, of course, made of high-quality fabrics. We gave our recommendations taking into account our experience of participation in the past Olympics. We are very glad that all our wishes were met.” 

France: Team France looked Paris-chic in their athleticwear during the opening ceremonies on July 23rd. Teaming up with famous French sportswear brands Lacoste and LeCoq Sportif the colors of the French flag were on display as 4 flag bearers (2 Olympians and 2 Paralympians) took part in kicking off the Tokyo games. The smart-casual wardrobe is sleek and stylish but designed for comfort and is serving serious country club vibes.

Turkey: Athletes from around the world gather together to show their athletic prowess for two weeks every four years but the Olympics are just as much about sharing heritage as athletic ability. Turkish designer Bunyamin Aydin teamed up with sporting giant Nike and his own Les Benjamins to design Turkey’s official sportswear. The red, white, and navy blue uniforms pay tribute to Turkish history. In an interview, Aydin spoke about his design choices saying, “The journey started off going back to my heritage. With my own brand Les Benjamins, I was always inspired by carpets and rugs and the heritage of them – not just in Turkey but all around the world. But, designing for Turkey, I had to focus on Anatolian rugs, which are from this country. I went to the city where they create Anatolian rugs, and I was with the villagers there and they told me how they do the craftsmanship behind creating their rugs. It helped me design and get more inspired.”

Canada: A Canadian tuxedo is a tongue-in-cheek play on wearing double denim. So, any combination of types of denim for the Olympics was inevitably going to cause a stir. Hudson’s Bay has outfitted the Canadians since 2006 and Levi’s joined the design team this year creating the ultimate closing ceremony look. Denim jackets, trucker hats, and graffiti seem random but the iconic Hudson’s Bay Company explained their style choices saying “The trucker jacket’s design celebrates inclusivity and gender neutrality while capturing the youthful and celebratory feel of closing ceremonies. It also reads almost like a timeline with its graffiti.”