Opening Ceremony Styles Showcase Worldwide Art
Millions of people watch the Olympics Opening Ceremony, so it is vital to create styles fitting for a country’s athletes.
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The athletes from The Bahamas show their national pride at the Olympic Opening Ceremony on August 5, 2016.
United States
The United States’ uniforms for the Opening Ceremony were made in America by Ralph Lauren. The uniforms featured a navy blue blazer, a red, white and blue striped shirt, white denim pants and boat shoes. Ralph Lauren was criticized at the 2012 games in London, according to Fortune.com, as it was revealed that the uniforms were made in China. With such debate on the outsourcing of jobs in America in the present day, Lauren wanted to show the American spirit through American manufacturing. A simplistic yet classic look for the US showed that they would not only rock the games for the following weeks, winning a total of 121 medals, but they would do it in style as well.
Canada
The Canadian team went for a very casual look. Although they went with the classic blazer, the Canadians wore black athletic pants, a white undershirt and white shoes. The most unique part to their look was the large maple leaf on the back of the blazer which garnered well deserved attention. A very large change from 2012’s mostly classic look which featured bright red jackets and beige pants brought a change that co-designers Dean and Dan Caton should be proud of.
South Africa
You can’t get much more casual than a track suit. The South African athletes rocked retro-looking green and yellow tracksuits. Although only earning ten total medals at the games, the South African tracksuits were declared as some of the best uniforms of the ceremony.
“Retro tracksuits are quite possible God’s greatest gift to the world,” FOX stated.
A retro look that many South Africans voiced negative opinions about, according to SAPeople.com, will be one that is talked about for many years to come.
Bahamas
When you think of The Bahamas, you think about sandy beaches and bright blue waters, and that is the exact motif that designer, Puma, went for. A bright blue jacket with yellow pants which appropriately matched the country’s flag. With this bright look, the athletes of The Bahamas caught the eyes of many during the Opening Ceremony. Another laid back, casual look which has become common among teams in the last years shows that you can look good without dressing to the nines while still showing national pride.