Olympics: A look at some of the most impressive kits, as Kenyans disappointed in their own

Olympics: A look at some of the most impressive kits, as Kenyans disappointed in their own

Kenyan athletes wearing a sample of the Olympics kits. PHOTO | COURTESY

As Kenya continues to deal with the Olympics kit debacle, other countries around the world have been making public their own kits, with most of them putting to absolute shame Kenya's rollout.

Last weekend, Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba unveiled Kenya's Olympics kit - a rather shabby mish-mash of garments meant to bring out the Kenyan spirit and pay homage to the Maasai culture.

Soon after the uniforms were publicised, many Kenyans instantly expressed their displeasure at the designs which they branded uninspiring and dull.

The kits, which the athletes casually threw over themselves, saw the CS sustain online attacks with many Kenyans even going as far as unmasking the men and women behind the bland designs and putting them to task.

Renowned apparel designer Brian Babu was even forced to distance himself from the entire affair, saying that he was not part of the creative team behind the kits and stating that the production was so shabby, it was basically finalised in a mere three days.

Whilst all that is happening, other countries have continued to wow the world with their exquisite designs - some, like that of the USA team, are even designed by famed international designers.

From voguish volleyball outfits to sleek skatewear, this year's event – in the famously chic French capital, Paris – has been called "the most fashionable Olympics."

Legendary designer Ralph Lauren on Tuesday unveiled the U.S. Olympic team’s outfits for the opening and closing ceremonies at the 2024 Games, with distinctly different looks for each.

For the opening ceremony — which will feature athletes from each country parading down the Seine in boats — the American contingent will be in jeans and blue blazers with red and white striping over a striped Oxford shirt. The men’s outfits come with ties.

For the closing ceremony, the design borrows from the world of motorsports with a white-dominant racing-style jacket adorned with patches commemorating Team USA and each athlete’s sport, along with white pants with ‘Team USA’ written down the left leg.

Team Canada will wear one of the country's most famous brands, lululemon, for both the ceremonies and podium moments.

Looking at the kit from afar, the standout theme is shades of red, but zooming in a little closer reveals the intricate print detailing.

There’s both flora and fauna in the print to showcase the country's vast and varied landscape.

Fashion and design commentator Elizabeth Segran, called it, "The perfect kit."

Throughout the Games, Team France will compete in a kit designed by Stéphane Ashpool, best known as the brains behind streetwear brand Pigalle.

The uniform is 90s-inspired and celebrates the colours of the French flag.

In classic Parisian style, the looks were unveiled at Paris Fashion Week, where Ashpool explained his approach: "The athletes told me they wanted to be chic, elegant, bright. The result is these blended colours."

And over at the Caribbean, the Jamaican Olympic and Paralympic teams are keeping it traditional by wearing the colours of the country's flag; streaks of black, bright yellow, and electric green.

The kits have been designed by Puma.

At the launch, Puma CEO Arne Freundt said this year's design marries "speed and fashion", and has been designed to look good while moving: "The cut lines have been strategically placed to accentuate the physique of the athletes whilst providing a showstopping visual that emphasises the beauty of an athlete in motion."

And in Great Britain, Adidas have kept it traditional, using the block colours of the Union Jack and featuring the flag prominently on all designs.

Adidas designer Lewer told the BBC: "It's so important the athletes feel connected to their team. This is the pinnacle of what they've been training to be for years, and they really want to be representing their country, and for it to be visible."

More countries have rolled out impressive kits including a Spain, Japan, Portugal and The Netherlands.

Amsterdam brand The New Originals, who will clothe Team Netherlands, says the company has "collaborated closely with the dancers to design uniforms to suit each of their distinct styles."

The result is an 80s-style tracksuit, playing on the colours of the Dutch flag and the iconic orange of the national football team.

The Kenyan designers have not explained the inspiration behind their kits neither have they offered a plausible explanation to the lacklustre look of the entire rollout, causing massive public uproar.

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Kenya Olympics Paris CS Ababu Namwamba

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