Olympics: A look at some of the most impressive kits, as Kenyans disappointed in their own
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.
Uniform collections for Paris 2024 Olympic Games 🤩
- Spain pic.twitter.com/8tTEZCqlVb— Lit 🍉 (@hahyunsing) June 25, 2024
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