World-Famous Designers Dress Rio 2016 Athletes

The hype is on. It is finally 2016, and the Rio Olympics is fast becoming an increasingly discussed topic, for good and otherwise – even in the world of fashion although happily, the news is all good here. With less than a month left on the countdown clock, world-famous designers have been tapped to dress athletic teams. May the odds ever be in the best team’s favor.

Stella McCartney for Team Great Britain



Following her work for the London 2012 Olympics kit, the British designer has once again been roped into designing for the opening and closing ceremonies of her hometown team. Featuring a high-tech fabric from Adidas that is 10% lighter than that of the 2012 kit (she collaborated with the sports label on that occasion), the athletes receive a boost to go further and faster. The collection also incorporates the red, white and blue of the Union Jack flag, as well as a specially commissioned Coat of Arms.

Polo Ralph Lauren for Team USA



Who else, really, but Polo Ralph Lauren, the quintessential American athletic brand? Marking their fifth partnership with Team USA (they’re pretty much veterans themselves), the collection melds the label’s signature preppy style with the classic red, blue and white of the American flag (a lot of flags use this color combination). Supporters would be pleased to know that the looks are up for purchase here, with all proceeds going to USOC, a non-profit organization that sends American athletes to the Olympic games.

DSquared2 for Team Canada



Formal meets casual athleticism with Dean and Dan Caten, designers behind the world-acclaimed Canadian brand DSquared2. For Team Canada’s opening ceremony, the label injects its country’s red, white, black and iconic maple leaf emblem into a range of jackets, shirts and pants. Described as modern yet traditionally Canadian, replicas of the collection are available at all Hudson’s Bay locations across Canada, and online here.

Armani for Team Italy



A reprisal of his role in the 2012 London Olympics, Giorgio Armani once again lends his creative talents to Team Italy this year. The Italian designer taps on his iconic color of midnight blue in this collection of tracksuits, waterproof jackets, polo shirts, pants and beyond. On top of tapping on his elegant style, the range also includes the inscription “Fratelli d’Italia” (Brothers From Italy) as well as C-Cube technology (Carbon Cushion Control) for maximum comfort.

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