Each city or region that hosts the Olympic Games has a certain type of culture that is woven into the Olympic Games. There are elements of food, language and art that are so treasured and loved that they are proudly displayed for all to see.
Milan Cortina is set to host the Olympic Games in February. Italy is known around the world for its stellar cuisine, but Milan is one of the world's greatest fashion theaters. Iconic leather goods, beautifully designed ready-to-wear or haute couture pieces are showcased not only on the runways, but also on the streets and in the Olympic Village. Fashion will be present at these Games, not so much as a competition or mascot, but as a full-fledged participant.
The Winter Olympics aren't always considered the coolest or wildest on the sports scene. The Summer Olympics feature interesting fabrics, pleasant weather (most of the time) and sports that show off the body as part of the sport. The muscles visibly pulsate and are slightly covered so that we can see every movement, every push, every turn of the body.
While in winter sports, athletes are protected from the elements and injuries at high speeds on ice. But creativity and imagination stimulate innovation and winter sports this is that example.
National federations like to offer designs, fabrics and colors that are not only technically protective and functional, but also give some insight into the country they represent.
Will countries feel the need to design and create uniforms and uniforms that have been elevated since the Olympics are being held in one of the fashion capitals of the world? The Italian sets, designed by legendary fashion mogul Giorgio Armani, are simple and elegant, with white as the main color symbolizing “harmony and snow-capped peaks.” This is especially important because Armani died in September at the age of 91.
Canada, historically brilliant in winter sports, does not have the same reputation as a fashion leader as Italy – very few countries do. But when Lululemon introduced Canadian kits, the response was positive.
Katherine Singh is a fashion and culture writer based in Toronto. She said Team Canada's look reflects the country's stunning topography, as well as the purpose behind their creation.
“It’s really like a sporty street style, a little oversized, which is very stylish,” she said. “[1988] been to Calgary, and in some ways it speaks to a very specific experience, aesthetic and lifestyle. And that’s very cool, but it seems much more universal, accessible… more diverse and suitable for everyone.”
I remember Elizabeth Manley winning the silver medal in 1988. I was 11 years old, bursting with pride, and desperately wanted a white fringed cowboy hat. For a little brown girl from Halifax, a sport I didn't play connected me with fashion that might have been unusual in my province.
Canadian sports enthusiasts invest in and purchase all types of sporting goods, including winter clothing and sportswear.
Phylicia George retired two-season Olympian and now CBC Olympian. She will be in Milan-Cortina and I asked her about fashion and sports and how they are connected for athletes.
“Fashion is a form of self-expression”
“Fashion is a form of self-expression,” she said in the text. “It's a form of joy, and in all my years of competing, I've noticed that greatness demands of all of you. It demands that you bring every aspect of yourself to the table… It gives these athletes more opportunities to move and express themselves in that way, and it will be celebrated.”
There is no doubt that Milan will appreciate fashion and attempts to implement it. But the beauty of many competing nations is that their clothing reflects their culture and country. Milan will appear just like Milan, and even the outfits for the medal winners are incredibly stylish and sophisticated.
I always imagine people dressed to the nines in structured jackets and nice knits at the grocery store while I walk in the cold in an oversized parka, hoodie, Roots sweatpants and Manitoba Mukluks.
In recent years, we have witnessed the expected appearance of athletes in stadiums and skating rinks who not only demonstrate their athletic strength, but also their abilities. style. But at the Olympics, fashion and sport come together in a special way.
Their outfits, which feature all countries, invite us to take a closer look at their colors, styles and patterns. I remember watching the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Games and the form of the Mongolia team amazed me. In fact, they outfits went viral and they became the fashion darlings of those Olympic Games.
Singh agrees that fashion brings attention, positivity and excitement.
“I think for me as a viewer it's kind of a signature moment, and the moment that I always look forward to and look forward to is the opening ceremony,” she said. “And it’s really that moment where you can see everyone come into their uniforms and the athletes are so visibly, visibly excited and proud to be there.”
It offers a moment of, dare I say, unity? In some ways, music and art are certainly spaces for the presentation of ideas and creativity. Not the one co-optation of cultures or harmful environmental practices, but the actual sincere observance of their traditions through embroidery, embossing, thread embroidery, fur, wool and much more. It invites people into a unique and wonderful orbit and gives new people the opportunity to play.
For countries like Jamaica, where parkas aren't necessarily a part of the regular seasonal wardrobe, this is a chance to experiment and explore color and fabric.
It can be said that fashion gives fans the opportunity to see athletes and coaches in a different light. They wear a team uniform, but they represent more than a sport, they represent their individuality and the path to it.
“Sport is a big part of the cultural conversation, and sport is an opportunity,” says George. “We have role models. We have people we look up to, we have people who inspire and inspire.”
Just like athletes, artisans from different countries and cultures who engage in beading, sewing or designing this form have spent countless hours in their craft. They understand what matters and also represent their nations and customs.
Innovation and creativity are part of what sport can be through cultural forms and items inspired by tradition.
In a world that could certainly use some joy, fashion can find itself at the top of the catwalk, uniting people around the world.
