Jeers for Olympic Uniform Design
August 16, 2004 | Levent OZLER
Australia's athletes were bowled over by their reception at the Olympics opening ceremony yesterday, but their outfits got a big thumbs down from fashion experts back home.
The team uniform featured bright green jackets with lines, supposedly the stars of the southern cross, covering simple white tank-tops.
The Australians also wore stone-coloured pants held up by yellow belts and carried white backpacks.
Did they look cool and trendy, or like daggy try-hards?
Top fashion designers said the clothes left Australian athletes looking like American tourists.
"It was gimmicky and I don't think that's what this country is about," said Sydney fashion queen Charlie Brown.
"People make fun of Americans for being like that, but Australia is smarter and more contemporary – and that should have been reflected in the uniforms."
Alex Zabotto-Bentley, of Fashion Assassin, added: "When I saw them, I thought: Oh no, what are we doing?
"I know what they're trying to do in terms of being modern and sporty, but it looked like an American leisure suit."
Australian Vogue publisher Grant Pearce thought the outfits were contemporary. He said the gold trainers and AUS logo gave the athletes a fashion edge.
According to Woolmark, the uniforms reflected a youthful design that was cool and casual, but Sydney designer Alex Pe
more: heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,104 (198)
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