While highly-paid basketball players may be a bit more comfortable in formalwear, Lauren also noted that many of the Olympians are dipping their toes in that water for the first time. And when introducing themselves to the world for the first time, they don’t want to look schlubby. “A lot of the young athletes have told us this is their first blazer, this is the first time they’ve ever worn a tie,” Lauren shared. “And it’s not just an opening ceremony. They really are very proud that they’ll continue to wear this jacket for the rest of their lives. It’s a piece of history that they’re wearing.”
As the world turns its eyes to the biggest sporting stage in the world, they’ll see some garments that are made in the USA—and have seen a huge chunk of the American frontier. The wool that’s used for the opening ceremony blazer, for instance, has quite the resume. “We start sourcing that out in Nevada, Colorado, Oregon,” Lauren said. From there, it moves across the country. “We’re weaving the wool in North Carolina, then it goes to South Carolina, then it goes to Connecticut, and it finally lands in Long Island City before it’s done. So, it’s touched five or six states on a trip across America.”
Competing in the games is undoubtedly the honor of a lifetime for many of the participants, but the magnitude of the moment is not lost on fashion designers, either. Lauren recognizes how special this assignment is—and like the rest of us, is looking forward to watching it all unfold.
Skateboarder Jagger Eaton models the closing ceremony uniform. Photo courtesy of Ralph Lauren
“In a world that is full of ups and downs and challenges, we need the Olympics,” he said. “The Olympics is about peace, it’s about sportsmanship, it’s about leadership, it’s about people coming together and competing. Whether you’re wearing the uniforms at the winner’s podium or watching it on your couch at home, it is an incredibly unifying and inspiring moment that we’re proud to celebrate with them.”
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