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Pose, smile and turn: Black Sticks hockey player Melody Cooper shows off the Olympic uniform inspired from the 1948 Olympics. - Source: Photosport -
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While the Olympic Games are a sporting event at face value, the drug-taking scandals, security threats, and various celebrity appearances are the entertaining factors that grab the attention of those less inclined to athleticism.
The official unveiling of the NZ Olympians' uniforms last night has been the most entertaining aspect so far, as well as the most divisive in opinion. At the launch at the Viaduct Events Centre last night, Rodd and Gunn designer Irena Prikryll said her inspiration was drawn from the last time NZ competed in London - the 1948 Olympic Games.
The men's formal uniform is a perfect example of this - the white-on-black piping on the jackets, slacks and an undone dress shirt balances professionalism with athletic preppiness. Don't forget - our dull National colour palate is not the fault of the designer, so the black-and-white colour scheme can be forgiven.
The women's formal jacket, needless to say, is inspired by the classic Chanel little black jacket, and while sophisticated in its own right, reminds me of an elegant businesswoman rather than an athlete eager to compete in her field.
And then there were the dresses. The pattern, again sourced by Prikryll, I can deal with. The uniform had to have a strong sense of kiwiana, and with the Olympics-fern emblem dotted in an all-encompassing pattern, it fits with current trends.
But why do our female athletes, era-inspired or otherwise, have to look like housewives? They look like they should be baking cupcakes rather than leading NZ to Olympic-glory. The neck scarves are fit for air hostesses and the knee length, a-line dresses won't do any athletes any favours.
Opinions aside, Rodd and Gunn can be applauded for using some creativity when it comes to crafting sporting uniforms; after all, fashion and athleticism rarely go hand-in-hand. It must be a serious challenge to try to design a uniform that is sport-savvy, professional-looking and suit the various builds of our athletes.
So for that, Rodd and Gunn, I applaud you.
Read more opinion pieces by Jessica
What do you think of the New Zealand uniform? Comment below.
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Post new commentgenfres said on 2012-06-29 @ 18:58 NZDT: Report abusive post
It reminds me of an 1980s school uniform. New Zealand national teams have had great success at world events in the past with grey.