"Runway to the Olympics: How Fashion Takes Center Stage"
When it comes to the Winter Olympics, athletic prowess is just the beginning. The real showstopper happens in the stadium itself – on the runners' uniforms and the style choices that come with them. Every four years, thousands of athletes don garments designed by national brands that have transformed into an integral part of their countries' identities.
The results range from bold statements to baffling fashion choices. Who can forget Lithuania's 1992 showstopper at the Barcelona Olympics – Issey Miyake's daring pleated capes? Or Canada's 1988 Calgary squad, rocking fringed red trench coats and cowboy hats that screamed 'Cowtown'?
For Team USA, it's all about classic American style, courtesy of Ralph Lauren. Since partnering with the U.S. Olympic Committee in 2008, the designer's preppy aesthetic has become synonymous with the country's Olympic identity – navy blazers, white trousers, newsboy caps, and rowing-club sensibilities are staples. The design process begins two-and-a-half years before each Games, with a team meeting athletes, researching host cities, and crafting garments that will stand the test of time.
The upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics brings a new level of scrutiny – staging American athletes in one of fashion's most unforgiving capitals. While spectators may be out of luck, many of the official outfitters are offering civilian versions of their Olympic gear to the public. For anyone looking to channel the Winter Games without needing an athlete's athletic prowess, these designs range from ceremonial sweaters to alpine-ready puffers – a chance to experience the Olympics in style.
When it comes to the Winter Olympics, athletic prowess is just the beginning. The real showstopper happens in the stadium itself – on the runners' uniforms and the style choices that come with them. Every four years, thousands of athletes don garments designed by national brands that have transformed into an integral part of their countries' identities.
The results range from bold statements to baffling fashion choices. Who can forget Lithuania's 1992 showstopper at the Barcelona Olympics – Issey Miyake's daring pleated capes? Or Canada's 1988 Calgary squad, rocking fringed red trench coats and cowboy hats that screamed 'Cowtown'?
For Team USA, it's all about classic American style, courtesy of Ralph Lauren. Since partnering with the U.S. Olympic Committee in 2008, the designer's preppy aesthetic has become synonymous with the country's Olympic identity – navy blazers, white trousers, newsboy caps, and rowing-club sensibilities are staples. The design process begins two-and-a-half years before each Games, with a team meeting athletes, researching host cities, and crafting garments that will stand the test of time.
The upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics brings a new level of scrutiny – staging American athletes in one of fashion's most unforgiving capitals. While spectators may be out of luck, many of the official outfitters are offering civilian versions of their Olympic gear to the public. For anyone looking to channel the Winter Games without needing an athlete's athletic prowess, these designs range from ceremonial sweaters to alpine-ready puffers – a chance to experience the Olympics in style.