Team USA 2012 Opening Ceremony
Team USA 2012
Team USA 2012
Team USA 2012
Team USA 2012
USA: A lot has already been said over the PR kerfuffle committed by the Ralph Lauren company for having the US Olympic Uniforms manufactured in China. It was a big PR #Fail for Mr. Lauren. But, as we all know, if they were made in the US, these uniforms would have probably cost Ralph Lauren and the US Olympic Committee FIVE to TEN times as much so that is why the turned to China. Next time, they just need to eat the cost. I am sure billion-dollar rich Ralph Lauren can take it. Nevertheless, yes, it was still an "Oops" moment. With that being said, I kinda liked these uniforms. They were clean, sharp and gave a slight nod to English prep schools and English Savile Row tailoring and of course, had the red, white, and blue of the US flag. To me, the only negative--style-wise, would be the berets and cut of the women's skirts which was not flattering on all body types. Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: B
"Show your pride and celebrate the Olympic Games with the official 2012 opening ceremony uniform of Team USA." Sounds patriotic coming from the 2012 Olympic uniform designer Ralph Lauren, right? Well, the fashion and political worlds both share a sense of anger and disappointment at the U.S. Olympic Committee and Ralph Lauren's choice of hiring Chinese manufactures for the Team USA uniforms.
While buzz over the Chinese manufacturing is being bolstered by the fact that we are in the throes of an election year, a valid point has been raised. The USOC and Ralph Lauren were presented with a great opportunity to bring some much needed jobs and money back into our economy along with chance to showcase their work on the world's stage that is the Olympic opening ceremonies.
Designers like Nanette Lapore voiced their concerns on a segment for ABC's "Made In America" series with Diane Sawyer. Members of Congress like Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) have expressed similar disapproval in various media outlets. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) even sponsored a bill, S. 3387, holding the USOC accountable for not requiring athletes to wear ceremonial uniforms manufactured in the U.S. Introduced on Monday July 16th, the bill has been co-sponsored by fellow Democratic senators from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Ohio amongst others.
Every aspect of the opening ceremonies uniform, from the jacket to the shoes, were made in China. The outfits are even topped off with a beret, which is not what comes to mind when people think of headwear that embodies the American spirit, since the only berets that can be remotely considered American are green. In all seriousness, the Olympics are one of the few times when a country's pride is put on display before the entire world. It is unfortunate that the USOC and Ralph Lauren opted to allow the members of Team USA to parade around the opening ceremonies in the most unpatriotic attire.
"Show your pride and celebrate the Olympic Games with the official 2012 opening ceremony uniform of Team USA." Sounds patriotic coming from the 2012 Olympic uniform designer Ralph Lauren, right? Well, the fashion and political worlds both share a sense of anger and disappointment at the U.S. Olympic Committee and Ralph Lauren's choice of hiring Chinese manufactures for the Team USA uniforms.
While buzz over the Chinese manufacturing is being bolstered by the fact that we are in the throes of an election year, a valid point has been raised. The USOC and Ralph Lauren were presented with a great opportunity to bring some much needed jobs and money back into our economy along with chance to showcase their work on the world's stage that is the Olympic opening ceremonies.
Designers like Nanette Lapore voiced their concerns on a segment for ABC's "Made In America" series with Diane Sawyer. Members of Congress like Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) have expressed similar disapproval in various media outlets. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) even sponsored a bill, S. 3387, holding the USOC accountable for not requiring athletes to wear ceremonial uniforms manufactured in the U.S. Introduced on Monday July 16th, the bill has been co-sponsored by fellow Democratic senators from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Ohio amongst others.
Every aspect of the opening ceremonies uniform, from the jacket to the shoes, were made in China. The outfits are even topped off with a beret, which is not what comes to mind when people think of headwear that embodies the American spirit, since the only berets that can be remotely considered American are green. In all seriousness, the Olympics are one of the few times when a country's pride is put on display before the entire world. It is unfortunate that the USOC and Ralph Lauren opted to allow the members of Team USA to parade around the opening ceremonies in the most unpatriotic attire.
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