When we turn on our televisions in August to watch the 2008 Olympics, there are a lot of things we will notice: the athletes, the performances, the stadiums, the pyrotechnics, etc. Something that most of us probably won’t notice is the people who bedeck the athletes with medals and flowers. But that doesn’t mean that their wadrobe isn’t causing something of a stir in China.
I know, it’s odd. However, according to an article that I read in China Daily, the Chinese are debating what their hosts will wear and how those outfits should reflect a combination of Chinese culture, the Olympics and modern fashion. Part of the problem, no doubt, is that the uniforms also are supposed to reflect national characteristics. In China’s case, there are almost a hundred different cultures and traditions that the country could draw from. How do you pick one as the distinguishing dress?
Right now there is an ongoing international contest that is seeking to narrow top designs down to eight finalists. The winner’s design will be first shown at celebrations marking the 100-day countdown to the Olympics. Sort of reminds me of Bravo’s Project Runway.
My best advice to the potential designers would be to keep it simple, but keep Chinese culture in the forefront. That doesn’t mean the pattern has to be traditional, but I think the print at least needs to be. I, for one, am going to be paying attention to what the medal givers are wearing in August.
2 Comments
November 26, 2007 at 4:34 pm
What a fun idea. I think it’s awesome that they turned into a contest- it’s a great way to get the public’s attention. I’d love for you to follow up on this- I’m curious to see what they decide on to represent such a diverse nation!
December 7, 2007 at 3:26 am
I’m against trying to reflect a national culture in the medal bearers costumes. It seems like having an innovative artist or clothing designer would be the best way to go. Reflecting on tradition or the past seems to be a bad PR marketing move for China. China needs to show the world that it has something to offer to the world’s future, so I think their marketing of the medal bearers should reflect that.