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Nike also revealed three medal-stand uniforms for different athletes for the Olympics, which start next month. Track cyclists, sailors and synchronized swimmers are among those who would wear a silver jacket and pant; basketball players and soccer players, as well as handballers and water polo players, would be in a navy, satiny tracksuit; and archers, equestrians and wrestlers would be in a bomber-style jacket that's designed as a nod to a varsity letterman jacket.
"The outfits should be celebratory," said Lotti. "You don't want it to be a standard training outfit. ... It's an opportunity for athletes to shine."
After soliciting input from athletes and getting to know their personal stories, Lotti said a one-size-fits-all approach wasn't going to cut it for him and his design team for the London Games this summer. "It not how things are anymore," he said.
Of course, the commonality among all Team USA members is their home country, so Americana also was to have a starring role. The flag is on the same spot on the arm for all of the athletes' clothes, not just the winners' jackets but on the uniforms, too. And "United States of America" is written on the back.
But there is no cliche red, white and blue. "We wanted to elevate it. I think of it more like a Corvette, a pickup truck and a Cadillac. They're all different and have different looks, but they are all distinctly American."
Designers also drew inspiration from another point of American pride: the image of astronauts as they walk as a "team" just before embarking on a mission. "It's a moment when you are proud of your country and at the pinnacle of human potential," Lotti says.
Consumer versions of Olympic apparel and accessories will be available this summer.
Ralph Lauren is designing Team USA's opening and closing ceremony uniforms, as well as the casual clothes they'll wear in the Olympic Village.
[Associated Press;
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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