Notes from the Field
Hello everybody! This is a special edition of Poppington dedicated to the Olympics. I’ll be talking about Olympics fashion, as well as some of my recommendations for events to watch! Let’s not waste any more time!
The Fashion of It All
The __ of it All is a mainstay of the mixed bag newsletters in which I dive deep into a pop culture story or phenomenon and break it down for those who didn’t do the required reading.
Okay so obviously we have to talk about Olympics fashion. The Parade of Nations at the Opening Ceremony is fodder for fashion-heads (and those of us who accidentally got a job writing about fashion). I never feel particularly qualified to write about fashion or style yet I get paid to do so anyway, so here are some of my stand-out fashion moments from the Opening Ceremony.
Best Athleisure
One of the most obvious routes to go for a Parade of Nations look is athleisure: something that highlights what we’re here to do. Of all of the tracksuits, bike shorts, and moisture wicking shirts we saw, one athleisure look wins the Gold in my mind.
Sierra Leone (by Labrum)
These tracksuits are absolutely beyond. They’re just as vibrant as the Sierra Leone flag! Yes, they score big points for representing their national colors and for their national colors being delightful. Plus, the fit on them is superb. Say it with me: relaxed fit rules.
Best Summer Look
At the Summer Games, it’s also common for teams to break out their most leisurely, relaxed, warm-weather-proof looks. One fit stands out in my mind for this year.
Brazil (by Peak Sports)
This is so casual and fun. This outfit showed up to the party, understood the assignment, and laid back for a chill night. What more could you ask for?
Best Traditional Look
Another great route for Parade of Nations looks to go is to do something inspired by traditional attire. There were many great entrees this year. I want to highlight the one that, to me, was executed the best.
Côte d’Ivoire (Designer not listed)
This is just truly stunning. Not only does the design reflect the traditional attire of Côte D’Ivoire, but the color scheme reflects their national colors (giant set of bonus points for that). The lines are so clean, they even look good in stills! Plus, Côte D’Ivoire happens to be one of a few nations with well-done, unique, coordinating masks. They knocked this out of the park.
Best Suit
Another classic at the Parade of Nations is simple: a suit. While many suits look a bit one-note or go too bold and miss the mark, I think one suit stands out amongst the others.
Japan (by Aoki Inc.)
There were plenty of blazer sets and suits at the Opening Ceremony, but this one is a cut above the rest. Many of the suits fail to represent their nation’s colors and style, but Japan’s is so obviously Japanese. It clearly has a bit of influence from traditional Japanese school uniforms and it incorporates Japan’s national colors. Plus, these suits fit incredibly well, which is a challenge when you’re working with a variety of athletes across various sports.
Most Fun
Some Parade of Nations looks just put a smile on your face. This is that look for me.
Ukraine (Designer not listed)
The fanny pack, the shorts, the ombre shirts. This look is just such an absolute blast. It definitely looks like an athlete could compete in it, but it also looks like you could go about your day in it or even—dare I say—go out! (Provided you’re wearing the jacket). There’s something so delightful about this.
Most Controversial
Every year, there’s a Whole Thing about looks at the Parade of Nations. Let’s talk about this year’s most polarizing outfits.
Czech Republic (by Zuzana Osako)
At Rio and London, the Czech Republic wore some pretty heinous uniforms, so this is a wonderful upgrade. It’s much simpler than past renditions, which really helps take them away from the costume world. I’ve seen some criticism of this look, but I think it’s much more successful than their most recent Olympic uniforms, so I commend them. Not to mention that it is an actual attempt at blending Japanese and Czech traditions and styles (peep the wood-block inspired vests, blouses, and fans). Yes, it’s simple and it could certainly read a bit cheesy, but it’s a valiant effort.
Italy (by Giorgio Armani)
This is a lot to take in. Stark white contrasted by a pistachio-shaped Italian flag that’s supposedly a re-imagination of the classic Japanese rising sun. It’s kinda funny. It’s kinda embarrassing. It’s also kinda cool and futuristic. It’s a statement piece. But what else would you expect from a team going for the never-done-before sequence of Eurovision, the Euro, and the Olympics?
Latvia (by 4f)
Okay, stay with me, but I think I actually like this one. Yes, it’s very Zenon, very Forever21. A lot of people really hate this look and I get it. It’s…a lot. But there’s something very fun about having a little bit of whimsy during the Olympics. I’m sure that wasn’t the designer’s intention but I’m choosing to value impact more highly here.
USA (by Ralph Lauren)
Okay I get both sides here. From the Breton stripe to the blazer, to the hanky, to the perfectly cuffed jeans and stark white sneakers…Like, it is so preppy it hurts. But it’s also Ralph Lauren, what else do you expect? It’s well-executed, so at the end of the day it comes down to your own personal taste. For me, I loved it at first and then someone called it cheugy and that really made me rethink.
Best Dressed
And if I had to pick one absolute best outfit, I’d say the choice is pretty clear.
Netherlands (by Suit Supply)
I just think this is the chicest look out there. The fit on the suits is immaculate. The burnt orange plays so nicely with the cream. And there’s something really special about having two outfit variants (jumpsuit and suit) that work in a collection. It’s giving.
For Your Viewing Pleasure: The Events
For Your Viewing Pleasure is a segment where I review and recommend movies and tv shows.
Here are my personal recommendations for events to keep an eye out for! I’m not an expert, just an obsessive viewer.
Baseball and Softball: These sports are rarely ever at the Olympics. However, they’re a national favorite of Japan. This is something that’s really easy for Americans to follow along, so it should get some good attention. And remember, this could be your last chance to see Olympic baseball and softball for some time.
Skateboarding: This is the first time EVER having Skateboarding at the Olympics. I watched the Men’s Street Skateboarding final this weekend, but I’d highly recommend watching a replay of it if you can. It’s a bit complicated, but it’s super interesting. (Plus the uniforms rule).
3x3 Basketball: I thought this sounded so dreadfully boring. Then I watched one match of it and I was hooked. It’s really easy to follow along and, if you root for Team USA, it should be a happy viewing experience (shocker, the US team is good at basketball).
Climbing: Sport climbing is a really exciting sport. Traditionally, athletes specialize in one or two of three disciplines. But in the Olympics, the athletes must do all three, testing speed, endurance, and problem-solving. (The US’s best bet at a medal is Brooke Raboutou and she’s a delight).
Swimming and Gymnastics (Obviously): Need I say more?
A farewell
If you liked this, laughed at this, hated this, whatever, please subscribe and read on in the future. I put out long mixed-bag pop culture newsletters like this twice a month and other content ranging from deep-dives to personal essays, playlists, and TV recaps on the off-weeks.
Thank you so much for reading!
I love you (allegedly).
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