The Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics brings together the most talented athletes from around the world to compete for gold. While the games are purely dedicated to evaluating skill, the Opening Ceremony is dedicated to showcasing the fashion sense that each country possesses. The Opening Ceremony is a time for representing pride, color and winning designs that portray the winning spirit of each player and country. When it came to awarding the gold to the most fashion forward country, however, only some made the cut in their respective category.
Preppy
Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press
Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press
France and Spain dressed up the 2014 Winter Olympics with a classic look that is always on trend: Preppy. Spain’s uniforms were inspired by original preppy wear with sleek maroon and gold blazers, ties and black slacks, topping the athlete’s heads with matching maroon berets. France countered with tailored khaki pants and a bulkier take on grey collared coats. In the matchup between the two European neighbors, Spain’s sleek and classic uniforms took the cake!
Fur
Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press
Photo Courtesy of Getty Images
Russia and Czech Republic utilized one of the biggest trends seen on the runway in recent seasons: Fur. Russia’s uniforms lined knee-length navy, red and white coats with white fur along the edges and sleeves. Czech Republic, meanwhile, ironically took a page from the Russian fashion book and featured two-toned brown and grey fur trooper hats. However, it was Russia who won with an overall impressive score.
Unconventional
Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press
Photo Courtesy of Getty Images
While most uniforms stayed in the realm of solid colored parkas and puffer coats, Sweden and Germany showcased their pride with some of the most unconventional, fashion forward looks at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. Sweden took inspiration from their flag with long bright blue coats, and a cohesive blue and yellow zigzagged design with “Sweden” featured on the athlete’s hats, scarves and unique leggings. Germany went all out and mixed striped yellow, blue and green coats with floral pink and red bottoms – something you have to see to believe. Although Germany wins for most abstract design, Sweden takes home the gold for the most fashion forward uniform.
Knits
Photo Courtesy of Getty Images
Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press
Possibly the most unheard of fabric when it comes to fashion at the Opening Ceremony, knits made an appearance several times this year – most notably on the uniforms of the Andorra and United States of America olympians. Andorra walked out with orange, white and black knitted sweaters that could have easily been worn to an Ugly Sweater Party. USA, on the other hand, was not afraid to stand out with knitted Ralph Lauren cardigans featuring stars, stripes, the U.S. flag, Olympics symbol and more. Busy as they were, the pride showcased on the U.S. uniforms owned the night (although we admittedly may be a little biased).
