Gold Medal (Wardrobe) Roundup

Just about every Canadian in the known universe watched the gold medal Olympic hockey game. Even I, who knows little to nothing about the sport, watched in anticipation like a devoted hockey fan — and celebrated like one, too.

My real interest in the Olympic Games, however, were the clothes athletes around the world would be wearing during the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as while they were in action playing their respective sports, of course.

First there was the controversy surrounding Canada’s Winter Olympic uniform. The redesigned “C” insignia had some politicians upset because of its similar look to the federal Conservative Party’s logo. Then there was the backlash over American figure skater Johnny Weir and his costume choices, when he added a fur trim to his shoulder last-minute. Another athlete to get some attention for his Olympic gear was Kwame Nkrumah-Acheampong, the alpine skier for Ghana. Nkrumah-Acheampong caused an uproar — of sorts — for his fierce, head-to-toe leopard ski suit.

Ralph Lauren outfitted the U.S. team this year. Their fashionable approach certainly got some attention. Classic, American style was the obvious look that the famed designer wanted to create for the team’s wardrobe with fitted cardigans, tailored trousers and those cute, paper-boy hats.

Unfortunately, not everyone was a fashion hit though. The Norwegian curling team got a lot of criticism for their festive trousers. French snowboarder Mathieu Crepel's painted-on moustache, and the painted-on faces of German figure skaters Robin Szolkowy and Aliona Savchenko were a bit of an unwanted flashback to days of children’s parties. Although, I have to say that Crepel wouldn’t look so bad with an actual moustache.

Canadian athletes looked great, naturally — and they brought that natural approach right down to their medals. This year’s Olympic medals were not just gold, silver and bronze — they were green, too. Each medal was made with recycled electronics, and the design made for inconsistencies in the production process, which meant that every medal was a one-of-a-kind, just like the athletes who won them.

And of course, who could forget those mittens! Canada made a bold, fashion statement with these red, knitted beauties to keep your hands warm and patriotic on those cold, Canadian winter days.

— Kate Aenlle