Photo: Ralph Lauren
With just three months until theTokyo Summer Olympics, Ralph Lauren has unveiled Team USA’s closing ceremony parade uniform and apparel collection that captures the patriotic aesthetic of the label and sparks a sense of unity when the world needs it most.
Ralph Lauren
Setting this collection apart from Olympic year’s past, the designs feature first-to-market innovations in sustainability: “As we come together to celebrate and compete, we must also embrace our responsibility to protect the planet we all call home,” Lauren said.
Team USA’s all-white uniform is composed of a classic Polo shirt made from verified U.S.-grown cotton, a drawstring jacket and striped belt made from recycled polyester and denim pants embossed with a leather alternative back-patch made from renewable resources called Mirum. Athletes will also be outfitted in Ralph Lauren shoes and face masks made from verified U.S.-grown cotton.
Select cotton apparel in the collection was dyed using ECOFAST Pure from Dow, which is a more sustainable solution for cotton dyeing that reduces the amount of water, chemicals and energy used compared to traditional dye processes.
Speaking with PEOPLE, three-time Olympic swimmer and Ralph Lauren brand ambassadorNathan Adriansays the sustainability aspect is “huge,” sharing that the importance of protecting the planet “really hit home” when he became a dad.
Although he’s partnered with the brand before, slipping on an official Olympic uniform never gets old.
“I had some role models that grew up in my town who made the 2004 Olympics; I saw them put the cap on with the American flag and they had their apparel on. It’s so meaningful because of what it represents,” he explains. “Here I am so many years later getting to be part of that. So, seeing [the Ralph Lauren outfits] is exciting.”
Reflecting on thehighs and lows of training during the COVID-19 pandemic, Adrian admits, “It was tough, but the Olympics are sort of like this moment of resilience; this moment of triumph. Hopefully we’re all going to be able to come together this summer.”
Adrian is set to compete at Olympic Trials in Omaha, Nebraska from June 13th-20th in the hopes of returning to the games.
Items from Ralph Lauren’s closing ceremony collection will be available for purchase beginning April 14 atralphlauren.comand will hit select Ralph Lauren retail stores, select U.S. department stores and online atTeamUSAShop.comin June, with all proceeds from the collection going to support team USA.
To learn more about all the Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, visitTeamUSA.org. Watch the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics this summer on NBC.
source: people.com
