Team USA today unveiled its Closing Ceremony uniforms for the Rio Games, which were "designed by Polo Ralph Lauren for the fifth time," according to Elizabeth Murray of TODAY.com. The "crisp and sporty look starts with blue-and-white striped T-shirt topped with a button-down shirt emblazoned with the classic Polo Pony." The athletes can choose to wear either a red, white or blue shirt. Classic chino shorts and multicolor boat shoes "get the team treatment in navy, white and red." A few accessories, like multicolor cotton bracelets and a diagonally striped belt with D-ring closure "offer the perfect combination of athleticism and style." The back of the outfit features "bold and blocky 'USA' letters" (TODAY.com, 4/27). U.S. swimmers Ryan Lochte and Haley Anderson and wrestler Jordan Burroughs modeled the outfits this morning on NBC's "Today," with co-host Matt Lauer saying to Lochte, "You're known for a certain sense of style. So how has Ralph Lauren done?" Lochte: "It's fantastic. I love it." NBC's Natalie Morales called the shoes "beachy chic." Burroughs said he will "need a yacht now." The show's co-hosts later modeled the Oakley sunglasses U.S. athletes will wear during the Games, with NBC's Savannah Guthrie noting one of the designs "looked like 'The Matrix'" ("Today," NBC, 4/27). In Rochester, Todd Clausen notes Team USA's shorts were made by N.Y.-based clothier Hickey Freeman "through a contract with Ralph Lauren." The USOC has worked with Ralph Lauren "for several years now," but the agreement with Hickey Freeman brought Ralph Lauren's work back to the U.S. "after facing criticism" for making the '12 London Games uniforms in China (ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE, 4/27).
SENSE OF STYLE: In Chattanooga, Alex Green noted local suit maker Hardwick Clothes "will provide wardrobes for on-air broadcast talent" for NBC during the Games. Hardwick provides its clothing "at no cost to NBC, and in return will receive credit at the end of broadcasts." NBC Olympics stylist Amy Acton said that the company's "up-and-comer status in the American tailor-made industry led her to choose them for the job." Green noted Hardwick "will supply five to seven suits for every on-air male broadcaster" at Rio. Acton: "We want every night to look different." Hardwick previously has outfitted NBC Sports broadcasters "during golf, NHL hockey and NFL football telecasts" (Chattanooga TIMES FREE PRESS, 4/22).
