Ralph Lauren has unveiled the uniforms that the US team will wear for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, France, but some fans think the uniforms are the kind Will Ferrell’s character, Ricky Bobby, would wear. Talladega Nights.
On Tuesday, June 18, the American designer debuted the red, white, and blue uniforms for this year’s Summer Olympics. This marks the ninth time that Ralph Lauren has been responsible for the official outfits of the U.S. team. For the opening ceremony in the French capital on July 26, the fashion brand is outfitting the U.S. athletes in a classic tailored ensemble. The outfit consists of a navy blue single-breasted wool blazer with red and white trim and a striped oxford shirt, paired with denim jeans and suede back shoes.
Meanwhile, the Closing Ceremony uniform will be a more sporty style, consisting of a white moto jacket with the word “USA” emblazoned on it, paired with white denim jeans and a polo shirt.
“Ralph Lauren has once again created a design that not only captures the essence of American style, but also embodies the spirit and pride of Team USA,” U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland said in a press release. “As Team USA athletes prepare to represent the United States at the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games, this iconic apparel will serve as a symbol of unity and inspiration for both our team and the millions of fans who cheer them on.”
Team USA uniforms have been known to draw mixed reactions over the years, but when Ralph Lauren unveiled its patriotic design on Tuesday, nearly everyone seemed to agree that this time around, the Closing Ceremony uniforms were more appropriate for a NASCAR race than the fashion capital of the world.
“Is NASCAR now an Olympic sport?” one commentator wrote on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the U.S. team uniforms.
“The top is nice, but why did you go NASCAR on the bottom?” someone said, pointing to the white motocross jacket. “It looks like it’s going to be really hot.”
Meanwhile, some on Instagram likened Ralph Lauren’s uniform to the quirky Nascar driver character played by Will Ferrell in the 2006 comedy film “Ricky Bobby.” Talladega Nights.
“The jacket below looks like Ricky Bobby’s racing wear. Talladega Nights” they said, with another user agreeing, “Exactly what I was thinking.”
However, not everyone believed the uniform resembled that of a race car driver, with some pointing out other similarities, such as that of a NASA astronaut.
“You have a business lunch at noon, and then you go into space at 3pm,” one person joked on X.
“Are you planning on going to the moon after the closing ceremony?” joked another.
“We’re excited to be part of this team,” David Lauren, the company’s chief branding and innovation officer and son of the company’s founder, said during a preview of the Team USA 2024 collection on Monday. Associated Press The fashion brand’s “unexpected,” yet classic, Team USA uniforms.
“We’re working closely with Team USA to make sure the players can dress up and feel part of the team, but also feel comfortable and very American,” he said. AP“Nothing is more iconic to America than blue jeans, especially when you’re in Paris. Blue jeans give our athletes a chance to feel not only in culture, but in touch with themselves and with nature.”
Lauren described the closing ceremony as “clearer, more fun and more exciting.”
Team USA’s polo shirts are made from 100 percent recycled cotton, marking the first time Ralph Lauren has achieved this level of sustainability with Olympic gear, Lauren said. Both the opening and closing ceremony uniforms were created and manufactured in the United States.
Ralph Lauren’s Team USA Opening and Closing Ceremony uniform apparel, as well as a collection of Team USA apparel and accessories, are available to purchase online In addition to the navy blue blazer ensemble and white moto-style look, the fashion brand also released a Team USA colorblock baseball jacket, a Team USA graphic cotton sweater, and several other clothing items.
The 2024 Olympic Games will open in Paris on 26 July, and this time the Opening Ceremony will take place along the Seine instead of in a stadium. The nations’ boats will pass through the centre of Paris and arrive at the Trocadero (the gardens opposite the Eiffel Tower), where the final Olympic tradition will take place. The Closing Ceremony will take place at the Stade de France.
Additional reporting from AP.
