The 2010 Vancouver Olympics concluded on Sunday night. Medals were won and records were set but, in hindsight, it seems these winter games also managed to focus a lot on fashion, both good and bad. And it’s not just the figure skaters who can take credit (or blame) for upping the profile of Olympic fashion. Here’s a look back and some of the highs and lows from the very fashion-conscious Vancouver games.
Of course, figure skating is the most fashion-centric event of the games, to say the least. But this year, there were some over-the-top outfits, even by figure-skating standards. We’re not just talking sequins here either. Rather, feathers, tassels and chaps (oh my!). Yes, I said chaps. Skaters from England, Italy and France all chose western-wear inspired outfits for their Olympic performances. Then there were the designer get-ups like Evan Lysacek’s custom Vera Wang black unitard. As well as the controversial outfits worn by Russian skating pair Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin.
Outside of the skating rink the fashion impact was felt as well. The American snowboarders, of the halfpipe variety, chose red and blue plaid jackets and mock-denim snowboarding pants, designed by Burton, for their competition gear. Denim and plaid, distinctly American and totally badass. Just like Shaun White’s moves on the pipe.
And finally, there were the Canadians. The host country’s athletes looked perfectly cozy at the closing ceremony in Fair Isle moose sweaters.
The 2010 Olympics were perhaps the most fashion-forward games to date.
(Photos Via: Zuma andHuffington Post)
