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 The new Canadian Olympic uniforms pay a tribute to Canada's heritage. (CARMINE MARINELLI, 24 HOURS) |
The Hudson's Bay Company unveiled today the 2010 Olympic clothing collection aimed at hopefully igniting enthusiasm for the winter games in Vancouver.
"I'm on pins and needles because it's so important that Canadians embrace this collection," says HBC's fashion director Suzanne Timmins, who was on hand for the launch in the host city.
Only time (and sales) will tell if the line stumbles in the spotlight a la Jeremy Wotherspoon or has the hope-for success of the coveted Roots beret of past years, which found it's way onto the heads of princes William and Harry.
The collection's foundation items are a parka, pom pom toque, knitted sweater and buffalo plaid scarf -- all familiar icons that would make Bob and Doug Mackenzie proud.
Timmins thinks the must-have items will be the pom pom toque, priced at $20. "I would love to see that everywhere, it's got a great spirit just like us (Canadian)."
It's obvious that fun and games both in play in the designs.
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It could be because the designers workspace, says Timmins, was plastered with inspirational photos of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau sliding down a bannister, comedian John Candy in trademark toque and parka, and the Crazy Canucks, alpine ski racers who earned themselves a reputation for reckless racing.
"We loved looking at those guys and the spirit they had," said Timmins.
What is unique is the "Canada" wordmark. The team of designers placed special emphasis on the letter "A" pointed upward to represent the province's peaks and slopes, and linking to the "C" to form a bulls-eye, with a maple leaf centre.
It's reminiscent of the '76 games hosted by Montreal and old time hockey sweaters, a real vintage vibe.
Unfortunately, the colour scheme is decidely dull -- classic red and white, "strengthened" with black and what the company calls an "athletic" hunter grey.
But there's no doubt they'll be a hit with the athletes, since HBC's design team consulted several times with members during the 18-month training leading up to the release.
(The palette may also be easier on the eyes for fans given the axis of crazy patterns seen at the Beijing games last summer.)
Members of the Canadian Olympic team will receive 28 items as part of their uniform, including leisure wear, jackets, pants, parkas and luggage.
Still to be seen is the outfits the athletes will wear on the biggest catwalk in the world -- the parade of nations.
All we know is that they will echo the red-white-grey-black scheme.
Four prototypes were introduced at the Vancouver launch, but the final look won't be seen until the opening ceremonies.
That's the real test.
"I'll be watching on at home on my TV like everyone else going 'oooh'," says a nervous-sounding Timmins.
The collection -- priced mostly between $10 and $50 except for premium sweaters and coats -- is available across the country at the Bay and Zellers.