London 2012 Olympics Fashion Minute: Fashion at Olympics Closing Ceremony

London 2012 Olympics Fashion Minute: Fashion at Olympics Closing Ceremony

Fashion Catwalking as an Olympic Sport:

London 2012 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony Fashion Tableaux

This past Sunday signaled the end of the London 2012 Olympics with the Closing Ceremony. There was A LOT of criticism out there in the social media/Facebook/Twitter-sphere regarding the NBC telecast of the Closing Ceremony--from the Tom Brokaw WW II "History Lesson" to the cutting off of The Who performance in lieu of watching a prepubescent boy band and a full episode of NBC's Animal Practice...but I thought London put on an amazing show--notwithstanding the criticized NBC edits. I thought it was TEN times better than the Danny Boyle Opening Ceremony and certainly much more exciting. But that's just me...

Torino Olympics Flashback: Nick Verreos--in major Torino gear--at the Closing Ceremony, Torino 2006 Winter Olympics

Six years ago, my NIKOLAKI-partner-for-life David Paul and I attended the Torino Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony. It was good but NOT London 2012 Closing Ceremony good!! I think the highlight of the Torino one was Ricky Martin--he was VERY big then and performed his "Ole Ole Ole...Cup of Life" song! But the London Closing Ceremony was a major celebration of British Music, dance, the 80's (George Michael AND Pet Shop Boys! I felt like I was 19 all over again!!!). And then, what really made me get up and start doing my "Nick Runway Walk" in my TV room was when they brought out the Supermodels and the Super Fashion! Now here's a surefire way to get a fashion designer's attention! Thank you Closing Ceremony Producers.

Catwalk Fierce: (left to right) Models Stella Tennant, Lily Cole, Karen Elson, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Jourdan Dunn and David Gandy (model Lily Donaldson is hidden behind Gandy)

The Closing Ceremony Fashion Spectacle began as eight big "billboard trucks" made their way into the
Olympic Stadium. To the musical backdrop of David Bowie’s "Fashion", the black and white billboards were pulled back and BAM!, the billboards fell away to reveal the gold-clad models--all Top British Models wearing Top British Fashion Designer's couture.

Liza Minnelli Envy: Stella Tennant in a gold sequined suit from fashion designer Christopher Kane

Golden Gorgeous: (left to right) The only male model in the Closing Ceremony Olympics Catwalk, David Gandy in gold lurex suit by Paul Smith with Jourdan Dunn  in a Stephen Jones feathered headdress and Jonathan Saunders ivory jersey with gold lame column gown; Karen Elson  in a slit-up-to-there gold strappy gown from the House of Burberry.

Fitted, Short and Sweet: (left to right) Model Lily Donaldson in a corseted bust-pushing gown from Vivienne Westwood; Lily Cole in a gold brocade and lace knee-length dress from Erdem

Sequined Super: one of the MAJAH SUPER Models in the group--the one and only Kate Moss wore a Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen bias cut golden sequin gown with cap sleeves and scooped neckline. She SLITHERED on the runway like it was 1994 kids!!

Flared Blue Blood: Georgia May Jagger (yes, Jerry Hall and Mick Jagger's beautiful daughter) in gold silk gazar a-line dress from Victoria Beckham--there was criticism on the web-o-sphere about Beckham being included here as one of the "Top" iconic British Fashion designers, and some people suspected that this might have been a "requirement" of sorts--contractually, if she was to perform with the rest of her Spice Girls...who knows...I think it was a very pretty dress.

La Diva: And finally, Miss Naomi. Yes, kids, it wouldn't be a British Fashion Show to End all British Fashion Shows WITHOUT Miss Naomi Campbell. And she delivered darlings. Campbell STOMPED onto the London 2012 Closing Ceremony catwalk showing EVERYONE why she is who she is and why she can throw cell phones at anyone she wants---in an iridescent golden tulle dress from Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen.

The gown was very Olympics Warrior Goddess and naturally, included a dramatic and very long train.

Cheers to British Fashion, British Models and yes, the London 2012 Olympics!

London 2012 Olympics Fashion Minute: Rhythmic Gymnastics Leotards Dazzle!

London 2012 Olympics Fashion Minute: Rhythmic Gymnastics Leotards Dazzle!

Bedazzled Hoops and Balls...

Ukraine: Ganna Rizatdinova holds her ball while she displays her lilac and purple with nude illusion mesh and crystal costume

I am OBSESSED with Rhythmic Gymnastics. Why? It's like Figure Skating but without the ice and ice skates.I especially LOVE it because I am a big fan of ballet (my distant family member was Dame Margot Fonteyn in case you didn't know so it's sort of in my blood!) and of course, I am a big fan of bedazzled leotard costumes. Rhythmic Gymnastics is a sport that combines ballet, gymnastics and dance, and apparatus manipulation--as in a ball, hoop, rope, clubs, ribbon. The London Olympics 2012 Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition began on August 9th and ends on the 11th. So, we are just beginning to see some of the bedazzled, semi-campy costumes that will surely be Olympic Fashion Moments for years to come. The costumes are very similar to Figure Skating--in that there's a lot of crystals, nude illusion, and flirty "skirts" attached. But somehow, here in Rhythmic Gymnastics, the costumes are just well, taken up a notch. They're like Figure Skating Costumes...on Steroids!



Here were some of my Faves--and Not-So Faves from the first competitions:

Australia, Janine Murray: Lots of color, abstract designs, nude illusion, it's all good to me.  

Fashion Grade: 9.0 (out of 10)

Austria, Caroline Weber: How fab is this? She's from Austria AND she's wearing a bedazzled DIRNDL! It's like GAY OKTOBERFEST! I want a beer, some sauerkraut and sausages from her...like NOW!

Fashion Grade: 9.9

Egypt, Yazmine Mohmed Rosrom: Yes, kids you read right, this lovely girl is from Egypt!! And no, she's not covered up!  I really like BOTH her costumes worn for the Hoop Apparatus and Ball competitions. If I had to pick a favorite, I would say, it would be what she wore above for her Ball performance; even her nude leggings were an extension of her costume. This is taking the look to 110%. 

Fashion Grade: 9.7

Belarus, Liubou Chrakashyna: Liubou is Third after the Individual All-Around Qualification Competition. Her golden yellow and black costume was a little "Firebird" and a little "toddlers and Tiaras" for me. For some reason, it did not look as expensive as some of the others worn by the Olympic Rhythmic Gymnasts.

Fashion Grade: 7.7

China, Senyue Deng: For her Hoop Apparatus, Senyue Deng of China wore this, a red and green sequined stretch lace costume/leotard. I have to be honest here: I am not a fan. It looked a bit cheap, "Happy Hands At Home" and a bit dyslexic in terms of its hap-hazard design elements. Fashion Grade: 6.0

Cyprus, Chrystalleni Trikomiti: LOVE this blue and white costume from Cyprus' Chrystalleni Trikomiti. She looks like a Mythical Creature that was somehow born from the Mediterranean and Volcanic geography of Santorini. I also love that even her nails match her costume. Yassou Chrystalleni!

Fashion Grade: 9.0

Russia, Daria Dmitrieva: Russia's Dmitrieva is currently in the lead. This costume for her "ball" apparatus routine is well, "just there". It is elegant and subdued and I do like the ribbon effect in the sleeves. Fashion Grade: 8.9

Italy, Julieta Cantaluppi: Oh huney! Or, better yet "Mamma Mia!". Things I like: the bright fuchsia and purple colors but then somehow, after that, it went all things Bedazzled Wrong. This looks like one of them costumes you find at a stand in a coliseum at a Jr. Gymnastics Competition event. Can someone call Roberto Cavalli, the Emilio Pucci or Gucci design houses? And quickly. Fashion Grade: 6.5

Kazakhstan, Anna Alyabyeva: Love the black with deep magenta and silver designs in this costume. And, I think it's interesting that, instead of a skirt, the designer chose to add tassels instead. The "built-in" sequined necklace is great. It helps that she is so pretty to begin with. Fashion Grade: 9.2

South Korea, Yeon Jae Son: This costume on Korea's Yeon Jae Son is very intricate. There's A LOT going on, but it works for me. The multicolored beading looks expensive and the over-all silhouette is RICH. Fashion Grade: 9.5

Spain, Carolina Rodriguez: Purple and lilac are popular colors for Rhythmic Gymnastics at the London 2012 Summer Olympics. Spain's costume is VERY Figure Skating 101. Maybe that's why I like it. But...I still feel that there's TOO MUCH going on: the stretch lace, the ombre dyeing, the crystals, the nude illusion...How do you say "EDIT" in Español ? Fashion Grade: 8.8

Uzbekistan, Ulyana Trofimova: This is Cirque du Soleil Perfect! Yes, you might say there is a lot going on in this costume too, but it all works for me. The bright pink roses, the ombre blue, the degrade effect of the neckline circle detail...This is so far, one of my favorite looks for the London Olympics 2012 Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition. Fashion Grade: 9.7

London 2012 Olympics Fashion Minute: Gymnastics Fashion Through The Years

London 2012 Olympics Fashion Minute: Gymnastics Fashion Through The Years

Leotard Gold:

Lycra USA: London 2012 Aly Raisman of the USA in red, white and blue

Yes, it's Olympics time and I am watching like the rest of the World! The UBER fit bodies, the muscles, the amazing athleticism, the DRAMA...and more importantly, for me, the FASHION! Weeks ago, I wrote about the Opening Ceremonies and my "Best & Not-So-Good" ensembles/uniforms that were featured during the London 2012 "Parade of Nations". After watching the great Olympics Gymnastics competition and especially, seeing the "Fab Five" USA team win the Gold, well, this spurred me to discuss Gymnastics Fashion Through the Years.



So, let's start shall we:

Fab Five Podium Fashion Let Down: 2012 Olympics US Women's Gymnastics Team

Congrats to the Fab five and their Gold! I was almost hyperventilatin' and "clutching my pearls" when they won!! (Yeayyy Girls!) But then, it was such a let-down of an Olympics Fashion Moment (and I sure as heck TWEETED  about it back when it happened), when I saw their Medal Podium SAD DEPRESSING gray oversized Nike zip-up  HOODED rubberized zip up Jackets. I guess, that this is what the USA Olympic Committee (unwisely) chose as the garb for all their podium medalists to wear.  

Whoever did that A.) Must have been Straight and not realized that a Medal Ceremony requires, well, a little more "Razzle dazzle"! and B.) Not realized the immensity of  "THE PICTURE that will go around the World" . I'm not expecting bedazzled red Liberace capes but these gray parkas are what people wear as they're about to go shark-watching...or what someone throws on for an early morning run...in the middle of WINTER. Rubberized? Hooded? For the Summer Olympics? #FashionFail.  

Olympics Fashion Grade: C-

The Magnificent Seven: 1996 Olympics US Women's Team--So, then after my Fashion Disappointment in those medal podium USA sad depressing zip ups, I thought "well, let me see what the Gold-medal winning USA Gymnastics Magnificent Seven wore back in the 1996 Summer Olympics". And as you can see, it was MUCH BETTER than the 2012 Nike Parkas. They wore very 90's track suits but "glammed-up": The bold red, white and blue colors, the design "hints" of the Olympic Torch emblazoned on the track jackets. At least it was visually interesting. If Twitter was available then, I am sure this would NOT be a #FashionFail but #FashionFab. 

Olympics Fashion Grade: A-

 

Now, let's go Through The Years in Gymnastics Fashion...

Pink Queen: Cathy Rigby at the 1968 Olympics--Rigby was the highest scoring American Gymnast at those games. In those days Americans were not considered a threat in Gymnastics. But adorable Cathy Rigby with her pigtails and pink leotard was the the gymnast that made young girls across the country begin to take interest in gymnastics.  

Olympics Fashion Grade: A-

Olga Korbut: A Belarusian, Soviet-born Gymnast competed in both the 1972 and 1976 Olympics for the USSR winning 4 Gold Medals and 2 Silver Medals. She also sported the pigtails, but was known for that amazing smile. Her white leotard with red neckband was basic but still stood out. I'm more focused on that judge's big bleached 'do!! She looks like she needs a drink...or already had about two! Olympics Fashion Grade for Korbut: B-

Nadia Comăneci: Nadia is probably the most famous gymnast of all time. She is a Romanian gymnast, winner of three Olympic gold medals at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal and the first female gymnast to be awarded a perfect score of 10 in an Olympic gymnastic event. She is also the winner of two gold medals at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow.I will age myself but...yes, I TOTALLY remember seeing her perfect performance back in the day!

Her Adidas leotard at the '76 Montreal Olympics followed the "Olga Korbut White" trend of the time in terms of Gymnastics-wear. Hers, though, also had the Romanian flag colors added to the side seams and underseams of her sleeves as well as princess seams to add extra fit detail. It was clean and patriotic in terms of representing her country and looks quite chic and modern.  

Olympics Fashion Grade: A

Betsy Ross Would Be Proud: Mary Lou Retton-- was the first American (and actually the first gymnast NOT from Eastern Europe) to win a Gold Medal in the All-Around Event at an Olympics. There is always debate about her gold since the Soviet Bloc nations (except for Romania) boycotted the games in Los Angeles, but a win is a win and Mary Lou actually received 5 Medals at the 1984 Games. Her leotard was ALL THINGS PATRIOTIC which became a widely-used Gymnastics Fashion Trend at the time, especially at such a high-profile event as The Olympics. There was no denying where Miss Mary Lou was from kids.  

Olympics Fashion Grade: B+

Patriotic: Shannon Miller--Miller competed in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona and the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and was part of the "Magnificent Seven". She has often been an overlooked gymnast, but she has actually won 7 Olympic Medals! Hello. 2 Gold medals at the 1996 Games and 5 medals at the Barcelona Games.The "Patriotic Gymnastics Wear Trend" is perfectly visible in her Olympics leotard here. What's more fun is, of course, her SCRUNCHIE! Everyone thinks of this hair accessory as SOOO 80's but yes kids, this unfortunate hair accessory trend continued onto the 90's. And can we discuss her DRY hair bangs? I excuse her for not having a de-frizzer serum at the time. I think she had more important things to worry about.  

Olympics Fashion Grade: B

Red-and-White: Dominique Dawes--Dawes was actually a member of 3...yes 3 Olympic Gymnastics Teams! She participated in the 1992, 1996 and 2000 Games. She was also a member of the Magnificent Seven Team and has won 4 Olympic Medals (1 Gold and 3 Bronze). She was Gabby Douglas before Gabby Douglas was even born! I LOVE this red leotard above. It's "Patriotic" but not in a "that's the US Flag" sort of way. 

Olympics Fashion Grade: A-

No Pants Kerri Strug--Strug is probably the most memorable member of the "Magnificent Seven" team. Who could ever forget that vault and her being carried to the medal podium by Bela Karolyi?! Her best accessory was her bandaged leg, but all she could think about was standing on the podium with no pants! No worries Kerri, you looked stylish with or without pants, those things were too loose and bulky anyway--even for the 90's!  

Olympics Fashion Grade: B

 

Crystal Beginning: Carly Patterson was the Gold All-Around Medalist at the 2004 Athens Olympics. She won 3 Olympic Medals. The 2000's signaled the beginning of "Oh Wait, Are Those Sequins??" in terms of Gymnastics Leotard Olympics Fashion. Diamantes and heat-applied crystals were big during this time and can be seen in Patterson's lipstick red leotard featuring a see-through stretch chiffon neckline.  

Olympics Fashion Grade: A-

 

Abstract Red White and Blue: Shawn Johnson--Johnson was part of the 2008 Olympic Gymnastics Team and won 4 Olympic Medals including the Silver in the All Around, a Silver on floor exercise and Team Final and a Gold Medal for Balance Beam. Her Olympics competition leotard was more abstract in its design than previous ones. There was the "patriotic" element but it wasn't so obvious and yes, the sequins were there (Thanksss Godsss!!)  

Olympics Fashion Grade: A-

Barbie Olympics: Nastia Liukin--Liukin was the All Around Gold Medalist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She won 5 total medals at the games: wow! And I also say "wow" to her bubblegum "Barbie pink" v-neck leotard with heat-pressed crystals. Adidas was smart in designing and creating a leotard in a BRIGHT BOLD COLOR and (for a change) one that wasn't so "I am wearing the USA flag!". She looked soooo cute! Barbie Doll Cute!  

Olympics Fashion Grade: A-

Gabby Douglas was the 3rd American Woman in a row to win the Gold Medal in the All Around Event. And although she wasn't as successful in her individual events, she is the only American woman to win a Gold Medal in the Team Final as well as a Gold Medal in the All Around. Gabby wore a Deep Fuchsia-violet colored iridescent Lycra leotard with (gasp!) a scoop neck (as opposed to the widely used by Gymnasts v-neck). And yes, there were crystals. There was NOTHING "Go USA!" about her leotard. I'm sure some of you out there might criticize her for that but, I think she looked Fashion Fab in this. 

Olympics Fashion Grade: A

Iridescent Blue-Violet Princesses: "Team USA" gymnasts Gabby Douglas and Jordan Wieber during the qualifying round at the 2012 London Olympics. For the Qualifying Rounds, the USA team wore these violet-blue iridescent leotards with crystal stars and a modified v-neck. They were a tad "Toddlers and Tiaras" and a bit of an 80's throw-back. But they still worked for me. The while point is to stand out, get noticed and give a "nod" to where they are from. So...good job.  

Olympics Fashion Grade: B+

Red Sequin Gold: The Fab Five in their Gold Medal winning leotards above, as they find out the results. These are the leotards they wore for their Team Competition. I loved these; they were bold in color and had the "bling-bling" of the silver crystals placed in a way to highlight their magnificent and well-trained upper torsos. This was probably the most Swarovski Crystals we've ever seen on a leotard and I love it!  

Olympics Fashion Grade: A

Stars and Stripes Final: Aly Raisman ended up being the most decorated American Gymnast at the 2012 London Olympics winning a Gold Medal in the Team Competition, a Gold Medal in the Floor Exercise and a Bronze on the Balance Beam. Here she is--going "Retro"-- wearing the very patriotic leotard during her Gold Medal winning Floor Exercise. The crystals add enough of a perfect sparkle to put a punctuation mark on her fabulous performances! 

Olympics Fashion Grade: A.



Click HERE to read a great interview with the makers of the now infamous US 2012 Olympic leotards.

London Summer Olympics 2012: Opening Ceremony Uniforms of the World--The Fab, Good, and Oh Dear!

London Summer Olympics 2012: Opening Ceremony Uniforms of the World--The Fab, Good, and Oh Dear!

London 2012 Parade of Nations Fashionistas

This past Friday were the much-awaited London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony, officially signaling the start of the 2012 London Olympics of course. I was in NY on business and watched it at my hotel. I always love watching the Olympics Opening Ceremony for the fabulous spectacle that it always is (Can you say BEIJING!!!). This time around British filmmaker, Danny Boyle (of "Slumdog Millionaire" fame) was placed as the Artistic Director of the London 2012 Opening Ceremony and he put on a fabulous show, taking audiences on a beautifully chaotic
journey through many iconic moments in British history, music, and literature. While the show itself wasn't Beijing jaw-dropping incredible (it's hard to top that darlings!), the Boyle
opening ceremony made for an awe-inspiring beginning to the world’s most
legendary event.

Face Dress: The girls who held the names of the respective nations of the world, all wore these A line-shaped dresses featuring a photo of London 2012 Olympics volunteers--and sensible shoes.



But for me--as a fashion designer and fashion-watcher of sorts--what I most look forward to is the

Parade of Nations and the countries uniforms and "costumes". Here are some of my choices for the Fashion Fab, the Fashion Good" and the  "Oh Dear!" from the 2012 London Summer Olympics Parade of Nations, all sectioned by the separate "areas" and/or continents of the world:



Europe:

The Netherlands: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these uniforms. For me, these were one of the best of all the 204 countries. They were designed by Suitsupply and Kudos to them! The colors were GREAT and noticeable from the nose-bleed seats in the stadium I am sure (I wasn't there so I wouldn't know, but I can only assume). The neon orange trench coat (I want ONE!), the matching pants, the dark blazers with white piping, the royal blue dresses. Oh, and to finish it all off, each uniform/outfit had a large tulip in its lapel. How do you say FABULOUS in Dutch? The look was chic, upper class trust funder from a very WASPY college. Parade of Nations Fashion Grade:  A

Belgium: I love any uniform that looks like they should be on some FAB flight attendants. And Belgium's uniforms fit the bill to a "T". They're  sexy, fashionable, and cheeky. Pop of color: check. Sleek styling: check. Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: A

Czech Republic: OK, I am just not sure what Wellies, umbrellas, bedazzled-trimmed blazers with contrast lining and printed cropped leggings or white shorts has to do with the Czech Republic. I assume the rain boots and umbrellas were some sort of a nod to London and it's sometimes rainy weather. Nevertheless, there are so many things going on in these "uniforms" that it's almost as if their theme was "Tacky Tourist". For that, they get a Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: C+ (they get points for "kookiness")

Germany: Things I like: the bright baby blue and "Barbie pink" colors. We can certainly spot them from a mile away. But then the nylon puffy zip-up jackets seem a bit "Fall/Winter" for me and along with the white pants, do not really scream "Germany" (save the hats with the German flag colors). These uniforms look more appropriate for the crew of the Princess Cruises. Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: C

Sweden: The fact that they could somehow transform the Swedish flag into a rugby shirt is fashion-commendable. One can certainly not confuse these kids with any other country that's for sure. Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: B-

Denmark: First off, the Danish are BEAUTIFUL! They all look like Nordic Gene Studies in Pretty. They all kind of look related. And well, the fact that all the women and all the men wore THE SAME outfits did not help the matter. They all look like they are either part of "The Sound of Music" von Trapp family...or flight attendants for EasyJet. Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: B-

Spain: Oh España!! Their bright red and yellow uniforms caused a bit of a controversy when they were revealed and especially when several of the country's Olympic athletes began tweeting photos of their outfits with commentary such as "Can You Believe the CRAZY outfit we have to wear??? #UniformFail" (in Spanish of course). At first glance they looked like McDonalds employees. But when they walked the Opening Ceremony on Friday, the outfits didn't look so bad. The fan-shaped purses and scarves are OK and the women had these cute red rose headbands--very "Bizet's Carmen". Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: B-

Great Britain: Congrats London and Congrats Great Britain for getting the 2012 Summer Games. However, I can't even say anything nice about these getup's. Fashion designer Stella McCartney worked with Adidas to design the sporting gear and
"village wear" (lounge wear) for Britain's home team. I'm not sure who designed these but they should be fired. These were BAAD. They were white tracksuits featuring cropped pants, tops and jackets with tacky gold mylar-looking accents and collars. I can see these looks at the Lunch Buffet on a cruise but NOT at the Olympics Opening Ceremony. What a fail for the host nation and the British athletes. Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: D



Asia:

India: I'm a sucker for a FAB Sari. So, they had me at Namaste. The bright canary yellow color of the women's saris and the turbans of the men, contrasted with the dark jackets made for a great visual display at Friday night's London 2012 Opening Ceremony. One of my Top Parade of Nations looks. Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: A

Malaysia: Three words: I Love It. Just look at those colors, those hats (songkok), the sarong-style overskirts (sampin) on the men...oh, and did I mention the women also looked great! THIS, is why I LOVE watching the Olympics Parade of Nations. Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: A



North and Central America, Caribbean:

Mexico: I mean SERIOUSLY. Mexico. You are SLAYING me with this! Absolutely Fab. It is so over-the-top, so-kitschy, so "Am I at El Coyote's Restaurant in LA?" that I feel as if someone will pull some  nachos with guacamole any minute now from their sombreros or colorful sarapes. I know many of you won't like these looks, but I love the fact that they really "went for it". Viva Mejico! Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: A-

Belize: Well done Belize. Sleek, crisp and chic, sportif. They look like well-heeled members of an exclusive country club. For a small Central American nation, you done did well, kids! For that, I give them my Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: A

Trinidad and Tobago: This Caribbean nation is here because of those FAB red with diagonal stripes wrap dresses on the ladies. I just wish the sleeves were not so long and the length didn't look so dowdy, but other that that, they get a Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: B-

Jamaica: Cedella Marley for Puma designed Jamaica's uniforms and they are some of the most stylish of the Parade of Nations bunch. Neon yellow, apple greens, and black (the flag's colors) combined with a unique print plus the on-trend color blocking and sleek athletic silhouettes make for great ensembles. Puma knows EXACTLY what it is doing. Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: A

Canada: Khaki pants, sneakers and a zip-up jacket isn't really that creative when it comes to uniforms, especially when compared to say what INDIA came up with...however, I do give Canada points for how matchy-matchy they are (in a good way) and the fact that you could never be in doubt of WHERE these kids are from (Hello, can you READ??). Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: B-

USA: A lot has already been said over the PR kerfuffle committed by the Ralph Lauren company for having the US Olympic Uniforms manufactured in China. It was a big PR #Fail for Mr. Lauren. But, as we all know, if they were made in the US, these uniforms would have probably cost Ralph Lauren and the US Olympic Committee FIVE to TEN times as much so that is why the turned to China. Next time, they just need to eat the cost. I am sure billion-dollar rich Ralph Lauren can take it. Nevertheless, yes, it was still an "Oops" moment. With that being said, I kinda liked these uniforms. They were clean, sharp and gave a slight nod to English prep schools and English Savile Row tailoring and of course, had the red, white, and blue of the US flag. To me, the only negative--style-wise, would be the berets and cut of the women's skirts which was not flattering on all body types. Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: B



Africa:

Nigeria: I loved these uniforms from the Nigerian Olympic representatives. The ensembles highlighted traditional Nigerian dress for both the men and women. They were festive and elegant and featured the colors of the nation's flag--green and ivory. Naturally, for me, my standouts were the women and those fitted gowns and draped and wrapped headdresses. And when they entered the auditorium dancing...well, I gave them a Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: A

Senegal: You cannot go wrong with bright canary yellow. Look at those great suit dresses on the women and the kaftans on the men...I need one, like NOW! (the kaftan) I wished the women's headdresses were more "Miss Universe Parade of Nations" over-the-top though. Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: A-

Cameroon: These colorful robes and tunics from the Cameroon group stood out for me for its traditional and folkloric extravagance. I only fault them when it came to the consistency of their footwear (the one in the white socks and Pumas got my "Fashion Fail" vote). Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: B+



Middle East:

Oman: The men wore traditional Omani robes (dishdasha) and headdresses (muzzar and kummar) which is fine but who really stands out is that woman in the royal blue with gold trimmed traditional ensemble. She ROCKS! Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: B



The Fashion Miss and Mr. Hottie of the London 2012 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony Are: 

Paraguay: Take a look at her! Paraguayan athlete Leryn Franco (she specializes in the javelin throw) is WORKING her cap-sleeved wrap dress, above-the-knee and more importantly, THAT plunging neckline. And need I add that she's GORGEOUS! She became a HUGE internet sensation during the 2008 Beijing Olympics and well, her stock is still WAY up after Friday night's appearance. She stole the "World's Sexiest Athlete" show. Even in those sensible ballet flats she could still STEAL YOUR HUSBAND. She wins my unofficial "Miss London Summer Olympics Parade of Nations Hottie".

Fiji: Finally, I have to give a title to a man. And boy is this A MAN. When the Parade of Nations happened on Friday and they got to the F's and Fiji came up, I could not focus for TEN minutes after that. This is who was holding the flag: 5' 9" tall Hottie McHottie Josateki Naulu, a Judo Olympic Athlete. Look at that body, the arms, the chest, the abs. Only Josateki could make wearing a grass skirt look SO manly. I wonder if he realizes that after Friday night's appearance, he will soon be the Poster Boy for Every Gay Hot-and-Sexy Body Blog. Mr. Naulu, you sir, are my "Mr. London Summer Olympics Parade of Nations Hottie"



Happy Summer Olympics!!!