July 26th 2024.
The excitement is palpable as we count down the hours until the 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony. This is always a monumental event, with millions of viewers tuning in from all over the world. When London hosted the games in 2012, a staggering 27 million people in the UK alone watched, and a further 900 million tuned in from overseas. This year, Paris has decided to do something a little different by hosting the ceremony along the beautiful banks of the River Seine. Needless to say, anticipation is high.
As the representatives from each country prepare to make their grand entrance, there is one question on everyone's mind: could the outfits chosen for Team GB have been a bit more exciting? While rower Helen Glover and diver Tom Daley looked sharp in their cream and navy bomber jackets designed by Ben Sherman, some fans couldn't help but feel underwhelmed. The jackets were paired with a knitted vest covered in tiny Union Jack prints, giving a charmingly patriotic touch. However, some were left wondering if the design could have been a little more adventurous.
On social media, the debate continued. One fan commented on Team GB's TikTok video, expressing their dislike for the half-Union Jack design on the white shirts. Another Olympic bronze medalist, Monica Aksamit, shared her thoughts in a video on her own account, stating that she was not impressed with the outfit and rating it a forgettable five out of ten. She described it as bland and lacking excitement.
With that in mind, we at Metro Lifestyle couldn't help but imagine what Team GB could have worn or taken inspiration from for the Olympic Opening Ceremony. From a certain Spice Girl's iconic Union Flag dress to historical British fashion, the possibilities were endless.
First up, who could forget Geri Halliwell and her famous flag dress? This would have been a perfect choice for Team GB, as it represents inclusivity and the idea that British fashion is for everyone. Geri became the face of Cool Britannia when she asked her sister to sew a Union Jack tea towel onto her black Gucci mini dress, wanting to celebrate her British heritage. She completed the look with red Buffalo boots, and the dress was later sold for a whopping £41,320, proving that girl power is still very much alive.
Another option could have been a Beefeater-inspired look. The Yeoman Warders, who have guarded the Tower of London since the Tudor Era, have a distinct and classic British style. Not only do they have one uniform for state dress, but they also have an "undress" outfit. Imagine Team GB donning gold-piped shorts and a sporty nylon ruff – it would have been a high-camp, yet stylish choice.
For a touch of fun and charity, Team GB could have taken inspiration from the Pearly Kings and Queens tradition. This tradition started in Victorian London, with a street-sweeper named Henry Croft who decorated his clothes with mother-of-pearl buttons to raise money for charity. Today, there are around 30 Pearly families who continue to raise money for various causes across the capital. Adding a bit of embellishment to the team's outfits, perhaps with designer Ashish's signature bedazzled touch, would have been a fun and unique option.
Lastly, since Team GB is made up of athletes from all over the country, why not incorporate some regional-inspired looks? A kilt or tartan-inspired outfit would have been fitting for the Scottish athletes, as kilts have been around since the 16th century. Athletes from Northern Ireland could have represented their heritage with tartan trousers, and the rural women of Wales could have shown off their traditional dress with distinctive petticoats and black beaver hats. This would have been a wonderful way for each sportsperson to showcase their roots on the world stage.
In conclusion, while the cream and navy jackets designed by Ben Sherman were a safe and classic choice, we can't help but imagine the endless possibilities of what Team GB could have worn or taken inspiration from for the Olympic Opening Ceremony. From iconic fashion moments to traditional British styles, there is no shortage of options to choose from. What do you think? Do you have a favorite look in mind? Share your thoughts with us!
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