The design has drawn inspiration from the UK's heritage and culture. The blazer's gold buttons are there and the fawn colour of the slacks so all has has not been lost of the traditional sports admin garb. There are other influences: the Grenadier Guards, The Beatles & Sargent Pepper uniforms all can clearly be seen. There are others according to the press release : British Sporting heritage – including the London 1948 Games, Wimbledon Tennis and Henley Regatta. I have yet to see these other influences in the pictures I have seen so far.
The net result is the sports administrators blazer brought up to date, bringing its look into the 21st Century. Remaining British but adding some quirkiness and modernity - functionality taking precedence over formality - reflecting a more relaxed Britain no starched collars or stiff upper lips yet respectful of what they once represented.
The uniform - designed by Adidas - is meant to be 'a visible presence' for the millions of spectators. Telegraph fashion editor Belinda White agrees as she says the uniform’s 'retina-searing' colours' qualities "should certainly help our heroes stand out in a crowd”.The Mirror quotes a joke from triple-jump legend Jonathan Edwards: “I’ve never seen polyester look so good!
The Telegraph points out “ that [the Games Maker's Uniform] resemble those worn by comic characters Dick Dastardly and Muttley [from Wacky Races]” and “just like on Star Trek, different roles will be signified by different coloured trims. White epaulettes will designate medical staff, green will identify anti-doping folk, and red signifies a team leader.”
Paul Deighton, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) chief executive expects the uniform to be highly adaptable 'It might be hot, cold, wet or dry and people are going to work in it for 10 hours solid, performing a variety of roles from meeting heads of state to waving buses into the right zones. It needs to be incredibly versatile for any body shape and size.'
I’m told Games Makers will start picking up their uniforms from April 2012. Each Games Maker will receive a jacket, polo shirt, trousers, trainers, socks, cap, bag, water bottle and an umbrella.
All looks good (purple's one of favourite colours) and sounds encouraging I'm looking forward to trying mine on but I’m not so sure about that umbrella, I recall Steve McClaren being dubbed the ‘Wally with the Brolly’!
