Update on the French Uniforms

The French Olympics site has more details on the wonderful team outfits worn at the opening ceremony. To answer some earlier questions that appeared here, the men’s ties are knit and the women’s berets are made from cotton. The sashes and handbags are real leather. The outfits are produced by a company called Elis, though we are not sure who designed them.

What I like is that the look is quintessentially French but also very chic. Most citizenries find it difficult looking both up-to-date and traditional. Despite all the praise in the media for the English team uniforms – they were very hip – they could have done better at looking English, considering the rich sartorial traditions of the island. The Americans looked good and very American, but not exactly fashionable. There was too much of a schoolboy or airline attendant vibe.

Nels Frye is a freelance writer, photographer, consultant and stylist, based in Beijing. Focuses are on street style, other consumer trends, and broader social issues.

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