Achi news desk-
TORONTO –
Canada’s team kit look for Paris was a big hit with boccia athlete Alison Levine. The practicality of the costumes was what blew her away.
Lululemon showed off its collection for the Summer Olympics and Paralympics on Tuesday at the Liberty Grand entertainment centre. Athletes sported a variety of selections during a fashion show that included clothes to be worn on the podium, during the opening and closing ceremonies, media interviews and everyday life on the ground in France.
“I would say classic but iconic Canadian with that touch of elegance and beauty,” Levine said of the collection.
This is the first Summer Games for Vancouver-based Lululemon since becoming the apparel player for the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic committees ahead of the Beijing 2022 Winter Games.
Unlike some of the more outlandish kits over the years, there were no cowboy hats, berets or Canadian tuxedo looks on display.
Simple and sporty was the focus with some colorful designs giving a more playful edge. The base was red and white but they used what Lululemon called modern silhouettes and Canadian inspired prints.
“It’s very Canadian, I think they nailed it,” said diver Nathan Zsombor-Murray. “They got the right colours: red, white, a hint of black and a little bit of purple. I think they did a really good job with the design.”
The pack also included features such as magnetic-close zippers, pull-on handles, and sensory touch guides to support a diverse range of body types and abilities.
Levine, who is preparing for her third Paralympic Games, said she first took part in focus group discussions on the kit over two years ago.
“I’m literally wearing pants with features that I told Lululemon were important to wheelchair users and here I am (a few) months later wearing them,” she said. “I feel heard, I feel understood and most importantly, I feel comfortable.”
Athlete Danielle Ellis wears the kit for media appearances during the unveiling of Team Canada’s Lululemon Athlete Kit for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Toronto on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
Around 200 people took in the proceedings, which began with a flashy presentation complete with multi-screen video boards. Canadian swimmer Benoit Huot – winner of 20 Paralympic medals – and retired women’s soccer goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé served as co-hosts.
The Lululemon deal runs through the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. Hudson’s Bay Company’s 16-year run as a Canadian outfitter ended after the 2021 Tokyo Summer Games.
Some pieces from the new collection were available for purchase on Lululemon’s website on Tuesday, a day before the in-store release. The price of the ventilated bomber jacket was $398, a convertible jacket was $248 and convertible pants were $198.
Among some of the other items: a sheer hooded jacket was $188, a button-down shirt was $98 and high-waisted shorts were $68.
“What stands out is the amount of attention to detail Lululemon has put into it,” said COC chief executive officer David Shoemaker. “It’s not just the fit, it’s not just the function, it’s the fabrics and the tapestries.
“All of that comes together in a great way.”
Lululemon said it conducted product testing and feedback sessions with 19 Canadian athletes across 14 different sports when designing the kit.
“What I’m most proud of is not only that it’s a beautiful collection, but more importantly, the innovation and authenticity of working with them through the relationships and creating innovative solutions with their input,” said Principal. Lululemon CEO Calvin McDonald.
The Olympic Games are scheduled for July 26-August 11. The Paralympic Games will be held from August 28-Sept. 8.
This report was first published by The Canadian Press on April 16, 2024.
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