Gymnast and Houston native Jonathan Horton was just 10 when he had that first Olympic moment.“I remember watching the 1996 Olympic Games and…the Women's Gymnastic team,” he recalls. “It came down to Kerri Strug—she had to land her vault—and she did it on a broken foot. I just have this perfect memory of seeing them on the awards podium with gold medals…the National Anthem playing, and that was the moment I realized…it's time to commit myself to this idea of the Olympic Games.”
That memory comes at you not from NBC, ESPN or Sports Illustrated, but from a video of Olympic athletes—including Horton, swimmer Ryan Lochte, soccer star Heather Mitts and paralympic basketballer Matt Scott—on Ralph Lauren’s website. These days, fashion websites are looking pretty darn sporty, as designers catch the Olympic spirit, creating gear for athletes—and fans.
Not all of us have the follow-through of Horton, now 26, who’s known for his outlandish aerial tricks, and won both the silver medal in high bar and the team bronze at the Beijing Olympic Games. But you can feel like him—maybe just a little—in designer gear worn by the athletes, and other merchandise inspired by the Olympics in general.
If shopping were an Olympic sport, what medal would you get? Be like Horton—go for gold!
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Horton hangs tough in Polo Ralph Lauren’s Team USA Custom-Fit Ringer Tee, $55. Available at select Ralph Lauren stores and ralphlauren.com.
Based in Great Britain, the luxe Jimmy Choo brand gives the ol' Union Jack a salute with a line of bags, scarves, footwear and more, like this Albany wallet in Union Jack printed denim, $425. Look for the line at select Jimmy Choo boutiques and jimmychoo.com.
Lawrence of Arabia could’ve worn Clarks’ Desert Boot Canvas, $125, under his long white Saharan robes (and been reminded of his native England), but we suggest your guy just toss them on with jeans. Shop for Clarks at piperlime.com.
Just in time for the Olympics, show the flag of your favorite country in a Lacoste polo. The famed French fashion sportswear retailer offers flag-inspired polos for Japan, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, China, France, Brazil, and, shown here, Canada. On sale for $98.99 at Lacoste.
Even Judith Leiber feels the call of the Olympic games. She’s created purses sparkling with crystals in the shape of the Union Jack, or this London Archive Minaudiere, $3,495, adorned with classic images of London. Judith Leiber is availble at Bergdorf Goodman, Manhattan; and judithleiber.com.
Nautica’s International Polo collection is, despite the name, more than just polos. You’ll find T-shirts, swim trunks, shorts, hoodies, jackets and hats emblazoned with the Stars ‘n’ Stripes and other national flags, including those of Italy, Brazil, Great Britain and more, like on this Graphic Tee, $39.50. Find Nautica at Macy’s stores and nautica.com.
Show your pride with this Lacoste USA tote bag in the red, white and blue. On sale for $80.99 at Macy's.
Old Navy feeds Olympic fervor with its Team USA line, a collection of T-shirts, shorts and other merchandise, including this Snoopy Future Champion Bodysuit for toddlers, $12.94. Available at Old Navy stores and oldnavy.com.
Panache’s maximum control ultimate underwire Sports Bra, $68, with adjustable straps and moisture-wicking microfiber, comes in a broad size range (28 to 40, B-H) and patriotic colorway. The bra reduces bounce by encapsulating and supporting each breast (rather than just flattening the bust against the chest wall), a handy feature if you’re going for the gold in beach volleyball, track and field or gymnastics (or just going for a jog). Panache is available at barenecessities.com and herroom.com.
You provide the stars and Dior’s got your stripes, with the Croisette 2/s sunglasses, $325, with red crystal lens. Shop for these at solsticesunglasses.com.
Jamaican track superstar Usain Bolt and Olympic hurdler Shevon Stoddart wear “Riddim” track jackets, $70, and drop-crotch pants (on him), $60, designed by Cedella Marley and Puma for the Jamaican team when they take to the medals podium. Items are for sale at select Puma stores (call toll-free 888-565-7862 for info) and shop.puma.com.
Swimmer Ryan Lochte stands in a Polo Ralph Lauren Flag Beach Towel, $60, and Team USA Custom Big Pony Polo, $145, with U.S. Olympic team patch and pony embroidered on front, London insignia on back. Find these at select Ralph Lauren stores and through ralphlauren.com.
British athletes will compete in gear from Adidas by Stella McCartney, plus, for consumers, she’s got a line of “Celebrate GB” pieces, including this diaphanous, waterproof Printed Cape, $175. Shop for the gear at select Nordstrom stores, Adidas Sports Performance stores and adidas.com.
Swimming phenom and U.S. Paralympics Team member Jessica Long chills in Ralph Lauren Blue Label’s Team USA Vintage Jersey Tank, $50; Fleece London Jacket, $165; and Polo Ralph Lauren’s Team USA silk Grosgrain Belt, $85. Available at select Ralph Lauren stores and ralphlauren.com.
