The Official Suppliers to the 2012 Australian Olympic Team, Sportscraft and Volley, embarked on the Australian uniform journey to London 2012 with the help of some great Australian Olympians.
In 2011, a Uniform Design Sub-Committee was developed, led by dual Olympic gold medallist and 2012 Chef de Mission Nick Green as well as three other Australian Olympians - Chris Fydler (swimming 2000 and 2012 Deputy Chef de Mission), Libby Trickett (swimming 2004, 2008, 2012) and Trent Franklin (water polo 2004, 2008).
The Committee was charged with developing a design brief for the 2012 Opening Ceremony Uniform in order for Sportscraft and Volley to create a uniform in line with what athletes would want to wear.
The brief summised that the athletes wanted to feel "proud, inspired and honoured" to be wearing the Opening Ceremony uniform. They felt it important that the uniform be contemporary, stylish, wearable, slim-fit and classic modern. Alongside style, comfort was identified as an important factor, with athletes spending up to seven hours on their feet during the Ceremony.
Speaking on behalf of the Committee, Libby Trickett said: “It was really great for athletes to be part of the design process and I was so excited to have the opportunity to be a part of it. We wanted to create something that suited the majority of athletes and I think what has been designed has turned out really well. The style and cut are the real highlight for me, I think it will be really flattering. They have met the brief and I can really see ‘Australia’
With over 1,500 prospective Team members fitted by Sportscraft and Volley, a uniform for the Opening Ceremony and a uniform for the Team Reception and other similar functions throughout the Games has been created. Tailored to the different shapes, sizes and heights of the athletes, the uniform features a bespoke size range going from a size 2XS to 7XL and shoes starting from a size 13 kids through to a 18 US men’s.
AOC President John Coates said: “It is really important that the athletes were involved in the design process for the London 2012 Opening Ceremony uniform. Given the strong Australian heritage and rich sporting history of both Sportscraft and Volley, we are very excited to have them both on board as suppliers and I know the athletes will be very proud to wear the new uniform.”
Sportscraft http://www.sportscraft.com.au have dressed Australia’s Olympians in their Opening Ceremony and formal uniforms at recent Olympic Games and Olympic Winter Games, and it is with enormous pride that the Australian brand is again dressing them for London 2012. In a nod to its 98-year Australian heritage, the Opening Ceremony uniform portrays the Australian “laid back” lifestyle, while still achieving a smart and traditional look (echoing the brand values of Sportscraft)
Sportscraft have created a uniform where the hero is the vintage sports jacket, which takes its inspiration from Australian sporting heritage and is both timeless and authentic. The uniform is relaxed and comfortable and reflects the Australian lifestyle. A garment wash gives the uniform a vintage feel enhanced by old gold embroidery of the Olympic crest. The modern colour palette features an Australian green and gold offset with crisp white. Attention has been paid to the detailing with antique style brass buttons and a navy trim.
Daniel Bracken, CEO, Apparel Group said: “Sportscraft are very proud and excited to have once again worked with the AOC on the 2012 Opening Ceremony uniforms. It is an honour for us to be a part of this collaboration:
London 2012 marks a first for Volley being an Official Supplier of the Australian Olympic Team. Continuing its role in Aussie sporting history, Volley is proud to reveal its customised sandshoe for the Opening Ceremony. The 2012 Australian Olympic Team Volley is white, with a custom green and navy woven collar and heel tape, green leather collar lining, 4mm wide green round wax coated laces with gold metal aglets, full grain leather tongue with the Australian Olympic Crest and Rings laser etched on the front side and ‘Australian Olympic Team 27 July – 12 August’ on the inside, and a souvenir custom molded metallic gold metal laser etched swing tag.
Pacific Brands CEO, Sue Morphet said: “Volley is an iconic Australian brand, making it the perfect fit in every sense for the Australian Olympic Team. The past 18 months have been huge for Volley, with the range reset to its original specifications and the re-launch of three classic styles from the archives as well as this partnership with the AOC. We are truly honoured that Volley will be recognised as an Official Supplier to the Australian Olympic Team.”
The Australian Olympic Team will wear the uniform by Sportscraft and Volley at the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games on July 27, 2012. To share the spirit of the Games with all Australians, both Sportscraft and Volley will release licensed products, giving consumers the chance to own a piece of Australian Olympic history.
