Embrace the Spirit of the Games: Ralph Lauren Dresses Team USA for Milano Cortina 2026
Unveiling the Three Distinct Collections for the Upcoming Games
This morning, Ralph Lauren officially showcased the uniforms across three categories for its Olympic and Paralympic designs: the Opening Ceremony, the Village wear, and the Closing Ceremony attire. Each ensemble, ranging from a rugby-inspired shirt to contemporary barrel-leg jeans and an updated American flag sweater adorned with Olympic rings, unmistakably conveyed both American identity and the quintessential Ralph Lauren brand essence. In many respects, when it comes to styling the nation's elite athletes, these two sentiments are inextricably linked. David Lauren, the company's chief branding and innovation officer, shared with ELLE, "We maintain a very close collaborative relationship with the athletes of Team USA."
The Extensive Design Process: Crafting Comfort and Legacy
David Lauren elaborated on the comprehensive development process, which commenced approximately two and a half years ago. He emphasized the team's commitment to ensuring athletes feel at ease on the international platform, particularly those who may be experiencing their first overseas competitions. "We dedicate considerable effort to crafting the narrative, delving into the history of the Olympics and the participating teams, engaging with the athletes, and considering their presence in Milan\u2014a renowned fashion capital. Subsequently, we infuse the meticulous craftsmanship and superior quality required to ensure these garments endure." As an illustration, Lauren noted that the white toggle jackets for the Opening Ceremony were domestically produced on Long Island.
Personal Touches and Brand Heritage in Every Stitch
While acknowledging that fashion might take a more prominent role in a city like Milan, Lauren affirmed that each piece is fundamentally designed with the core Ralph Lauren spirit in mind. He singled out a shearling bomber jacket, which he wore during the interview, as his personal favorite. Lauren explained, "This jacket mirrors the one my father wore when he first launched his business. My mother and grandmother would help sew labels into the ties, and he famously sold ties door-to-door, often wearing a bomber jacket similar to this one. Many of the narratives behind our clothing are deeply personal and uniquely Ralph Lauren." In a similar vein, the brand endeavors to elevate the individual stories of each Olympian.
An Athlete's Perspective: The Unifying Power of the Uniform
For American Paralympic snowboarder and gold medalist Brenna Huckaby, participating in her third Games is as exhilarating as her debut. She confided in ELLE, "It's about relishing every stage of the journey and preventing external pressures and expectations from diminishing the profound experience of achieving a dream that so many aspire to, yet few realize." She added, "There's an undeniable magic in donning the uniform and seeing your teammate beside you, wearing the same one. It's a powerful reminder of the immense effort we both invested to reach this pivotal moment."