Stella McCartney Great Britain: Prices range from $47 for swimming trunks to $56 for leggings to $130 for a cycling jersey at london2012.com.

Fit in

Designers strike gold with runway-worthy Olympic wear

By MELINDA ANDERSON

He has trained for years. His pursuit of excellence is legendary. His devotees are eager to see him shine in London this summer. It’s not just phenom decathlete Bryan Clay or superstar paralympic basketballer Matt Scott who are going for gold. Fashion fans everywhere are heralding iconic American designer Ralph Lauren, who is the official outfitter of the 2012 US Olympic team.

“We wanted to create a collection that represents some of our core brand values — excellence, confidence and authenticity. We wanted to give our athletes something that really celebrates the excitement of American sportsmanship,” says David Lauren, executive vice president at Polo Ralph Lauren.

This is the third Olympic partnership for the mega-brand. This year’s line pays homage to the illustrious history of Team USA.

“I think we achieved that goal by capturing the authenticity and history of the 1948 Summer Games in London in a bold, modern design,” Lauren says. “We were greatly inspired by vintage pieces, updating those designs with high-performance fabrics and lightweight materials appropriate for an athlete. In classic red, white and navy, the collection gives a patriotic nod to Team USA.”

The London Olympics in 1948 were historic for their significance as a marker of the end of World War II. The games had been on hiatus for 12 years, and their return — albeit pared down due to postwar rationing and a shaky economic climate — signalled the modern era. America literally set the gold standard that year. Team USA won the most medals of any country, 84 in total, 38 of them on the top of the podium.

Reissued heritage pieces with felt “USA” embellishment, vintage track-and-field motifs and an updated 1948 crest commemorate the winningest team at the extraordinary games. And hopefully give good mojo to this year’s athletic roster. Modern pieces include details like a new team logo, a graphic “12” and Ralph Lauren’s signature polo pony.

“The Olympic collection is for sportsmen and spectators alike. These are functional, sporting pieces mixed with time-honored styles that reflect and preserve American heritage,” Lauren says.

All but opening-ceremony outfits, which will be released in early July during the immediate run-up to the games, will be available online at ralphlauren.com May 15.

Not to be outdone by one of America’s most beloved brands, hosts Great Britain and always-stylish Italy have also put up top contenders to steal the best-dressed prize.

English powerhouse Stella McCartney joined forces with her longtime collaborator Adidas for the ultimate in high-tech apparel. But for those of us who salivate over how things look: Get excited, because the pieces embody cool. A retail line is available at london2012.com.

Taking Britain’s most recognizable symbol besides David Beckham as a starting point, McCartney blows up the Union Jack into a graphic display worthy of the parade of nations. The reimagined flag loses its bold red, which the designer reserved for trim. The result is at once totally familiar and totally fresh. Plus, the bold lines of her country’s emblem appear already in motion.

Playing it slightly closer to the, well, vest, is Giorgio Armani who has issued mere teases of what spectators can expect from his attire for Italy’s national team. Set to be released through his sportswear label, EA7, the line will include both athletic and presentation wear.

The sketches reveal the expert tailor’s masterly clean lines and minimal perfection in relaxed — but heavy on style — vests, tees, shorts, jackets and pants. Well-polished runners here and abroad are already drooling in anticipation.

Lovers of Italian style can also look forward to that country’s sailing team uniforms, designed by Prada. The label has long sponsored high-seas competitions, including four America’s Cups. Sailors will be decked out in bright blue jackets, polo shirts and fitted pants, all replete with the signature thin red Prada label.

Nearly as surprising is Jamaica’s entry into the world of the well-heeled athlete.

Although fashion designer Cedella Marley, daughter of reggae icon Bob, doesn’t have the breadth of experience or worldwide fame of Lauren, McCartney and Armani, her surname is entirely emblematic of her country. Marley partnered with Puma for her collection showcasing the bright green and yellow of the national flag accompanied by names like “Buffalo Soldier” (a button-down shirt) and “Exodus” (men’s pants).

Curiously absent so far from a splashy Olympic design announcement has been France, the style standard-bearer.

With so many designers entering the field, it’s easy to dress like a winner.