Ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the official Opening and Closing Ceremony wear of Team GB's athletes and staff has been revealed in collaboration with Ben Sherman, an official supporter of Team GB.
Launching with a short film shot by British icon fashion photographer RANKIN, Team GB Olympic medallists, medal hopefuls and rising stars were capturing wearing the cermony outfits, including track and field star Morgan Lake, diver Jack Laugher and taekwondo athlete Lutalo Muhammad.
Accompanying the film is a series of portraits, also shot by Rankin, featuring additional Team GB athletes Asha Philip, Galal Yafai, Philip Burgess and Lois Toulson.
The Ceremony looks and athlete portraits celebrate the heritage of both Ben Sherman and Team GB, showcasing athletes who are diverse in their backgrounds and sports, unified through their commitment, grit and determination to persevere through these extraordinary times and proudly stand together as Team GB representing everyone in the nation.
For the Opening Ceremony look, a classic Harrington jacket in navy is given a contemporary update with red and white union stripes on the sleeves, paired with the iconic Ben Sherman white oxford button-down shirt and light putty- coloured chinos.
For the Closing Ceremony, the look features navy chino shorts teamed with a classic white polo shirt featuring the striking printed Team GB’s lion’s head detail on the left sleeve and the official Tokyo 2020 badge and Olympic Rings on the chest.
Sustainability and functionality were also integral to the design, focusing on using comfortable, breathable and anti- bacterial fabrics such as organic cotton and eco-friendly bamboo viscose to create environmentally responsible pieces that allow the most function for each athlete. Ben Sherman footwear finishes the look, featuring super-soft flyknit, with wingtip details and EVA sole, allowing for premium cushioning and shock absorption.
British Olympic Association CEO, Andy Anson, commented: “This is an exciting moment for the athletes as they get kitted out and receive a variety of items including their Opening and Closing Ceremony wear from Ben Sherman. The clothes clearly highlight Ben Sherman’s heritage and capture the essence of the Team GB Brand in a creative way. We are sure the athletes will absolutely love the fit and the design.
Tim Reid, Senior Vice President, Fashion and Lifestyle for Ben Sherman, remarked. "It's such an honour for Ben Sherman to bring to life the strength and spirit of Team GB. We conveyed this through every facet of our partnership, the capsule collaboration, and the official Team GB uniform. We're excited to see the athletes showcase their Olympic pride through these designs on the grandest stage during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, starting with the Opening Ceremony on July 23rd.
The partnership is the second time Ben Sherman has worked with Team GB, previously providing official tailoring for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony will occur on July 23, 2021, with the Closing Ceremony on August 8, 2021.