The Parade of Nations. Half-lap of glory, part-fashion present, this integral a part of the Olympic opening ceremony – when competing international locations battle it out to probably the most fashionable – by no means fails to set the Twittersphere alight. Right here, we kind the wheat from the chaff. In your marks…
The Greatest
Indonesia
Indonesia’s choose ‘n’ mixture of nationwide costume screamed IDGAF in the absolute best method. Made up of Balinese, Lampuan and Papuan conventional costume, the staff had its pattern-clashing on level.
USA
Regardless of its glittering trophy case, America’s observe document for opening ceremony outfits is relatively murky. This 12 months was a pleasing shock although, with Ralph Lauren offering rig-outs that nailed Ivy League preppy.
Pakistan
In an ocean of orange dashikis and fluoro sportswear, Pakistan shunned the peacockery for these minimal takes on their nationwide garb. No fussiness, no fanciness, no flamboyant flagbearers – simply straight-up understated excellence. And impeccable layering.
Canada
DSquared2’s Canuck ensembles have been a uncommon instance of outfits wanting simply nearly as good in actuality as they do on chiselled (and retouched) lookbook fashions. Certain, we would not have the arms of an Olympic shot putter, however these maple leaf jackets have a type of one-size-fits-all enchantment.
Liberia
Any staff with the balls to parade round in a mash-up of the Liberian flag and a sq. gown poncho will get our vote. Impractical, sure, however proof that memorable type doesn’t at all times have to suit a Eurocentric mould.
Israel
Tonal dressing, geometric prints and an total smooth sports activities luxe enchantment – effectively color us shocked, Israel.
The Worst
Tonga
We’re unsure if Tonga’s Pita Taukatofua moonlights as an beginner porn star, however the greased up torso and first faculty play costume are making us suspicious. We get it, a nation’s conventional costume has a spot on the Olympics, however there’s one thing about this mixture of rippling six pack, Hollywood smile and Johnson’s child oil that simply doesn’t appear fairly genuine.
Sweden
You recognize that Scandi cool we’re without end banging on about? Yeah? Effectively, it’s lifeless – because of Sweden’s embarrassment of an outfit, a large number of lemon yellow charmeuse jackets and a flagbearer that appears just like the Recreation of Thrones forged on sports activities day.
Cuba
Cuba’s effort isn’t offensive, it’s only a little bit of a letdown. And contemplating the truth that design demigod Christian Louboutin was on the helm, plain blue tracksuits worn by blokes your granddad’s age simply aren’t that podium-worthy.
Thailand
Vegas croupier or strolling photo voltaic panels? We’re nonetheless unsure, however Thailand’s lamé/lame (delete as acceptable) effort is extra Khao San Highway than Bangkok boojie.
Australia
Straight from a brisker’s week ‘Skool Daze’ social gathering to the Rio Olympics, Australia will get it fallacious once more. Come on Oz, get your shit collectively.
