Good morning, Wednesday. It's one of those weeks where I have no idea what day it is- so thank goodness for my computer teling me we're almost over the hump. I'm off to LA on Sunday for the work week as yet another birthday will be spent in the city of Angels (it's a bit of a theme in my life). In the meantime, I'm vexed by the pictures I saw yesterday of Ralph Lauren's designs for our Olympic athletes, who will march into the stadium on July 27th and do us all proud.
And though I am all for Ralph's classic aesthetic, I can't understand why he decided to make our young heroes and heroines look like flight attendants trapped in a bad Gatsby remake. It's been a few rough years for our nation and I for one find the Olympics to be inspiring, uplifting, and a great distraction. And as someone who follows fashion and pop culture like a junkie, how in hell could anyone think that today's young people should wear outfits like these? America may no longer be the bright, shiny thing it once was, but our heritage of being a pop culture leader and steward of all things cool should not be overlooked- instead our athletes are going to look like super dorks. We have so many amazing young designers on our shores ( Alexander Wang, Phillip Lim, Billy Reid to name a few)- why can't we celebrate our coolness and effortless style by outfitting our athletes in something a bit more modern and stylish and with some good old American swagger? Why are we squandering an opportunity to show the world our style?
My pick for the Olympic designer would be Billy Reid (looks pictured above)- his attention to traditional American looks retooled for a new generation would be so perfect- if you have to rock red, white, and blue- do it right. I can see women in simple shifts and belts showing off those beautiful athletic bodies and the men in something cool like seersucker or lightweight navy suits- or even better, jeans and a button down with a stylish tie. And like all things these days, the choice of looks and designers should have been given to all Americans to decide- would have been fun to vote for the best looks and then see them at the opening ceremonies. And though I'll be watching and most likely wincing through the procession, I so wish we could let our future champions look the part- and if you know anyone under the age of 60 or is not a sailor who wears white pants like these, please bring them to me. It just feels so out of step with who we are, and who we want to be. You know who else would have rocked this? Jena Lyons and J. Crew- and then they could have sold the outfits in store. Would love to see what her quirky yet classic American aesthetic would yield
And that's what's up this make it cool kind of Wednesday in the 718. I really do wonder what Mr. Lauren was thinking. And what up with those berets- since when are they the mark of a champion? I so wish we could look the part, and be cool about it. XO