Olympic Fashion - The Real Competition

This February, all eyes will be on Canada as Vancouver plays host to the 2010 Winter Olympics. While the athletes are ostensibly the focus, I think the real competition starts at the opening ceremonies with each country displaying their team uniforms.

So where will Canada stand on the sartorial podium come February?

In the past, Team Canada has been a little - let's face it - lame, when it comes to Olympic apparel. The European teams were so chic, and no matter how hard we tried, we just couldn't compete with their fashion-forward looks. Anyone remember the frenzied eyesore of the Beijing Olympic clothes?


This year there's extra pressure on Canada as the host country to present Olympic apparel that people will actually want to buy. When visitors come from around the world, they'll be expecting to find souvenirs they won't be embarrassed to wear.

Luckily, HBC did not disappoint. I'll admit I was initially skeptical of the choice of designer (were Dean and Dan busy?), but the Bay won me over with their line.


The kitschy Canadiana theme - lumberjack shirts, trapper hats and all, is just irresistible. Practical, laid-back, and not afraid to poke fun at the Canadian image on the world stage, the clothing presents a distinctly Canadian aesthetic.

Finally, our Olympic clothing is as unique as our country. Now that's gold-medal worthy, in my opinion.