True Patriot Love: Team Canada Unveils Uniforms at Sochi 2014 Opening Ceremony

The just-unveiled official parade uniforms for Team Canada. Photo courtesy Hudson's Bay.

As I sit here and watch the Sochi 2014 Opening Ceremony, I am one proud (albeit superficial) Canadienne. Whether we win the most medals or not, Team Canada always has the most kick-ass uniforms at the Opening Ceremony thanks to the amazing design team at Hudson's Bay. I don't know too much about the athletes or the rules of each sport, but I can give you a play-by-play of the uniforms that'll put Ron McLean to shame.

Inspired by Hudson’s Bay’s classic scarlet blanket, the perfect-red toggle coat features the Hudson’s Bay and Canadian Olympic Team crests.  The coat is layered on top of a black mock turtleneck and wool v-neck sweater for women, and a tailored white dress shirt, wool cardigan, and red and white striped tie for men. To finish it off, athletes wear the official 2014 red mittens that convey the “we can own the podium” message and a red, white and black pom pom toque with CANADA emblazoned proudly on the front.  Can I get a medal for that?

“The Opening Ceremony look was designed to reflect who we are as a nation; it is both classic and modern and reflects tradition, elegance and strength,” says Hilary Kelley, VP of Design, Creative Director, Hudson’s Bay.

And if you want to cheer on Team Canada in proper sartorial form, the whole look is available now at Hudson's Bay, no training required.  The duffle coat is available for both men and women and is currently on sale for $199 (thanks for the tip, Linz!).  The pompom toque and the red mittens are also available for adults and children, with $3.33 from the sale of each pair of mittens going directly to the Canadian Olympic Foundation.  

The Sochi 2014 Canadian Olympic Team Collection can be purchased online at thebay.com and is available at all Hudson’s Bay stores across Canada now.

GO TEAM CANADAAAAAA! Shady as Sochi is, are you as stoked to watch the Olympics as I am?  Don't even get me started on the figure skating costumes...

xx

Hudson's Bay Unveils Team Canada Olympic Uniforms for Sochi 2014

All pics courtesy Hudson's Bay

I went to school for 2 things: Kinesiology and Fashion. The Kinesiology part went nowhere (sorry Western) but when I watch the Olympics, I at least know the history of the Games (marginally useless info, I know), and I am somewhat qualified to comment on the team uniforms. I might not remember a radius from an ulna (I blame it on the partying - again, sorry Western) but I can definitely tell a good team uniform from a bad one. Hudson’s Bay just unveiled the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Team Collection for the upcoming Sochi 2014 Games and I'm impressed. 'Impressed' is a technical word I learned at fashion school along with 'cute' 'I die' and 'totes amaze.' 

Created by the Hudson's Bay design team, the inspiration for the Sochi 2014 Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Team Collection was to capture the spirit of Canada. The outfits incorporate the perfect shade of red (naturally), the maple leaf, and Canada's animals, including the beaver. Don't laugh.

“Canada’s style and personality is instantly recognizable internationally, and we designed the Olympic uniforms to reflect who we are as a nation,” says Hilary Kelley, VP of Design, Hudson’s Bay Company.  “The Collection embodies modernity and classic refinement.  Canadians are passionate about their country; they are avid competitors, they are caring and dedicated.  For the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Uniform, we wanted to ensure our amazing athletes could feel proud, confident and carry with them the tremendous support of an entire nation as they prepare to bring home the gold.”  

The 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Collection boasts a wide range of items including colour-blocked tees, classic sweaters and athletic sweatshirts and hoodies, down-filled and puffer jackets, and brand new accessories including the now-famous Red Mittens, ranging from $5 - $275. 

The entire 2014 Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Team Collection can be purchased online now at  thebay.com and will be in all locations of Hudson’s Bay from October 30 until 2015. 

So...thoughts? Do you love the new uniforms? And who will you be cheering for at Sochi 2014 in 98 days? I want the red toggle coat and Caroline Calvé's legs. Is there a way to get those without all of the pain, hard work and sacrifice?

Speaking of sacrifice, I'm off to dress up like a flamingo. The things we do for our kids...

xx