U-S-A! U-S-A!
Ralph Lauren unveiled the opening ceremony uniforms for Team USA at the winter Olympics in Sochi on Jan. 23. Appearing on Today, Jared Zezel and Jessica Schultz, Olympic team curlers, modeled the patriotic look consisting of a cardigan, turtleneck, white fleece pants, belt, and leather boots, all made in the United States.
"It is a privilege to be a part of dressing Team USA during the Sochi Games," says David Lauren, Ralph Lauren’s son and executive vice president of advertising, marketing and corporate communications, in a press release. "It’s a proud moment for us to watch these premier athletes as they walk out representing our nation on a global stage in front of billions of people worldwide."
The stand-out piece of the uniform is the patchwork cardigan featuring the Olympic rings and various Americana motifs like stars and stripes. Forty vendors contributed to the making of the statement cardigan, including wool from Oregon that was knitted by California's Ball of Cotton team.
However, if you're not one of the lucky few to march in the parade, you can still get your hands on the Team USA Opening Ceremony Cardigan and other official Olympic team styles. The limited-edition knit piece is for sale for $595. While the price tag is hefty, for the first time ever, 100 percent of the purchase price will be donated to the U.S. Olympic Committee.