Chinese models wear the official uniforms of referees and judges (grey), volunteers (blue) and technicians and staff (red) of the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games during an unveiling ceremony in Beijing in this January 20, 2008 file photo. [Agencies]
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How does the design embody the concepts of a "Green Olympics, High-tech Olympics and People's Olympics"?
When you look at the uniforms you will find many detailed designs that reflect these ideas. Beijing's summer is hot. So the producers chose fabrics for the T-shirts that wick away moisture. Meanwhile, if temperature drops, a jacket with long sleeves will help. If it rains, the waterproof jacket is your best choice.
The trousers are practical, comfortable and look nice. If you examine the trousers carefully, you will find a hidden zipper at the knee. If you feel too hot, you can zip off the part below the knee, and it will become shorts. This saves the cost of making more clothes. The zipper won't bother the users because it is sewn between two-layers of clothes and won't come in contact with skin.
During the design process, did you get advice from non-professional people?
Yes. We invited many average people to give their opinions. Our design is not just for BOCOG staff and volunteers, but also for many spectators worldwide. We benefited from their suggestions because sometimes you have to admit their immediate reactions are correct or reasonable.
How does the uniform embody a combination of Chinese traditional elements and modern fashion?
The graphics – lucky clouds – can be viewed as a good translation of Chinese traditional culture. In traditional design, we usually find the graphics are separate from the clothing and just function as decoration. However, in designing the Olympic uniforms, we viewed the background color as another type of graphic. On the upper body the white background also takes on the shape of a core graphic of lucky clouds.
The uniforms are provided by Beijing Olympics partner Adidas, and will be worn by about 130,000 people during the Games. During design process, we took into consideration of the wearers' genders, ages, heights and figures to ensure most people look good in the outfits.
Meanwhile, we made use of graphics to flatter people's curves and figures to coincide with the modern aesthetic standard. This kind of design is a trend in the fashion industry. Graphics are not only decoration but also manifests power.
Will the Olympic outfits come into fashion?
Yes, I think so. Many friends around me are keen on buying and collecting Olympic uniforms. Whoever wears the outfits now will be regarded as a trendsetter. The combination of fashion and sports will blossom into a new research area for uniform designers, and sports fashion may become a new industry in China.
Would you like to join in designing project if there will be an opportunity for other large-scale sports event in the future?
I'd love to. Through the design process for the Beijing Olympic uniforms, we have accumulated lots of valuable experience working for a large international sports event. Even if I don't have the opportunity to participate in the future, I would still like to share my experience with designers.
