New York-based designer, Telfar Clemens, has recently unveiled a sneak peek of the Olympic uniform he has created for the Liberian team. As the official sponsor of the team, Telfar’s eponymous brand will showcase their unique design at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics in July.
The first look at Liberia’s Olympic uniform was shared on Telfar’s Instagram account. The design features a blue and white color scheme, paying tribute to Telfar’s signature unisex one-shouldered tank. Fans of the brand are encouraged to tune in to the Olympic opening ceremony on July 23, which has been dubbed “Our Runway.”
The collaboration between Telfar and the Liberian Olympic team was made possible by Liberian Olympic sprinter, Emmanuel Matadi. After hearing his girlfriend talk about Telfar bags, Matadi, knowing Telfar Clemens’ Liberian-American background, approached Liberia’s Olympic attaché, Kouty Mawenh, about a potential partnership.
While Telfar Clemens had not previously delved into designing performance wear, he embraced the opportunity to explore this new category. As part of their sponsorship, Telfar’s brand will cover the food and travel expenses of the Liberian team. The uniforms are currently undergoing rigorous testing by Liberia’s athletes, with final adjustments being made to ensure they meet the necessary performance requirements.
The track and field athletes from Liberia will proudly sport the uniforms crafted by Telfar Clemens at both the opening and closing ceremonies of the Tokyo Olympics. In an interview with The New York Times, Clemens described his design as one-of-a-kind. He was given creative freedom to “go crazy” with the design, resulting in a truly unique and distinctive uniform.
Following the conclusion of the games, Telfar fans will have the opportunity to purchase a selection of Olympics-inspired athletic pieces. Additionally, Telfar’s brand plans to launch a broader line of workout and sportswear in September. This collaboration between Telfar Clemens and the Liberian Olympic team not only showcases the designer’s talent, but also highlights the global impact and influence of fashion in the realm of sports.
Useful links:
1. Official Olympic Website
2. Telfar’s Official Website
