Tuesday 10 July 2012

Sports & Fashion- Team GB kit

Designer Stella McCartney definitely made a big statement with the team GB kit showcasing numerous outfits with a VERY blue British flag and highlights of red displayed on collars, socks and shoes of the kit.


Overall, I personally don't think McCartney has done a bad job - to me the kit looks sleek, modern and moves the iconic British flag towards a more wearable fashionable statement. Athletes said it had the 'wow-factor', however many have criticised it has the 'X-factor' as the kit displays a logo which is very similar to that of the british reality show. Others have also complained due to the lack of red the clothing seemed to show case, say that it's not patriotic enough towards the british flag.


Stella McCartney defends her design by saying, "I see many feel as strongly about the Union flag as I do! The design actually uses more red and shows more flag than any Team GB kit since '84." 


The design choice also makes it easier for people to spot team GB with the union jack taking up alot of the kit and leaving less room for confusion for the public to mix up the colours with other countries such as france or america. McCartney designed a kit not just with the interest of fashion critics in mind but the athletes too ensuring both functionality and practicality. The kit designed by adidas is also very high performance using lighter, breathable, form streamlined and other high tech materials.


If you didn't initially like the kit, give it a chance, it might grow on you! If you were a fan right from the start Stella McCartney has made a design that'll be seen by billions all over the world and will be spoken about for years to come.


Sophia


Wednesday 13 June 2012

Sophia's OSL Journey - Sports & Fashion

I got involved in the Our Sporting Life exhibition because I wanted to try something new, fun and different. Something I don't think people would think I'd ever do. I confess (*hands up*) I'm not really a sporty person... As much as I like to think I am.


But I can honestly say being part of the OSL project has changed my outlook on sport. I used to think that sport was for people with amazing physique and only affected athletes. However, throughout the making of the exhibition my ideas about sport have changed and I realise now how wrong I really was.


I realised how sports has influenced the fashion industry so much (Bukta & Fred Perry being the main success stories within our project).  With the London 2012 Olympics being such a big scene this year everyone wants to get their share - even in the fashion industry 'Sport Luxe' is the new in-thing this season. Chanel, Prada and Marc Jacobs have all sent something down the catwalk that has something to do with sport. It shows how sports and fashion has developed from streetwear to high end couture, catering for a wide range of tastes and styles. I bet even you are either wearing something that has been influenced by sports right now, or have an item in your wardrobe that is.


Oh and did you know converse were originally made for basketball players?!! I honestly thought they were designed for people like 'hipsters' in mind.


I love how within a year the OSL project has helped to broaden my mind and make me realise the impact sport really does have on each and everyone of our lives. Next time you're out on the street see how many people you can spot with a sports influenced type of clothing.


(I can assure you there's ALOT)


Sophia

Monday 11 June 2012

Oliver Walkden's Our Sporting Life Story





My Our Sporting Life journey began 18 months ago at the Museum of Wigan Life, where I am involved in a youth group called the Youth Heritage Action Team (YHAT). The group was asked to create an exhibition for Our Sporting Life project - and this goal was realised early in December 2011, when the 'Rugby and the Rest' exhibition was launched at the Robin Park Sports and Tennis Centre in Wigan. 

During this process, I met Adele Finley. She subsequently invited me to be part of the bigger Our Sporting Life project at the Manchester Art Gallery, where another group of young people would research, design and brainstorm to create an exhibition to be placed in the new National Football Museum at the Urbis in Manchester. I instantly took the opportunity to participate in, what would be, the grand finale of Our Sporting Life.

I have a keen interest in sport. From the age of 8, I have played tennis competitively, most recently winning the 14 & Under Lancashire Championships and representing the county in 2009. However, in the same year, I was diagnosed with a pars defect of my lumbar vertebrae (a stress fracture). This was a frustrating injury that  forced me to rest until the fracture healed. I have not played tennis competitively since, and I desperately miss the national tennis circuit. 

However, the depressing effects of this setback were subdued by my involvement in Our Sporting Life. The project allowed me to be involved in sport despite not being able to play it. That was a great gift, because sport is in my heart.

I also have a great love of museums and history. It has been a pleasure to learn of the sporting heroes of Greater Manchester, and about the influence that sport has had on the local area in years gone by. Trust me, you will be amazed at the talent with which Greater Manchester is bestowed!

It's fulfilling to know that I have contributed to an exhibition that will be seen by thousands of people at the Museum, and that the voice of local young people will be heard by its visitors.

It has been amazing to meet so many new people and make so many new friends. Working alongside other people my age has been completely liberating as I have grown in confidence and I have developed many key skills for the future. I will always value the time I have spent working on the exhibition, and I hope that all the people who involved in Our Sporting Life feel the same way.

Please, do not be fooled by my corny sentimentality - we have all had a great laugh in the process too! There have been some serious moments of decision making throughout, but my enduring memories will be of marshmallow towers, Greggs, and hilarious 5 hour coach journeys to the Black Country.

Enjoy our blog, and please come to see our exhibition!

Oliver