Television viewers may have noticed a new crest on the Team Ireland unform during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics last Friday. Laura Weber, the designer of Team Ireland’s official uniform, included an embroidered county crest in each of the white jackets which were worn by athletes as they sailed down the Seine. The Dubliner, who is based in New York, redesigned the traditional county crests with a new symbolism and a refreshed color palette. She said: ‘‘All the athletes chose their county and the crest has been embroidered and placed on the jacket sleeve. Not only is this an amazing talking point for all the athletes, but it felt like a special tribute to all their families, their communities, their villages that have supported them just to get to the Olympics.’’
A view of the Eiffel Tower on the night of the Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Games. [Inpho/James Crombie]
The county crests were one of a number of unique elements in the jackets. They include four shamrocks representing the four provinces of Ireland and a four-leaf shamrock embellished brooch. There is also a small opera pocket in the front of the jackets, referencing the suits worn by Ireland’s first Olympic athletes in1924. Some of the world’s top fashion designers are supporting their country’s Olympians by designing their team kit and ceremonial outfits, with Stella McCartney (Great Britain) and Giorgio Armani (Italy) as two of the most prominent.
Ireland’s Mona McSharry celebrates with her bronze medal following Tuesday’s Women’s 100m Breaststroke Final at the Paris Olympics. [Inpho/Morgan Treacy]
