Kind of freaking out about this post today, guys. Sochi 2014 is just around the corner and as you may have seen on The Today Show this morning, Ralph Lauren unveiled the official Team USA Opening Ceremony Parade uniforms.
For the first time 100 percent of the purchase price of the Limited Edition Team USA Opening Ceremony Cardigan will be donated to the U.S. Olympic Committee, an organization supporting our nationโs best and brightest.
The uniform features a meticulously knit patchwork cardigan highlighted with artisan details and emblazoned with stars and spirited graphics. The variety of special touches mirror the many hands across the country from more than 40 vendors that helped Ralph Lauren produce its entire Team USA wardrobe to be produced in the United States. The sweater is a โpatchworkโ in the true sense of the word to make a collage that represents the American athletes who each have their own unique story to tell.
The Opening Ceremony Cardigan will be paired with a cream-colored cotton turtleneck sweater, slim-fitting white fleece athletic pants, sporty black leather boots with red laces and a cotton belt accented with jacquard tape featuring patriotic graphics.ย
I just about died when the team at RL sent me this absolutely fabulousย all-American cardigan. I’ve always been a sucker for anything to show off my USA pride and this sweater fits the bill perfectly. It’s unbelievably warm and truly is a work of art… It’s one of those pieces I know I’ll have forever!
Ralph Lauren Team USA Ceremony Cardigan c/o | Loft Blouse | J Brand Jeans | Cole Haan Booties | Necklace | Karen Walker Sunglasses
Shop more of the official Olympics collection here!
Photos: Hallie Wilson
Wow lucky you to be given such a crazy expensive sweater! I like it but so far all the comments I’m seeing elsewhere online are that people think it’s the ugliest thing ever and the US atheletes will be laughed at.. ๐
Oh my goodness! Ralph is a genius! That Cardigan is INCREDIBLE!!!!! Majorly wanting one of those right now!
-Meg
http://www.dillandscout.etsy.com
I love this gorgeous cardigan! It’s beautiful – loud and proud!!
You look spectacular in this patriotic gem!
xx,
Kristi
Dyinggg that sweater is so amazing! I’m always a super fan of the Olympics so to have a keepsake of it would be so cool. Definitely a piece to hold onto!
xx
Love love this! It’s different than in years past but still so cool and creative… and it looks great on you. Whooohoo America!
I really like the cardigan on you, but on some of the ads and promos for it, the athletes look ridiculous. That being said, I am very excited for the Olympics!
Love this! Love the colors, love the texture, and absolutely in love that it’s made here in the USA! My hubs and I had our very first date during the Salt Lake City Opening Ceremonies and look forward to the games every time. USA! USA! USA!
http://jax-and-jewels.blogspot.com
Well that screams patriotic. That’s incredibly ornate, and I can’t understand why anyone would spend $600 on it. Canada’s uniforms are from The Hudson’s Bay (the oldest commercial corporation in North America)–they are simple and understated, and don’t cost a months rent to grab a great piece of history.
Let the games begin!
-Katherine
http://scallopedandbows.blogspot.ca
Wow, what an amazing opportunity! I’m sure you will treasure that cardigan forever. I am obsessed with this collection and absolutely love the cardigan.
Jen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com
OMG! These are so cool!!
— Alex at Brainy Girls Beauty
I’m among the haters of this sweater. It looks cool from the back, but overall, I don’t think the athletes look that great in them and it’s horrendously expensive. I was able to buy a ton of the Canadian collection for half the cost of this. Glad you love it though!
LOVE your sunglasses!!! so obsessed
xx Christine
http://www.lovecoffeetea.wordpress.com
OMG! I LOVE that sweater!! ๐ I totally wanted one of the polos from the 2012 olympics but never got one…i may have to go grab that one ๐
daughterofasonofasailor.blogspot.com
How patriotic! Love the detail, what a classic, cozy piece.
http://www.fatfreefashion.com
Wow, so lucky! I love it!
http://www.chicthyme.com
What an awesome post! I saw those sweaters on the Today Show and loved them! So patriotic!
http://kacieskloset.blogspot.com/
My jaw just dropped, this cardigan is beautiful!
OH MY! This is amazing…I absolutely love it.
xo
Victoria
What an amazing honor to have been sent one of the cardigans the US team will be wearing at the Olympic opening ceremony! I love the way you’ve styled it; we’ll call it “patriotic chic”! ๐
xo, Stephanie ๐
http://glamslamblog.com
I felt like this was such a missed opportunity for the athletes. The only things I like from the collection are the mittens and the teddy bear. Everything else is a bit much.
I love this sweater. I wish it wasn’t so expensive or that I wasn’t on a college kids budget because I would to see it hanging in my closet. It looks fabulous on you!
Katie
I’ 70 years old living on SS, I would love one to, but not on my pension! Hope you get one honey. Good luck TEAM USA
While I’m not so fond of the design of the jacket, I do quite like the idea of donating all the profits to the Olympic committee.
xo
Michelle
Must agree, I love the sweater,but am absolutely disappointed in Ralph Lauren for being so into making the $$!! I thought wearing a sweater like this was to SHOW support for our team of hard working Americans who are participating in this great event. I personally think the item should be available to all who want one at a price EVERYONE can afford. Come on Mr. Lauren, when is enough money enough?
Ralph Lauren makes the fame but the money is donated to the team and to pay the vendors. Made in America is in no way cheap! Although it’s a shame that everyone can’t afford it, at least it’s going to the group of people representing the US!
Incredible. That is so exciting! I am in love with this sweater. And so happy for Ralph Lauren for making it all in the USA!
I am not going to lie, I am kinda jealous that you got this sweater! It is amazing! The winter games are my favorite and am having a blast watching!
xo,
Whitney
peachesinapod.blogspot.com
Im so jealous! that cardigan is simply perfect! xxx
-Charlotte from thecharismaticprepster.blogspot.com.
I love it! Thank you for all the pictures. I am a knitter, and am planning to make one of my own. I just wish they would sell a copy of the pattern. I did find a shawl collar cardigan pattern that is similar. So this winter I will be busy.
I love it, you are so lucky. And thank you for posting all the wonderful pictures. I am a knitter and I am attempting to make one for myself without a pattern.