Lululemon, the official outfitter for Team Canada at the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics in Milan Cortina, has revealed a new line of athlete kits that prioritize innovation and inclusivity. CEO Calvin McDonald emphasized the collaboration with top Canadian athletes like Will Dandjinou, Piper Gilles, Cassie Sharpe, and Natalie Wilkie to design a kit tailored to their specific needs.
One standout feature is the bright red podium jacket, which showcases a topographical map of Canada underneath a waterproof mesh layer. The zipper tag is also noteworthy, with “Canada” engraved on one side and embossed in braille on the other. The kit is designed for thermoregulation, featuring layering and insulation suitable for various weather conditions athletes may face during the Games.
Inclusivity was a key focus, with input from Paralympians leading to adaptive and inclusive designs such as adaptive footwear, seated-fit styles, abrasion-resistant fabrics, and unique features like braille and magnetic zippers. The kit draws inspiration from Canada’s landscapes and environment, incorporating topographic map prints, bold Maple Leaf designs, and a color palette ranging from deep reds to iceberg-inspired greens and blues.
The opening ceremony outfit prominently features an oversized, elongated Maple Leaf symbol on a maroon quilted vest layered over a knee-length jacket. Catherine Lebrun, the design director, highlighted the scale of the leaf as the largest ever produced by Lululemon. Canadian Olympic Committee CEO David Shoemaker praised the collaboration, stating that the athletes deserve the best-looking and most innovative team kit.
The apparel will be showcased by athletes, coaches, and support staff at various Olympic and Paralympic events, including ceremonies, media appearances, and travel. Additionally, a range of “cheer gear” is available for fans, with a portion of the sales supporting the Canadian Olympic Foundation and Paralympic Foundation of Canada. The collection launches online first, with more items set to be released closer to the Games.
Notable Canadian ambassadors for the Games include Sidney Crosby, Cynthia Appiah, Emma Maltais, Paul Poirier, and Tyler Turner. The Milan-Cortina Olympics will take place from Feb. 6-22, followed by the Paralympics from March 6-15.