Team USA To Be Decked Out in Uniforms Made in China
They are the pride of America – Team U.S.A. – and for the opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympics in London, they’ll be proudly wearing red, white and blue, from beret to blazer.
The classic American style – shown in an image above – was crafted by designer Ralph Lauren. But just how American is it?
When ABC News looked at the labels, it found “made in China.”
Every item in the uniforms that the U.S. athletes will be wearing at the opening ceremony in London will carry an overseas label.
The classic American style – shown in an image above – was crafted by designer Ralph Lauren. But just how American is it?
When ABC News looked at the labels, it found “made in China.”
Every item in the uniforms that the U.S. athletes will be wearing at the opening ceremony in London will carry an overseas label.
Nanette Lepore, one of the top U.S. fashion designers, said she was shocked that none of the uniforms had been made in the states. Further, Lepore said that it was “absolutely” possible that the athletes could have been outfitted in U.S.-made clothing. She said U.S. manufactures could have easily made the uniforms – and for less.
Here’s how much the uniforms cost:
Men:
Beret – $55
Tie – $125
Belt – $85
Shirt – $425
Blazer – $795
Trousers – $295
Shoes – $165
Women:
Beret – $55
Scarf – $58
Belt – $85
Shirt – $179
Skirt – $498
Blazer – $598
“Why shouldn’t we have pride not only in the American athletes, but in the American manufacturers and laborers who are the backbone of our country?” Lepore said to ABC News. “Why? What’s wrong? Why was that not a consideration?”
ABC News reached out to Lauren and the U.S. Olympic Committee and asked why American-made clothing had not been selected for the athletes.
The committee said: “The U.S. Olympic team is privately funded and we’re grateful for the support of our sponsors. We’re proud of our partnership with Ralph Lauren, an iconic American company.”
Here’s how much the uniforms cost:
Men:
Beret – $55
Tie – $125
Belt – $85
Shirt – $425
Blazer – $795
Trousers – $295
Shoes – $165
Women:
Beret – $55
Scarf – $58
Belt – $85
Shirt – $179
Skirt – $498
Blazer – $598
“Why shouldn’t we have pride not only in the American athletes, but in the American manufacturers and laborers who are the backbone of our country?” Lepore said to ABC News. “Why? What’s wrong? Why was that not a consideration?”
ABC News reached out to Lauren and the U.S. Olympic Committee and asked why American-made clothing had not been selected for the athletes.
The committee said: “The U.S. Olympic team is privately funded and we’re grateful for the support of our sponsors. We’re proud of our partnership with Ralph Lauren, an iconic American company.”
Sad very sad. This is what is wrong with our country. WE DONT SUPPORT OUR VERY OWN COUNTRY.. BE AMERICAN BUY AMERICAN..
The American designers said American manufacturers could have done it for less … well china made is cheap WE all know the people who are actually making the stuffs have low income and long LONG workhours …
Men:
Beret – $55
Tie – $125
Belt – $85
Shirt – $425
Blazer – $795
Trousers – $295
Shoes – $165
Tie $ 125,- …. ??? SO WHO is taking the PROFIT … Tie = to make a tie where ever would not cost above the $ 20,- say?
Doesn’t take an hours work to do it … and there is not much fabrik in it … so this is well below the $ 20,-
WHO is taking the BIG PROFIT??????
These are prices the 800,- blazer … when you go to a tailor and he makes your clothing … … …. (maybe a bit more depending which tailor you go to and the fabrics you choose)
So when people donate $$ to send the athletes to the Olympics they should know that $2,000 goes to China for each outfit. Won’t be me giving them $$$
There is still time to correct this! Replace them with American made now!
Does this surprise you! If so you have your head buried in the sand.
Once again American leadership tells me I need a stromg and expensive military to protect us from a rising China, yet they facilitate that rise. By the way the American people are as short sighted as the business elites who snowball them.
So sad…
The response from the USOC is repulsive. How is Lauren a good partner to anyone by charging (ripping off) the funders by selling them $200 worth of clothing for 10x. Think there are any kick-backs involved here?
I suspect it was donated by Ralph Lauren, and the values are ‘stated’. Until it’s confirmed that USOC PAID these prices, I suggest everyone calm down.
I think this is a major public relations faux pas on the part of the Olympics Committee (not to mention a moral one). It doesn’t matter that the clothing is donated, that it’s from Ralph Lauren, or whatever. The fact that it’s made in China is ludicrous. Unfortunately, most of America’s fashion designers are now sourcing their production offshore. However, several prominent designers are bringing manufacturing back to the U.S., and there’s a movement afoot to do so. For several reasons, it would behoove the U.S. Olympic Committee to seek out a designer/sponsor who takes the modern view and sources production in the U.S.
All American Clothing Co
http://www.allamericanclothing.com