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As the opening of the 30th Olympiad flashed across global airways from London, the world’s most stellar athletes launched a new Olympic sport: the fashion parade.
The stadium running track became the catwalk for some of the biggest labels in fashion: Giorgio Armani, Stella McCartney, Prada, and Ralph Lauren.
But it was not just the high end designers who were on show, it was also the countries that presented themselves in unusual and unique outfits.
Apart from the standouts like Germany’s pink and blue jackets that looked akin to confectionery wrappings, and Brazil’s neon green and yellow miniskirts, we check out six of the most noticeable and unusual of the Olympic teams’ dress.
(Oliver Morin/AFP/GettyImages)
MALAYSIA: The Malaysian athletes were distinctive. The women’s skirts, in a kaftan style, and the men’s traditional hats, were both in tiger print, providing an edginess and overall fierceness through their choice. (Oliver Morin/AFP/GettyImages)
SPAIN: The Spanish athletes wore uniforms made for free by Russian designer Rosco. The strong red and yellow echoed the colours of a McDonald’s fast food sign that some commentators found ridiculous.Spain (Lars Baron/Getty Images)
(Leon Neal/AFP/GettyImages)
INDIA: Despite being joined by an unknown woman, later named on Facebook as Madhura Honey, the Indian team attracted attention in vibrant yellow costumes; the women wore traditional saris, while the males Indian headwear. (Leon Neal/AFP/GettyImages)
(Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
CZECH REPUBLIC (Left): The Czech Republic waddled out in royal blue rubber wellingtons and carrying unopened umbrellas as an ironic statement for the well-known British weather. Their unusual choice of footwear ensured they stood out among the rest. (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
(Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
ESTONIA(Right): The Estonian athletes wore futuristic jackets – perhaps a little too futuristic and unpractical for this time of year. With Estonia printed across the jackets, the outfits looked bizarre and slightly overbearing. (Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
(Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
MARSHALL ISLANDS: Their national flag was held by Haley Nemra who had been their best performer in Beijing. Her straw- like dress was strange, something of an exotic hut. However, the matching outfits managed to capture the essence of their country. (Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Faatima Ahmed is a freelance journalist based in London
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