NIKE recently unveiled the team USA Olympic uniforms for the Sochi 2014 games, which will be worn during medal presentation ceremonies.
The outfits are made of sleek, silvery NIKE Aeroloft 800 summit jackets, which read “USA” on the back. The jackets will provide plenty of warmth for the winter ceremony — they are designed with a titanium nano-coating that gives the jackets their shiny appearance as well as the ability to reflect UV and keep the heat in. The jackets are also have aeroloft insulation, which features the strategic placement of insulation to maximize mobility and breathability. Inside the pockets, there’s embroidery that reads “land of the free” and “home of the brave,” which are nice touches that aren’t too showy.
The athletes will also wear bright NIKE Flyknit Trainer Chukk FSBs that are made with a combination of wool and thread for extra warmth. Like the jackets, the shoes have words from the national anthem hidden inside the shoes, along with motifs from the American flag.
Photo Credits: designboom, winter2014.nikeinc
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Cozy Metallic Apparel
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new types of metallic apparel that provide warmth and reflect UV rays for various occasions beyond the Olympics.
- Personalized Patriotic Details
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create customizable apparel and accessories that allow individuals to incorporate their own patriotic symbols and messages, similar to the hidden anthem words in the Nike shoes.
- Functional Insulation Technology
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore ways to apply aeroloft insulation technology in other industries, such as outdoor gear or automotive interiors.
Sectors Adopting This
- Sportswear
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborate with materials scientists and fashion designers to develop new and innovative sportswear that merges functionality and patriotism.
- Fashion Accessories
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design accessories that showcase hidden messages or symbols, allowing consumers to express their patriotism in unique and personal ways.
- Textile Manufacturing
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Invest in research and development to improve insulation technologies for textiles, opening up new possibilities for warmer and more functional garments.
