While everyone was anticipating the much-awaited spectacle of the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremonies, fashionistas were anxiously waiting for the parade of nations to see who would bring home the gold for the best Olympic ceremony uniforms. While many countries decided to play it safe and wear their countries' colors, others decided to go all out and take the plunge. Here are some of the countries that have caught the fashion police's attention:
Team USA received mixed reviews for their very formal outfits, designed by Ralph Lauren. The ensemble, complete with a somewhat retro footwear and a matching French beret seemed to remind critics of a sailing trip. Though it has certainly garnered enough fashion pluses from other trendsetter, most notable the First Lady Michelle Obama.
Team Italy looked like winners in their sleek and athletic black tracksuits designed by the fashion legend himself, Giorgio Armani.
El Salvador garnered a lot of positive attention during the opening ceremonies as they showed that they certainly know fashion, entering the arena with ombre sweaters and fitted skirts that suit "actual street style".
Our very own Team Philippines did put quite a nice twist to the traditional Barong Tagalog designed by Rajo Laurel. While maybe it could have done without the hats, the outfits themselves were quite pleasant and certainly set a patriotic mood.
On the other side of the coin, the fashion police are still cringing at the thought of these entries:
For a country that has excelled in most Olympic sports, Team Germany failed in this category with their baby pinks and blues.
Second runner-up, will have to belong to Canada. Subtlety is not part of their outfits. The athletes looked more like Gap sales attendants than they did as Olympians. Too much red and white with matching bold lettering of your country name, spells fashion disaster. Oh well, go, Team Canada!
Our first runner-up will have to go to the country that seemed more than prepared for legendary English weather. Entering the arena with matching rainboots and umbrellas, the Czech Republic made us ask the question: what were their designers thinking?
The Gold for worst dressed, will have to go to the host country itself Great Britain. Many disappointments for this country's white and metallic gold-trimmed tracksuits. Even British designer Stella McCartney had to clarify on Twitter that she didn't design them but only the Olympic kits. Maybe that's why the Queen didn't seem as elated when cameras focused on her during Team GB's entrance into the stadium.