Sporting greats...fashion gets in line with the Olympics

Designers seldom let other disciplines set the pace but they have  fallen in behind London 2012 with gusto
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Karen Dacre17 July 2012

Like fiercely determined salmon, the fashion fraternity are at their happiest when swimming against the mainstream. A wholly elitist bunch, the industry’s most puritanical members would rather gouge out their own eyes than be caught attempting to fly with the crows. But not every purveyor of style is entirely at ease with being the lone ranger. Especially when global events such as, say, the Olympics, bowl into town.

While it may be frowned upon by the gods of style for doing so, the fashion industry appears to have welcomed this summer of sporting fever with open arms —and wardrobes. Championed by a host of designers, both from the UK and abroad, a decidedly sports-inspired look has been picking up pace on the catwalks for some time now. Capturing the mood of a nation that seems able to think — or talk — about little else, the run-up to London 2012 has proved as influential to designers as it has to McDonald’s bank account.

A favourite with New York designer Alexander Wang, who has long looked to inject his collections with a luxurious take on sportswear, seriously high-end gym gear is proving to be a winner among the style crowd this summer. Referencing an all-American basketball kit, Wang included lightweight mesh-detail tank tops and sweaters in his spring/summer collection, while Marc Jacobs opted for high-top trainers and striped swimsuits for Marc by Marc Jacobs.

The sportswear trend is to stick around long after the Olympic bandwagon has left us, for autumn/winter and in fact well into next year. For his latest catwalk collection Scottish print and knitwear expert Jonathan Saunders imagined a golfing hero as the starting point for his collection, while in their resort offering for next Christmas Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi — the husband and wife duo behind Preen — unveiled a pair of track pants which at almost £700 are among the most luxurious ever produced.

Of course, these are not clothes that have been designed with a hard slog in the gym in mind but, rather, to capture the spirit of an approach to dressing that is, in essence, loose-fitting and relaxed. In comparison with the prim Fifties frocks and structured blazers that have occupied us for seasons now, this sporting movement in fashion is a laid-back affair.

To incorporate the sporting look into your wardrobe, begin by seeking out the perfect pair of track pants. While Preen’s two-tone creation may be out of your price bracket, affordable imitations are available at Zara, which has perfected the style for spring/summer. A decent pair of trainers should also feature high on your superluxe sportswear shopping list. No longer saved for the sports field, a pair of running shoes — such as Liberty’s latest collaboration with Nike — are a must for next season. Just be sure to team them with jeans, or, better still, a jumpsuit.

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