Beijing fashion emporium Lane Crawford has enlisted 12 leading designers to create one of a kind garments showcasing their take on the 2008 Summer Olympics for The Collection: Synergy in Fashion, a project that celebrates the Olympic games. Designers chosen for the draw-off include: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Neil Barret, Rick Owens, Stella McCartney, Alberta Ferretti, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Burberry Prorsum, Costume National, Emilio Pucci, Maison Martin Margiela, Raf Simons, and Yves Saint Laurent. The designers were given free reign on the designs. Designers created beautiful garments inspired by a particular sport including archery, fencing, running and badminton. (Pictured: Alberta Ferretti’s take on Gymnastics)
Designers’ unique vision of each sport in fashion came to life on paper. Alexander McQueen created a gorgeous piece for fencing using cotton threads and mirrors to fully embroider India silk. Stella McCartney broke the stereotype of what an equestrian is supposed to look like. She designed an oversized shirt dress and pants with equestrian boots. “I wanted to do equestrian because there is always this stereotype of what one wears when one is horse riding,” said the designer. “I thought it was a nice area to have a bit of fun and try to change that perception slightly, but still keep the history of horse riding in that. And obviously, I have grown up on horses my whole life.” (Pictured: A Burberry Prorsum sailing outfit.)
The completed drawings will be showcased at a number of events surrounding the Olympics with the final stop at Lane Crawford Beijing in July and August. After the Olympics, the drawings will be auctioned off with proceeds benefiting UNICEF’s Driving Dreams program. (Pictured: Stella McCartney’s take on an equestrian outfit.)
