BEFORE they had even begun, the Tokyo Summer Games became the most controversial edition in the history of the Olympic movement. An unprecedented postponement due to a global pandemic, an all-time low domestic popularity (only 20 percent of the Japanese people support the idea), a ratings-busting ban on spectators amid reports of coronavirus outbreaks within the Olympic village, multiple international star athletes declining eligibility to compete, a shocking last-minute sponsorship withdrawal by Toyota, and firing of the director and composer for the opening ceremony, set an alarmingly defeatist tone for once the world’s most coveted sporting event. In more troubling developments, the official Instagram @Tokyo2020 has under half a million followers, like a mid-level influencer. Even the cardboard “sex bed” controversy failed to generate adequate hype for the opening ceremony today. While whatever happens within the 17 days of the Games remains wildly unpredictable, it will surely be studied closely by the marketing departments and health services around the world for years to come. For the teams on-site, it is a unique opportunity to rally national pride at a time when many countries are struggling with post-pandemic morale. Here are some noteworthy Olympic uniform designs.

China

Designer Tim Yip (also known as Ye Jintian) is no stranger to epic storytelling. He won an Academy Award for art direction for “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and was nominated for a BAFTA Award as a costume designer for the iconic film. This year Team China is wearing his “Champion Dragon Suits” as the country prepares to host the Winter Games in 2022. The release includes kidswear looks. Having finished third in overall medal count in Rio, China is sending its largest ever delegation to Tokyo with 777 athletes.

United States of America

Ralph Lauren continues his creative stewardship of the American Dream for Team USA. This year’s breakthrough knowhow is the patented RL Cooling system, a self-regulating temperature control device in the flag-bearer’s jacket. As sports face extreme weather, this is “not a test.” The biggest fashion story from Tokyo so far is Kim Kardashian. The reality TV mogul’s brand SKIMS is the official purveyor of athletic undergarments. While the partnership came a surprise for many, Kim noted that she was raised by an Olympian and had affinity for the event since she was a child. Speedo and Nike round up the usual gear suspects.

Russia

Still under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) sanctions, Team Russia will again compete under the “neutral” banner of the Olympic Committee. Designer Anastasia Zadorina of Zasport has pulled off a difficult job balancing red, white and blue tri-color pride with legal limitations. One of the oddest fashion stories from Tokyo so far is the disqualification of the Russian synchronized swimming uniform featuring an image of a bear. Apparently, a bear is too closely associated with Russian folklore.

Czech Republic

While most designers champion strict efficiency in their take on Olympic uniforms, this year the Czech Team is offering a fascinating lesson in historic fashion diplomacy thanks to Zuzana Osako. Her winning bid features intricate pieces done in modrotisk technique also known as blueprint. While it originated in Japan, the Danube textile artisans have adapted and perfected it for centuries. In 2018, UNESCO officially recognized it as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. With dresses for women and cool vests for men, this collection is not only a beautiful homage to the past, but also as close to haute couture as sportswear can get.

Liberia

New York designer Telfar Clemens, born to Liberian parents, has amassed quite a following for his gender-neutral vegan-friendly brand. The creator of the “Bushwick Birkin” is making Olympic history with his unisex designs for the five-person Liberian national track and field team. The 70-piece wardrobe is being reworked into a capsule athleisure collection to a drop online during the Games. Thanks to Telfar’s street style notoriety, Vogue has already crowned Liberia’s uniforms “the coolest.”

Kazakhstan

Thirty-five members of Team Kazakhstan were involved in the creation of their uniforms. Designer Saltanat Baimukhamedova collaborated with the team on choice of fabrics, colors and decorative elements to make sure the athletes felt supported and inspired in their Olympic journey. The signature turquoise and blue color palette is reminiscent of the endless sky above the Kazakh steppes. （SD-Agencies)