Durban - Fashion designers have cut up rough over the “ninja turtle” tracksuits worn by team South Africa at the Olympics while a textile workers’ union is unhappy the gear was made by a Chinese brand.
They joined a chorus of social media disapproval for the tracksuits, which earned the ire of Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula, this week when he tweeted there was “No swag for team SA at the Olympics” and compared the kit unfavourably with that worn by other nations.
The tracksuit was created by Chinese manufacturer 361 Degrees International Limited.
Durban-born designer Leigh Schubert, who designed the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics opening ceremony kit, said South Africa had a beautiful flag but the designers had failed to use more of its colours.
She said the clothes looked like something a “ninja turtle” would wear, referring to the popular animated characters.
Like Mbalula, who opined that the tracksuits failed to show off the athletes’ “six packs”, Schubert criticised the loose fit of the clothes on athletes, who generally had well-sculpted bodies.
But she said comments from people saying the tracksuits were a throwback to the 1990s, were taking it too far.
She said a professional blazer like the ones the Springboks wore would have been more apt.
Creator of Life Clothing, Andre Martin, said there were many local designers who were capable of producing something better.
The Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union’s Fachmy Abrahams said an opportunity to contribute to nation-building had been missed.
South Africa should take a leaf out of Australia’s book, he said, because they had ensured their apparel was “Proudly Australian”.
Aussie kits producing something better.
The Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union’s Fachmy Abrahams said an opportunity to contribute to nation-building had been missed.
South Africa should take a leaf out of Australia's book, he said, because they had ensured their apparel was “Proudly Australian”.
Daily News