With less than 100 days to go until the Paris 2024 Olympic Games – Australian Fashion Week has officially concluded by unveiling the official Australian Paralympics uniform for the Australian team.
The Paralympics will take place in France on 28 August 2024. The kit, which has been designed by iconic Aussie brand RM Williams and was unveiled at Carriageworks, will be worn for the opening and closing ceremonies.
This year will mark the eighth time that the Australian team and RM Williams have collaborated on a Paralympic Games uniform.
During the unveiling, the uniforms were revealed to have a range of disability-friendly features for the athletes. This included magnetic fasteners and zippers instead of buttons. Waistbands for the trousers have also been elasticated to make it easier for athletes to put on and some of the footwear featured zippers for ease of access.
The uniforms include polos featuring the iconic green and gold colours as well as khaki trousers, dark green tops, jackets and puffer vests. They were modelled by the Paralympics co-captains Curtis McGrath (Para-canoe) and Angie Ballard (Para-athletics).
Inside the team jacket also features an Aboriginal design by Rheanna Lotter, a Yuin woman and founder of the Ngandabaa art collective. The artwork shows eight circles, representing all eight of Australia’s states and territories.
“We’re incredibly proud to continue our partnership with Paralympics Australia and showcase our unique national spirit on a global stage. The determination and true grit of Australia’s Paralympic Teams are qualities that we can all take inspiration from, and we look forward to kitting them out for a confident return to Paralympic competition in Paris,” Paul Grosmann, RM Williams Chief Executive Officer, said of the partnership.
The unveiling comes just weeks after Sportscraft and Volley revealed the Olympics uniforms which also featured Aboriginal artwork motifs.
“Wearing an Australian Olympic Opening Ceremony uniform is a rare and special moment,” said chef de mission Anna Meares, whose name is one of the 300 that appear on the jacket lining.
“I have had the honour of receiving four Australian Olympic Team ceremony uniforms and I treasure each one. For Olympians, it brings us together, from different sports, backgrounds and experiences, proudly uniting us through that team uniform
“I love that the Olympians’ Oath will sit on the inside lining at heart level, with the support of all Australia’s Olympic champions throughout history wrapping around each of our team members for Paris.”
