The textile and clothing manufacturers, Woolmark and Mambo, referred to Australia's landscape and culture when designing uniforms for the 2000 Australian Olympic team. The result was a blend of ochre, green and gold garments that reflected a unique and casual lifestyle. This is a surplus uniform for the male Australian athletes, comprising a shirt, trousers, belt, bag and sandshoes.
Maria Italiano, the Olympic Uniform Project Manager for Woolmark, revealed the inspiration behind the uniform designs: "In keeping with the purely Australian feel of rustic colours and youthful design, both opening and closing ceremony uniforms reaffirmed our unique, casual lifestyle, with the bonus of being made of Australian Merino wool".
The uniforms, which convey a relaxed and youthful image of Australia, were particularly appropriate for a team whose average age was 22 years. Andrew Gaze, the flag-bearer for the Australian Olympic team, also praised the youthful image, and stated at the media launch: "this is an outstanding, young uniform. The colours make a strong statement about Australia".
The outfit was modified slightly for the closing ceremony to include a short-sleeved Mambo shirt that featured the design, "Suburbia", by Reg Mombassa. This pattern also appears on lining for the jackets worn at the opening ceremony. In its entirety, the outfit demonstrates the youthful and energetic Australian identity that the Sydney Olympic Organising Committee conveyed throughout the Games. Moreover, it reflects the work of Australian designers and manufacturers, and their international exposure during the opening and closing ceremonies.
The costumes demonstrate the youthful and energetic Australian identity that the Sydney Olympic Organising Committee conveyed throughout the Games. Moreover, they reflect the work of Australian designers and manufacturers, and their international exposure during the opening and closing ceremonies.
Designed by Mambo and the Woolmark Company.
Trousers made by Mambo and the Woolmark Company. Shoes are made in Vietnam for Nike. Box for shoes are made in Taiwan for Nike.
This uniform was made c. 2000.