The Olympic medalist was surrounded by fans who were expressing disapproval of the design of the renowned fashion house.
As many fans have already stated, Team USA’s Olympic attire, which was designed by Ralph Lauren, has fallen short once more. Simone Biles is spearheading the online hysteria.
Social media was ablaze with reactions after Biles and fellow gymnast Jordan Chiles expressed their displeasure with the highly contested opening ceremony look in the recently released Netflix documentary series Simone Biles Rising.
In the series, Biles struggled to “see the vision” behind the ensemble and was captured in an unguarded moment while trying it on. Faking an English accent, Biles joked, “It’s giving British boarding school.” “Let me get on my horse!” she said.
Chiles joined in on the fun, but it was obvious that the denim-and-blazer combination, which was meant to evoke a “timelessly American” look, didn’t impress either athlete. “You know when you put on an outfit, and it’s just really not it?” is how Biles encapsulated it.
Fans rip Ralph Lauren apart
The athletes’ criticism was immediately embraced by netizens, who felt validated that their favorite gymnasts were also disappointed. On X (formerly Twitter), a fan made the amusing remark, “@RalphLauren you will pay for these jeans.”
Another user made a lighthearted but sincere joke about the Netflix scene where a tailor tried to persuade Biles that the outfit looked “cute.” “And the tailor just lied her face off,” the user joked, expressing the fans’ genuine but lighthearted frustration.
The criticism of Ralph Lauren’s designs isn’t limited to aesthetics; some fans have called for new designers to represent Team USA and criticized the brand’s lack of originality. The comment that read, “It’s time to drop Ralph Lauren,”
“American designers are so much better and more varied!” Many believe that the brand has become stale and out of step with contemporary fashion due to its frequent use of patriotic themes, such as large American flags and structured blazers.
The jeans’ fit was also cited by fans as a contributing factor. One fan pointed out that “slim-fit or form-fitting jeans would’ve complemented the blazer better,” contending that a more fitted design would have matched the athletes’ bodies and improved the appearance.
It’s evident that Team USA’s Olympic attire selections in Paris have failed as Biles, Chiles, and supporters all voice their displeasure. Perhaps it’s time for Team USA to hand the reins over to new designers who can give Olympic fashion a more inclusive, contemporary edge, as both athletes and internet users are demanding change.
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