To celebrate 50 days to go until the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, iconic Australian brand R.M.Williams unveil the ceremonial wear that Australian Team Members will adorn at the Games.
Commonwealth Games Australia and R.M.Williams have unveiled the opening and closing ceremony kits for the Australian Commonwealth Games Team heading to the upcoming 2022 Commonwealth Games, taking place in Birmingham, England.
A celebration of heritage design and Australian craftsmanship, the uniform offering includes a capsule range of formal looks for both men and women, plus limited-edition leather boots, handcrafted in Adelaide.
In a commitment to local production, most of the range has been manufactured in Australia.
Over 690 uniforms will be crafted in total, outfitting the athletes and officials on the Australian Commonwealth Games Team.
This is the second time that R.M.Williams has partnered with Commonwealth Games Australia on the design and production of ceremonial uniforms, having previously done so for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
The brand has also created ceremonial kits for the Australian Paralympic Team for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, as part of a long-term commitment to supporting the nation’s sporting elite.
The uniform’s unveiling took place at Admiralty House on 8 June in the presence of the Governor-General of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd).
This date also marks 50 days until the official beginning of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
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The uniform design plays on the nation’s classic gold and green palette with signature polos, tailored sportscoats and a functional puffer vest.
Neutral-toned chinos and classic cotton shirts round out the apparel assortment, each emblazoned with the Australian Commonwealth Games Team’s Birmingham 2022 logo.
The footwear offering includes a unisex sneaker and limited edition Comfort Craftsman and Comfort Erica boots, with commemorative green and gold tugs.
Handcrafted in Australia, the boots are constructed with a one-piece Coco Moulton leather upper and signature elastic sides, for support and durability.
The ‘Unity’ symbol, designed by Indigenous artist Jenna Lee as part of a series of works created for the Gold Coast 2018 Reconciliation Action Plan by Brisbane-based agency Gilimbaa, has been incorporated into the designs of the polos, tie, scarves and in the lining of the vest.
The Unity symbol was used on elements of the formal uniforms R.M.Williams produced for the Australian Team on the Gold Coast. ‘Together with Unity’ was the theme of the design, which compliments the Australian Commonwealth Games Team motto of ‘Greater Together.
Along with Borobi, who has been appointed Australian Team mascot for Birmingham, the Unity symbol is a central component of Commonwealth Games Australia’s recently released Reconciliation Action Plan which aims to celebrate and recognise the significant history and future that First Nations athletes and people have in the Commonwealth Sport Movement.
“It’s a great honour to once again be bringing the outback spirit of R.M.Williams to the Australian Commonwealth Games Team uniforms, dressing our nation’s sporting stars for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies,” Head Of Product Development at R.M.Williams Scott Faulder said.
“The kits blend a modern sensibility with classic Australian style, infused with the traditional green and gold colour palette, along with the Unity symbol designed by Jenna Lee.
“With the majority of this collection crafted on Australian soil, we’re taking a step forward in sustainable production and bringing manufacturing home.”
Australian Team Chef de Mission Petria Thomas OAM believes the Australian Team will walk proudly at the ceremonies knowing they are wearing the iconic R.M.Williams brand and representing Australia on the world stage.
“Seeing these incredible designs from R.M.Williams come to life is a thrilling moment, and through the use of the ‘Unity’ symbol in the outfits R.M.Williams have been able to capture our Australian Team mantra of Greater Together into the ceremonial wear … it is a wonderful acknowledgement to our nation’s heritage and history,” Thomas said.
“Being selected on the Australian Team for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games is a result of an athlete’s hard work, determination and commitment… and I know our Team Members will be wearing these outfits with pride, knowing they are not only representing themselves and the Australian Team in Birmingham but all of Australia.”
Commonwealth Games Australia CEO Craig Phillips AM welcomes R.M.Williams to the Commonwealth Games Australia partnership family and believes the partnership has produced a wonderful result that embodies the Australian Team ethos.
“R.M. Williams is one of Australia’s most iconic clothing brands and the work they have done on the Australian Team opening and closing ceremony uniforms is wonderful. We really feel that we have created a uniform that symbolises the collective sense of purpose of the Australian Team through the use of the Unity design,” Phillips said.
“Commonwealth Games Australia commends R.M.Williams on how they have incorporated indigenous artist Jenna Lee’s unique artwork into the uniform. The result is an iconic outfit that will mean our Australian Team will look great and feel great as they proudly represent their country.”
The uniform will be proudly showcased at a number of official events including the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies, where the Australian Commonwealth Games Team will represent their nation on a world stage.
Sporting officials at the games will also don the kit for additional appearances throughout the ceremonies and sporting events.
The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will take place from 28 July to 8 August 2022.
R.M.WILLIAMS
In its nine decades of existence, R.M.Williams has become one of the best-known - and best-loved - footwear brands in the world. Originally built for the men and women of the rugged, unforgiving Australian outback, our iconic one-piece-leather boots have gone on to grace the feet of millions of people, including some of the most famous on the planet.
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