Puma Unveils Jamaica Olympic Kit
The Jamaica Olympic Association and Puma have launched the Jamaican Team uniforms for the London 2012 Olympic Games, including podium and ceremony wear, with the help of the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt.
Fashion designer Cedella Marley, daughter of Reggae icon the late Bob Marley, unveiled her designs alongside Usain Bolt at the launch in London on Friday evening.
Puma’s partnership with Marley, the eldest daughter in the Jamaican family dynasty, will see the designs worn by the entire team.
Cedella Marley said: ‘It is truly an honor to design this collection for my home country and my home team. It’s not even a dream come true because it’s something I never dreamed would be possible.’
‘I ran track in high school in Jamaica and I’m still a huge fan of Jamaican Athletics, so to have a role in creating the outfits for our Olympians is a thrill. I admire what PUMA has been doing in Jamaica over the years and the Marley family has the same type of give-back philosophy. I think this partnership is going to be legendary.’
Taking inspiration from the vibrant colors and patterns of the Caribbean nation as well as the African influences that have come to characterize that country, Cedella Marley’s unique designs are sure to make the world take notice in the summer of 2012.
Bolt added: ‘I can’t think of a better person to design our Olympic outfits than Cedella. Puma got that right…hooking up with a legendary Jamaican. She’s a great designer but also carries on the spirit of our nation through the legacy of the Marley family. It’s going to be inspirational to run in London with that energy surrounding me.’
Puma’s Olympic wear will be accompanied by a lifestyle collection of apparel, footwear and accessories which will be available at Puma retail stores globally in June 2012.
‘We’ll go through a rigorous process of material selection and design to ensure the performance singlets, in particular, meet the needs of Jamaica’s world-class athletes. They have to fit and feel like a second skin.’
Franz Koch, CEO of PUMA, added: ‘Cedella, the Marley family and their fun and laid back Jamaican nature are a perfect fit for the PUMA brand. Cedella’s vibrant style and unique design will bring an authenticity to the Olympic PUMA collection for the entire world to see in London 2012, boosting the visibility of our brand significantly.’
Find out what else the PUMA CEO had to say in the Big Interview at Sport Industry TV.
