Telfar Clemens designs Olympic uniforms for Liberia

By

Robin Driver

Published
Jun 22, 2021

New York-based designer Telfar Clemens has revealed a preview of the uniform he has created for the Liberian Olympic team, for which his namesake brand is serving as the official sponsor in Tokyo this July.

 
Shared through the brand’s Instagram account, the first look at Liberia’s Olympic Uniform for this year’s games show a blue and white design referencing Telfar’s unisex one-shouldered tank. The post invites the brand’s fans to watch the Olympic opening ceremony on July 23, describing the event as “Our Runway.”
 
According to The New York Times, the partnership happened thanks to Liberian Olympic sprinter Emmanuel Matadi, who had heard his girlfriend talking about Telfar bags and, knowing that the designer behind the brand was Liberian-American, approached Liberia’s Olympic attaché, Kouty Mawenh, about a possible collaboration.

Although Clemens had not previously designed performance wear, he jumped at the opportunity to work in the category, which he had already been planning to explore. He also agreed to his brand sponsoring the national team, which involves covering its food and traveling expenses.
 
The pieces designed by Clemens are currently being tested by Liberia’s athletes, with final adjustments being made to meet performance requirements. The uniforms will be worn by all five of the Liberian track and field athletes at both the opening and closing ceremonies of this year’s games in Tokyo.
 
Describing his design for the uniform to The New York Times, Clemens explained, “It’s all things you can’t find. They said, ‘Go crazy.’ So I did.”
 
Telfar fans will be able to purchase a selection of Olympics-inspired athletic pieces after the games, while a wider workout and sportswear line will be debuting at the brand in September.