I am extremely proud to have designed the ‘Unity’ patch for Team England Opening Ceremony outfit that athletes will wear when the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games begin on July 28th. Modelled here by Fiona Crackles, Hockey (middle) Joe Fraser, gymnastics (right) Ross Wilson, table tennis
The kit was produced by #sewingbee Judge and fashion designer Patrick Grant’s Community Clothing in collaboration with a team of English creatives (I was one 😍) the outfit features a modern take on the country’s traditional red and white with a workwear jacket inspired by Birmingham’s industrial heritage.
Team England athletes can style their own look at the opening ceremony. A series of patches can be added to the chore jacket, a unique concept in team uniform which aims to celebrate the diversity of the team.
Poet Matt Windle wrote a poem ‘Bring It!’ which features in part, in the graffiti style graphic, on the t-shirt of the opening ceremony outfit.
The t-shirt features a stanza of ‘Bring It’ and reads:
“There’s an entire chain of people
Connected to me and my success
They’re the memories across my heart
Like the lion upon my chest”
The full poem was revealed exclusively to the athletes at their Kitting Out event and shared with the public nearer to the Games.
Team England President, Denise Lewis OBE said: “Every stitch, seam, button and badge has been discussed in detail and so I hope each and every member of Team England wears it with pride. Knowing that the look and feel of the Official Opening Ceremony wear has been approved by the athletes and produced for the athletes highlights just what Team England is about.
The other patch designers were:
Beth Cordukes @bettydukesfashion
David Vincent @vartblue
George Groves @officialgroveart
Daxa Odedra
Laura Smith
I love the whole concept 💙What do you think?
#bringithome #teamengland #unity #lornahamiltonbrown#affinitydesigner
