ASOS designs opening ceremony outfits for GB Winter Paralympic team

ParalympicsGB athletes will be wearing outfits designed by ASOS at today's (9 March) opening ceremony for the 12th Winter Paralympic Games, which takes place in PyeongChang, South Korea.

The young fashion etail giant has created the team's official opening and closing ceremony outfits as well as a formalwear wardrobe for official events back in the UK. In development for more than a year the outfits take into consideration factors such as warmth, water and wind-proofing "while remaining stylish and consistent with ASOS and ParalympicsGB values".

A reversible padded coat with the ParalympicsGB lion’s head motif will keep the athletes warm during the ceremonies while the formalwear has been created as premium heritage pieces, with bespoke branding including flashes of gold on embroidery and buttons. Practical elements such as non-crease and lightweight fabrications also help to conform with baggage restrictions for the athletes travelling to South Korea.

ASOS designers, Aisling McKeefry and James Lawrence, said in a joint statement: “We feel incredibly honoured to be outfitting the British Winter Paralympic team. We’ve considered every detail on every piece to ensure the product exceeds the wearer’s expectations and makes them feel their very best as they represent ParalympicsGB.”

Tim Hollingsworth, Chief Executive of the British Paralympic Association, added: “ParalympicsGB athletes and staff will be proud to wear these great designs at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Paralympic Games. Parading in the Opening Ceremony wear will be a wonderful way to begin what I am confident will be a memorable Games, where our talented Paralympians will once again demonstrate the inspirational power of sport to help achieve a better world for disabled people.”

ASOS's association with the Paralympics dates back to Rio 2016 when it first partnered with the British Paralympic Asssociation to design and create formal and ceremony wear as part of its commitment to raising the profile of young adults with disabilities. 

The partnership will continue through Tokyo 2020 as part of ASOS's "Celebrating Diversity" disability programme, which aims to improve access to its products and services and create opportunities for young people living with disabilities. The partnership has enabled ParalympicsGB athletes and para sport coaches to visit ASOS’s school partners in London and Barnsley and promote Paralympic sport.

Pictured in the opening ceremony outfits are Alpine ski racer, Menna Fitzpatrick and snowboarder, Owen Pick.