Sheep Industry News August 2024

Wool Blazer Featured in Team USA Uniforms

W hen Ralph Lauren unveiled Team USA’s uni forms for the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, many were caught off guard by the inclusion of a wool blazer. Sheep producers, however, know the value of wool in any season. The uniforms were introduced to the public back in late June and include “a distinctly modern take on a tailored look, featuring a classic tailored single-breasted wool blazer with red and white tipping and a striped oxford shirt, unex pectedly paired with a tapered jean and a classic suede buck shoe,” according to a fact sheet from the company. “Ralph Lauren developed the Team USA collection with thoughtful consideration of material and manufacturing choices. Styles throughout the collection – including Team USA’s Opening and Closing Ceremony Parade uniforms – are crafted with recycled polyester and USA-grown Responsible Wool Stan dard certified wool, among other materials.” Given her previous experience in providing wool for Team USA uniforms – mostly for the Winter Olympics – Jeanne Carver of Oregon-based Shaniko Wool Company was an obvious choice to supply wool for the blazers. “I was surprised, but thrilled when we got the inquiry from Ralph Lauren for wool for the Team USA uniforms for Paris 2024,” Carver said. “Those of us who have worked

closely with sheep for generations know that wool is the original performance fiber and a premier fiber for year round use. Wool not only supports our ‘life energy’ in a way no other fiber does, it makes the best suiting fabric in the world. We are pleased this is recognized by Ralph Lauren and is being showcased in the Team USA uniforms for this summer’s Olympics in Paris.” Shaniko pools wool from more than half a dozen sheep producers scattered across the American West. “I’m very honored that long-standing family sheep opera tions have chosen to join me in delivering wool certified to the rigorous international Responsible Wool Standard,” Carver said. “They have been the first in the United States to do so, and are located in California, Colorado, Idaho and Nevada. These ranches are great examples of the best of American agriculture. You can read more about them at ShanikoWoolCompany.com. We are all honored to be one of the partners for Ralph Lauren’s Team USA Opening Cer emony uniforms.” Ralph Lauren’s Team USA Opening and Closing Cer emony uniform apparel and a collection of Team USA apparel and accessories are available at RalphLauren.com, TeamUSAShop.com and in stores in the United States and in France.

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