French shoemaker, Christian Louboutin in a rare move has collaborated with the Cuban team to make their outfits for this year’s summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
Louboutin and professional handball player Henry Tai joined forces to also create jackets for more than 100 competing athletes who will attend formal occasions in them.
The shoes will be worn with red tailored jackets for the men and beige for women with the Cuba’s flag on the breast pocket over trousers, shorts, and skirts. At the back of the jacket is the five-pointed star which is used is a symbol of luck among Cubans
The shoes include a high-top trainer and the loafer style Naza Star for men, and a block kitten heel sandal for females.
According toHenry Tai, the founder of Sporty, his inspiration stemmed from the bodily movements of the athletes.
“It’s the elegance and fluidty of movement of someone who is so in control of their body”said Henri
“At the Olympics, it feels like these athletes put on performance gear and simultaneously turn into these superheroes that defy gravity… We designed the celebratory outfit for the moment they turn back into humans.”
Cuba, since its establishment of diplomatic ties with America and the western world last year, has become a hub for fashion activities with Karl Lagerfeld unveiling Chanel‘s cruise show in the country.
Despite the rare feat, it will not be the first time a national team is engaging the service of a huge fashion designer to create a full outfit set for its athletes as China also enlisted designer, Masha Mato create outfits for their team in Rio.