Telfar designs genderless uniforms for the Liberian Olympic team

The collection comprised of 70 genderless pieces, including unitards, gowns, shorts and the brand’s signature asymmetrical, shoulder-baring running tops, amongst other items

Spotted: The Brooklyn-based genderless fashion brand Telfar designed a collection of unisex uniforms for the Liberian team to wear at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. 

The operation was led by Liberian-American fashion designer Telfar Clemens and creative director Babak Radboy. The collection comprised of 70 genderless pieces, including unitards, gowns, shorts, and asymmetrical, shoulder-baring running tops amongst other items.  

The three athletes that qualified to compete for the nation — Ebony Morrison, Joseph Fahnbulleh, and Emmanuel Matadi debuted Clemens’ designs at the Olympic opening ceremony in the Tokyo National Stadium. The athletes wore basketball-jersey-inspired tunics. 

Teflar says that his collection tells the story of a journey of recognition: “In this sense, the Liberian National Team manifests a profound narrative of repatriation. Telfar, like the athletes who make up the team, is asked to represent something much deeper than a nation”. 

The uniform displays the colour gold in addition to shades of the colours on the Liberian flag – blue, red and white. Printed onto the clothes are large stars representing the single star on the flag, with the word Liberia in capital letters along the side of the clothes. Elements of the brand are also present with a “T” logo on the front of the uniform, and their one-shoulder tank tops and the loose-fitting tracksuits. 

Inspired by the cultural roots of his DNA, the designer also featured traditional African clothing styles such as the African lappa – a colourful tie-up skirt or dress that is worn by both males and females.

Telfar next plans to launch an Olympics-informed commercial collection for the public.  

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