ADVERTISEMENTYou might reasonably expect white to be the dominant colour at the Sochi Winter Olympics, but the likelihood is that what will stick in your memory is anything but monochrome.
Not content to out-do each other for sporting honours on the slopes and ice-rinks, the competitors, it seems, are vying for sartorial supremacy through an array of outlandish attire.
The kits and costumes of the national teams have been created, in some cases, by high profile designers, who appear determined to leave their own indelible mark on the games.
Put on your sun glasses and check them out: winter wonders or technicolour travesties? You decide.
Germany the rainbow nation?
(See main picture). Something of a resemblance to the Rainbow Flag used by the gay rights movement has led to suggestions the designers wanted to have a poke at Russia’s controversial laws covering what is referred to in the Kremlin as “gay propaganda” and a generally non-gay-friendly attitude demonstrated by the authorities
Team America
The official US Olympic uniform goes perfect in Sochi. Obviously no gays were asked for input on it. #hideouspic.twitter.com/LL7YFb75Wt
— Ari Solomon (@VeganAri) January 25, 2014Mexican Mariachi
This is not a drill. RT BTSP</a>: The Mexican Ski Team unveil their uniform for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics <a href="http://t.co/jVcI5BFRFM">pic.twitter.com/jVcI5BFRFM</a></p>— Meredith Frost (MeredithFrost) January 27, 2014
Those Nice Norwegians
Norway's uniform for Sochi is painful just to look at – for curling at least. http://t.co/HKfoBv9mtCpic.twitter.com/D6vtGbFSjm
— ianpatterson99 (@ianpatterson99) January 30, 2014France à la mode
French team in high style at 2014 Sochi Olympic Games wearing Lacoste gear! http://t.co/DYtDWqMciopic.twitter.com/FbRtxexGfT
— Coach Alex Pussieldi (@alexpussieldi) October 16, 2013So cool, Canada
Hudson's Bay Co. unveils Canadian Olympic team uniforms for Sochi Games http://t.co/caqM4ZlTTGpic.twitter.com/6u0wlWpD0k
— canada.com Lifestyle (@canadacomLife) October 30, 2013