Recently, New Yorkers have been buzzing about the 2015 World Cup, especially the controversy surrounding the U.S. women’s national team. Today, one of our team members, Jess Gannon, talks to us about the focal point of the argument—the design and color scheme of their uniforms. Jess is not only our Specialty Printing Manager with a graphic design background, but she has also been playing competitive soccer for 20 plus years. Our empowered team member kicks ass at soccer so much that she currently is the only woman playing in an all-male adult league. All things considered, we feel Jess’s opinion on this topic is more than valuable.
“Color and creativity can sometimes create chaos. At least, that’s what we’ve gotten out of the outrage that has ensued over the U.S. women’s national team’s 2015 World Cup uniforms. Designed by Nike, this year’s uniforms have little to no relation to the American Flag (unlike past uniforms). They won’t even make use of the traditional color scheme. The Away kits blend a ‘lagoon blue’ color with white, while the Home kits integrate a neon color called ‘volt,’ with touches of black on white.
Wait, what? To sum it up quickly, Nike decided to do something different. Many people have argued reasons as to why the team MUST be dressed in a uniform that has some sort of color or design associated with the American flag. Yet, Nike, still does not agree. The company, along with many national team members, continue to defend the creative decision to go against traditional attire. Nike’s argument is based on their idea to create a uniform that’s representative of the team members who are playing for their country, rather than design a uniform that is representative of the country itself.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the color, design, and creative thought process behind these already infamous uniforms:
Design
The uniforms feature a gradient pattern that’s meant to bring your eye from top to bottom, straight down to the feet— the focal features of the game. The stripe along the side is meant to accentuate player movement. Simple, and yet so clever, it’s a full composition.
Color
Yes, the neon ‘volt’ and ‘blue lagoon’ colors have nothing to do with the American flag, but it’s a color scheme and an entity that stands out. Volt is a very distinguishable color; it’s crisp, vibrant, and gets you motivated. Also, the name ‘volt’ was cleverly chosen, because it associates the uniform with speed. As a player, wearing a color with that name would make me want to run faster.
Creative Thought Process
The color and design is meant to be used as a motivational tool, a visual impact. Hopefully, the country will be just as vibrant and alive as the colors, and the players who are wearing it. Here’s what Nike had to say about it, and I couldn’t agree more:
Nike wanted the uniforms to ‘paint inspiration for the team itself, something crisp, stylish, sharp, strong and impactful, like the team itself.‘
Team member Abby Wambach said, ‘If you look good you are ready to play your best, and when I put them (the uniforms) on I feel inspired to play well for my country, our team, and the fans.‘
And if you’re still wondering what I think, the uniforms are a progressive statement for the sport and players that will play their best for our country.”
What do you think about all of this? Tweet us your thoughts, or chat with us on LinkedIn!