Team USA: Dressed Like Champions

(Team USA sports Ralph Lauren at Opening Ceremonies for 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver)

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kicked off Thursday night in New York City, but as American designers showcase their latest collections and sip champagne at posh “post-fashion show” shindigs, our neighbors up north host an even bigger party: The 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.

As models walk the catwalk, athletes who trained their whole lives enter the stadium during the opening ceremonies representing their country as one of the best in the world. For many athletes, it’s a once in a lifetime experience. Unless the athlete is a top contender for a gold medal… that pan shot in the “parade of nations” may be the only moment they get on television. There’s no question that during that brief shining moment… they’ll want to look their best.

(Team USA takes their walk at 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing)

In years past… it’s been a hit and miss for Team USA, but ever since the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing… the athletes look pretty sharp, and with good reason. After receiving mixed reviews entering the world stage, the US Olympic Committee enlisted the help of American fashion legend, Ralph Lauren.

There are plenty of great designers with outstanding collections featured at Fashion Week, Vera Wang's breathtaking designs not only graced the catwalk and red carpet, but the ice skating rink. In fact, her designs earned her a spot in the US Figure Skating Hall of Fame.

(Olympic Silver-Medalist Nancy Kerrigan in Vera Wang figure skating dress encrusted in Swarovski crystals)

As much as I love Vera Wang’s costumes for US Figure Skaters like Nancy Kerrigan and Michelle Kwan, I don’t think anything says “All-American” more than the Polo Ralph Lauren label. The style, cut, and construction of his garments are perfect for athletes.

(Team USA Closing Ceremonies Ensemble by Ralph Lauren)

Many people would assume dressing athletes is easy. They’re toned, fit, clean-cut, and for the most part… good-looking, but designing an outfit that’s flattering to hundreds of people who range from petite to hefty is no easy feat. And I’m sure many fashion-enthusiasts will agree, if you’re looking for someone who makes red, white, and blue look good… Ralph Lauren is your “go-to” guy.

The opening and closing ceremony outfits are available for purchase on the Ralph Lauren website, but be advised: dressing like a champion comes at a pretty penny. Although Polo keeps a tight lip on the deal, the Wall Street Journal says the US Olympic Committee has negotiated a deal with Ralph Lauren to dress Team USA for the 2012 Summer Games in London. So as athletes strut through the fashion-forward city… land of Burberry, Stella McCartney, and Dior’s John Galliano… they can keep doing the catwalk.

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Priscilla Luong once had Olympic dreams and visions of donning a Vera Wang figure skating costume of her own. Like many Asian-American girls, she idolized Kristi Yamaguchi and Michelle Kwan. In fact… Priscilla was so inspired, she took figure skating lessons, and soon found out, that she was the sorriest sight you’d ever see on ice skates. If you’d like to give her ice skating lessons or share her love for Team USA ice dancing pair, Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto, e-mail her at pluong@ktab.tv.

TV Trends: MTV's "Jersey Shore" Starts Them Young?!

People say kids are growing up faster nowadays... and in this case? Boys are speaking the "Bro Code" before they're old enough to write a whole paragraph. One of the latest leaks on "Babelgum.com" spoofs MTV's hit show, "Jersey Shore," and if you haven't seen it... the show is "Real World" meets Spring Break on none other than the Tri-State area's favorite playground (hence, the show's namesake).

Kids say the darndest things don't they? I can't say I'm a fan of the show... "Jersey Shore," puts viewers in an awkward situation, where it's like a train wreck... a total disaster. As you watch "Jersey Shore," you think to yourself "oh my goodness, this is so horrible," but for some reason you can't stop watching.

The first time I watched "Jersey Shore," was at the gym while I was on the cardio machines, I scanned through the usual news stations, and then I saw J-Wow make a scene at a nightclub... and I thought to myself: "for shame, Priscilla, for shame... MTV is on your college Murtaugh List... go back to watching Anderson Cooper, news is the real reality, STOP WATCHING J-WOW!" Personally, I'd love to see network executives bring the music back to MTV, but the folks behind programming sure know how to keep viewers tuned-in.

Needless to say, it's the latest reality show that's got people talking... but for me... I think "Jersey Shore" is too much. The shock value hooks you in just like some of the other shows on the network, but with all the drama... do you think the show is here to stay? Or is it a trend that's going to die out from MTV along with the music?

There's a saying in show business, if you're being 'spoofed,' you know you've made it... I don't think “Jersey Shore” has the success potential of "Real World," which has been running for 23-seasons and counting, but like the crazy characters that drive viewers to watch... you never know what's going to happen on the "Jersey Shore."

And it looks like… they’re already grooming the next cast…

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Priscilla Luong thinks with Valentine's Day coming up, along with the music... MTV should bring back "Singled Out," another hit show that died out in the late 1990's. Hey, it's vintage, and it's much cooler than the "Love Connection!" Drop her a line or let her know what's spinning on your iPod at pluong@ktab.tv. She needs new cardio music to distract her from J-Wow and Snooki...