Syracuse (ABC/WSYR-TV) – ABC News sent one of their producers and an intern to get outfitted in the opening ceremony uniform. They looked fabulous, but after taking a closer look, ABC News found the labels said “Made in China.” Even the shoes said “Made in China.” Every item for the uniform is made overseas.
Nanette Lepore is one of the country's top fashion designers. ABC News asked her if we could have outfitted our Olympians head to toe in American made products. She said, “Absolutely.”
Lepore says American manufacturers could have easily made our athletes’ uniforms in America – and for less money.
"Why shouldn't we have pride, not only in the American athletes, but in the American manufacturers and laborers who are the backbone of our country? Why was that not a consideration?" Lepore said.
ABC News reached out to Ralph Lauren and the Olympic Committee to ask?
The committee responded: "…the U.S. Olympic Team is privately funded and we're grateful for the support of our sponsors. We're proud of our partnership with Ralph Lauren, an iconic American company."
Not exactly an answer, but American manufacturers insist, like the athletes, they can compete.
If all U.S. Olympic clothing and mementos were made in America, it would keep one billion dollars from heading overseas this year.
