Designer uniforms were not the only fashion contribution to the Olympic Opening Ceremony Friday. East End talents Christopher Shannon, Michael Van Der Ham and Nasir Mazhar represented British design at the event, as chosen by Suttirat Larlab, Creative Director for Danny Boyle. British Fashion Council Ambassador for Emerging Talent Sarah Mower introduced Shannon, Van Der Ham and Mazhar to Larlab. 

“London is known worldwide for its incredible talent in fashion design. We wanted to choose young designers who work and live in the East End for the Opening Ceremony and who create innovative and cutting edge new ideas…” said Suttirat Larlab, Creative Director of The Opening Ceremony. Locals Shannon, Van Der Ham and Mazhar created designs for 350 dancers at the ceremony.

Over the last year, Larlab has toured the studios of young designers in London, searching for contributors to The Opening Ceremony. Several other designers were chosen to design costumes for the ceremony, alongside Shannon, Van Der Ham and Mazhar.

Words: Marina Kolobova