TEAM PRADA

Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic and/ or shopping spree.

Airfare from New York to Beijing for the 2008 Olympics costs about $1,900.  In comparison, the new Prada line paying homage to the Olympic games is a slightly cheaper way to feel a part of the hoopla.

We’re not pretending a $930 nylon bag and $218 nylon pouch are exactly affordable, but the accessories are definitely cute.  Riffing off their collectible cuddly skull and bear charms, Prada took seven Olympic sports and outfitted a teddy bear in each event’s gear, then stuck the graphics on bags and tees. While a teddy bear in a swim cap and goggles may sound absurd, it looks adorable—especially mounted on a bright yellow tote.

There’s Judo Bear, Hockey Bear, Golf Bear and Tennis Bear stitched onto bags and pouches and cartooned on $180 t-shirts. If you can hurdle the price, go ahead and splurge on these sporty accessories.

But if teddy bears – or three digit price tags – aren’t your thing, the Olympic collection from Speedo is also pretty cool.
ANNE-GEORGIA GREENBERG



This story was published on July 2, 2008.