Classical Rhythm is the design development collection which led to the costumes that were designed for The Rio 2016 Olympic Torch Lighting Ceremony. Elements from this collection were selected, adapted and developed into The Olympic Costumes.

 

However this collection is different to The Olympic Costumes. The main difference between Classical Rhythm and The Olympic Costumes is that of the knitting technique used. The knitting machine used in this collection (12 stitches per inch) was different to that of The Olympic Costumes (10 stitches per inch), and used a single as opposed to a double yarn in the knitting process. This created far more wearable, light weight garments: in Classical Rhythm. In fact these dresses weigh less than half of The Olympic Costumes. This means the garment moves very differently too.

 

A design element in the harness designs in Classical Rhythm is that of exposed functionality: the visibility of buckles and straps in all harnesses. In The Olympic Costumes the functionality of the harnesses was designed to be concealed from view.

 

Additionally use of reflective materials including gleaming leather, metallic leather, metallic yarn and nylon yarns were incorporated into this collection creating a rich contrast in textures and a play on light. These elements were not used in The Olympic Costumes. Varying knitting styles creating ‘stone like’ textures and more open 'cross-hatched' knits also appear in Classical Rhythm, none of these knitting styles were used in The Olympic Costumes.

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Classical Rhythm was created using the initial colour palette which lead to the final colour selection for The Olympic Costumes. The colour palette in Classical Rhythm is more varied than that of The Olympic Costumes. 

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Classical Rhythm is a mix and match collection where any harness and be born with any base dress. This is exemplifed in the collection images where the textured, stone dress is worn with two different harnesses.

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