The Beauty of the Mountains and Italian Fashion Inspired the Official Collection of Czech Olympians

In just over a week, the 2026 Winter Olympics will begin in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The Czech team will compete in a collection inspired by the 1956 Winter Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Fresh air, the crunch of snow under skis, the sparkle of ice beneath skates, sunshine and expansive mountain panoramas – the atmosphere of the 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo served as inspiration for a special Olympic collection. Combined with Italian fashion of the time, a design was created that has, for the first time, been produced by the Czech company ALPINE PRO for the Czech Olympic and Paralympic teams at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games.

“Instead of the usual white, this time we opted for a completely different style that meets the athletes’ preferences. Milan is a fashion capital, similar to Paris, so once again we chose an unconventional design inspired by Italian fashion. Cortina 1956 was not only the first Winter Games in Italy, but also the first to be broadcast live on television. They are remembered not only for the sporting achievements, but also for their style. The boldly patterned jumper became a collector’s item that continues to fascinate design enthusiasts today. Our collection continues this tradition,” explained Jiří Kejval, President of the Czech Olympic Committee.

Foto: Český olympijský výbor

The collection was also inspired by ice hockey jerseys: the jumper serves as a retro element, recalling a time when it was an indispensable part of winter clothing. Everything is complemented by an iconic piece of Italian fashion – a long red scarf, according to the painter Milan Jaroš, who designed the collection’s graphic concept. His work is influenced by the designs of Czech graphic artist, painter and illustrator Vojtěch Preissig.

The motif, based on Preissig’s typographical style, runs through all parts of the collection – parade, sports and fan pieces. The collection was designed by Anežka Berecková of ALPINE PRO, for whom this project became one of the most significant of her career.

Fans can, for the third time, purchase the Raškov hat, which became a phenomenon in 2018 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of ski jumper Jiří Raška’s Olympic victory. Since then, it has been a symbol connecting athletes and fans alike, enduring beyond the Olympic Games.

The collection once again brings Olympians and Paralympians together. “We are very pleased, as it clearly shows that there is only one sport. For part of the delegation, we have adjusted the coat length to ensure comfort for wheelchair users. Aside from that, the collection is identical for Paralympians,” said Zbyněk Sýkora, President of the Czech Paralympic Committee.

Winter Olympics 2026
6–22 February 2026 | Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo
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Czech Olympic Committee
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