Applications – the exceptional …
You just can’t avoid decorative elements – simple uni-coloured leotards
belong to the past (to the deep regret of parents suffering from the
“Who has the nicest one?” competition sizzling already in small sport
clubs among the fashion-addicted small girls).
Having several hundreds of rhinestones
(colour table) on one apparel is not an
exception, but more and more the general case. The rhinestones (Swarovski) contribute mainly to the overall cost of a suit
(price list, Swarovski STRASS).
But they are making just the difference – the resulting sparkling of the apparels
in the spotlights or even under dimmed conditions by capturing and amplifying
every photon whirring around cannot be obtained by other means. To choose first quality
rhinestones only is essential in order to avoid disappointments due to loss of
brilliance of cheap, but low quality rhinestones after some time.
At the elite level the fabrics are painted
with special dyes allowing for almost
any desired effect, and massively accentuated with thousands of rhinestones. To
ensure the quality of the skilled hand-made paintings even after some washing events
dedicated procedures are required beside the usage of special fabric dyes. In addition,
these applications should remain elastic. By the way, there are rumours that often the
process of washing is assessed as to be to risky for the sophisticated high-standard
leotards used in the world championships and therefore simply declined.
Leotards with our paintings can be washed without loosing their brilliance and
bright appearance!
The decoration must be applied without impeding subtle and precise movements
of the gymnasts. Especially, this requirement has to be considered by using
rhinestones and sequined elements.
Despite there fragile composition the apparels should survive under harsh conditions
(think about synchronised swimming or the steady contact with different instruments
and with the carpet). It is just sport, and the athletes have, sometimes unfortunately,
other things to worry about during a competition than to treat their suits with care.
