Welcome to the latest in our series of ‘Vintage Crewoom’ Blogs, where we showcase some vintage, very loved, very worn (and very washed!) pieces of Crewroom kit.
This month we’re featuring a four-year-old pair of ‘Bekko’ Ribbing Shorts which belong to Crewroom Ambassador, Issy Hawes, and aside from standing the test of time after plenty of outings, they hold very special significance to us all at Crewroom, especially with the Paris 2024 Summer Games fast approaching.
In spring 2020, we launched our new Bekko range, using a colourful print which was inspired by the Japanese Koi fish – a symbol of courage, perseverance in adversity and strength of purpose. Originally designed as a gentle nod to the athletes who were to compete at Tokyo 2020, little did we know that the true meaning of this symbol would become ever more relevant later that year.
Just weeks after launch, the world was thrown into the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic which saw the human race face some of its darkest days. Yet despite the unimaginable challenges we collectively faced, it was the courage and strength of so many – doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers, teachers, supermarket staff, emergency services and alike – who persevered in adversity and helped us all navigate such difficult times.
And of course, like everyone, our athletes were impacted too. With restrictions on movement and interaction, the Tokyo Summer Games were postponed to 2021, the first such instance in its history. Although largely held behind closed doors, with no public spectators permitted, the Games and the determination of the athletes gave us inspiration and brought the world together through sport, in a joint celebration of hope.
That’s why the Bekko print holds a very special place in our hearts here at Crewroom. It's a design that was intended to shine a light on the strength and determination of a few, yet it was the courage and bravery of so many who gave us light when we needed it most.
Paris 2024 will be a very different Games to that of 2020/21, but as before, it's a time for our nations to come together and advocate positivity. Sending good luck and best wishes to all our athletes this summer - here’s to unity, hope, and the power of sport!
