It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World(s)

Just got back from Cairo. Finished unpacking and now I'm sorting through myriad photos documenting fencing fashion at the Veteran World Championships

Rita Comes accepted a certificate recognizing the US for
fielding the largest team at the event. (We also led the medal count, with a
total of 22 podium finishes, including 6 gold.)

The venue was a rainbow of international color. After much consideration, I award the Australian team highest marks for both team colors and team mascot.

Though I think this 'roo is wearing boxing gloves!
#wrongsport

Britain takes second place for "colors most easily spotted across a crowded venue"

The Italians were stylish (of course) though I was initially very puzzled by one of the logos on their uniforms

 

Which looked to me like the classic American "mudflap girls" but is in fact the logo of the fashion company and fencing sponsor Kappa. (Now I want a fashion fencing sponsor. Leads welcome.)

The french team sported matching socks. (I was told that in team events, all the fencers' socks have to match. I like to think this is because the FIE realizes that anything is cuter in multiples--but probably not.)

Often the t-shirts were even better than the uniforms.

The Netherlands won on the t-shirt front, having created a bespoke "fence like an Egyptian" design in orange (the color of the Dutch royal family). 

They should have brought extras--they could have traded these shirts for ANYTHING.

While the US uniforms were a demure grey, our team blinged them out with a great selection of pins. Check out the selection amassed by team armorer Kathy Walters:

Note the badger pin in the upper left.
*Ahem*

Kathy also wins for best hat, though this Russian gentleman sported a very fashionable head rag:

Other highlights include most colorful uniform:

Most flamboyant stenciling. (I'm pretty sure this is technically illegal, but extra points for getting away with it.)

Coolest way to carry a country's flag colors on the strip (the Italians again, 'natch):

Cutest spectators

Strangest fencing mash-up. (Hello Kitty, really?):

 And best fencing tattoo. Certainly the best at this competition. Possibly best ever?

The Japanese delegation swept the fashion awards for the Gala on Wednesday night

Alan Garmonsway captured Gala fashion silver for Great Britain with his kilt and sporran:

Though US V50 WE fencer Valerie Asher (right, below, with Brazil's Claudia da Costa) was pretty dang elegant.

Next up on Fashionista, I'll share some observations on prepping for Vet World Championships, and run through what to expect at the event for those of you who will find yourself navigating international waters in coming years. Perhaps Croatia in 2020?