The 2008 Summer Olympic Games begins in Beijing, China this Friday on 8/08/08. The number 8 is considered to be a very lucky number in Chinese culture. With that in mind, designers decided to try their luck at cashing in on the event's global appeal by offering exclusive designs created solely for the international festivities. More than a few jumped at this prime opportunity: Nike, Adidas, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana are just a handful that have made one-of-a-kind, custom and Olympic-inspired creations.

All-American design icon Ralph Lauren snagged the contract to become the "official outfitter of the US Olympic team." Over 1,500 athletes will be donning his Polo insignia to the opening and closing ceremonies, and during their off-time as well. The color scheme is a patriotic palette of red, white and blue for a collection consisting of v-neck tennis sweaters, ties, polo mesh shirts and more. The Big Pony items which feature an oversize polor iding horse logo reminds me of what old-school hip-hop Brand Nubians' lead MC Grand Puba would wear with a Polo knapsack. Don't be surprised if you see Kanye, Lupe, Luda or Andre 3000 in one of these items for an old-school effect.  (Black Voices)