Stella McCartney

After much anticipation, Adidas has just revealed its 2012 Olympic uniforms for Britain designed by Stella McCartney. The uniforms, which took two years to create, highlight a modern take on Great Britain's Union Jack flag. “The first place to start on a project like this is to look at the Union flag," said McCartney. "For me it’s one of the most beautiful flags in the world and it was important for me to stay true to that iconic design but also to modernise it and present it in a contemporary way." The designer injected her own fashion-forward spin on it via clean lines and and a less literal take on the flag. "Something that was very important to me was to try and use that very iconic image but to dismantle it and try to soften it, break it down and make it more fashionable in a sense," said McCartney. While the designer has already taken some criticism for not showing enough patriotism in the design, we like it. Take a look at the uniforms in the slideshow and tell us what you think in the comments section below.

Getty and Team GB

>> Stella McCartney's recent runway collection wasn't the only Spring debut she had to worry about. The designer has spent the last two years working on the uniforms for the 2012 British Olympic team and finally unveiled them Thursday.

McCartney said that the uniforms started with a meditation on the Union Jack, the flag of Great Britain. "For me it's one of the most beautiful flags in the world and it was important for me to stay true to that iconic design, but also to modernise it and present it in a contemporary way," she said. "Ultimately, we wanted the athletes to feel like a team and be proud with the identity we created."

To that end, McCartney infused her athletic gear with the same attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into her ready-to-wear pieces. The entire kit, which is composed of nearly 600 different pieces created in collaboration with Adidas, will be distributed to the over 900 athletes who make it on the team.

Photos Courtesy of Team GB, Getty

>> It's not surprising that Stella McCartney would have athletic-wear on her mind — she is, after all, designing the British uniforms for the upcoming Olympics. Not surprising either, then, that a bit of sports influence would creep into her Fall 2012 ready-to-wear collection. And indeed, there it was in the form of baseball jackets, racing stripes, tennis dresses, and streamlined ski sweaters. But, as McCartney puts it, "the Stella woman is about balance," so there were plenty of elegant, grown-up elements on hand as well. Those tennis dresses? They were flippy, sure, but they were also cut in a serious tweed. And the speedy-looking ski sweaters? Those came neatly tucked into work-ready trousers.

Also on hand for more of that signature Stella balance: cable-knit sweater sets, sharply tailored jacquard suits, and a selection of electric-hued power coats that — with their asymmetrical zips, contrast panels, and oversized proportions — felt very right now.

This morning's Stella McCartney show during Paris Fashion Week brought out a range of famous attendees. Alicia Keys wore one of Stella's designs to sit in the front row along with Salma Hayek and François-Henri Pinault, whose family's company owns a stake in the label. Stella's dad, Paul McCartney, posed with his pink-clad wife Nancy Shevell. Paul's other children, Mary and James McCartney, also came out to witness Stella's Fall 2012 presentation, as did Jefferson Hack and Vogue's Anna Wintour. The Stella McCartney Fall 2012 collection was full of sporty, chic pieces, and many famous models like Natalia Vodianova and Karlie Kloss hit the runway on Stella's behalf. Alicia went to France to fit in a few stylish shows, having also attended Givenchy yesterday.

Stella McCartney was in a sporty state of mind for her Fall 2012 collection (most likely inspired by her recent gig designing Olympic uniforms for the British team), showing bold color and athletic-inspired shapes. With a magical touch, McCartney injected a dose of luxe into every piece; lavish slouchy trousers were dipped in shocking cobalt and dark pink hues, while a selection of textural knitted sweaters looked cozy enough to sleep in. Outerwear also highlighted bigger shapes, but not overwhelmingly so, via polished coats with striped bomber collars and modern zip details. On the opposite end of the spectrum, McCartney showed fitted silhouettes via structured skirt suits and dresses. The latter featured silk and wool renditions with a sporty fit-and-flare shape, while evening wear options showed longer silhouettes with intricate embroidery. McCartney accessories are sure to leave a few smitten as well; we predict an antsy waiting list for the two-tone pumps, booties, and oversize clutches. More details from Stella McCartney's effortless Fall 2012 collection below.

• Trends: Slouchy trousers, oversize coats, sporty details.
• Colors: Black, blue, pink, brown, olive green, white, taupe.
• Key Piece: We loved the sporty luxe outerwear and skater-inspired wool dresses.
• Accessories: Two-tone boots and pumps, oversize clutches.
• Who Would Wear It: Girls with a modern and minimal approach to dressing like Kate Bosworth and Zoe Saldana.