A Li-Ning design team based in Hong Kong has been working with China's star-studded national diving, gymnastics, table tennis and shooting teams for years.

"The 2008 Olympic sportswear for those teams will have a futuristic feel," said Hong Kong designer Noelle Ng, the leader of the six-member group.

The team started the project in January last year and it took them four months to generate the idea.

"Graphic lines introduce a modern mood, creating sleek, high sheen finishes with bold, fractured, cut-and-sew techniques. Metallic effects are important, especially in the trim," she said.

Among the four teams, divers and gymnasts have higher requirements in terms of fabrics, designs and artistic presentation.

"We spare no effort to find the best fabrics in the world and we don't have any restrictions on our budget," she said.

In order to become more familiar with the athletes, Ng paid several visits to the diving and gymnastics teams and collected suggestions.

"Divers Guo Jingjing and Wang Feng told me their favorite colors and fabrics and they didn't have many requirements for the design. They prefer simple and comfortable clothing."

Male athletes had more to say on the issue.

"They have a very good sense of style and a lot of ideas," Ng said.

The team responded to their enthusiasm by taking a more arty approach.

"Inspired by surrealism in art, dance and culture, we tried to create a fantastic mood capable of swelling into a glamorous night-time drama. Vivid colors, high shine and bold feminine colors make for a seductive futuristic look," she said.