There was sad news out of Sochi early Tuesday: The Norwegian men's curling team was eliminated from the 2014 Winter Olympics.
That also means the Norwegian men's curling pants — transcendent fashion artifacts that charmed fans well beyond their sport's limited reach — have been eliminated from the games.
See also: 4 Quirky Factoids About the Olympics' Gold Medal Tie
Like so many of the beautiful things we lose too soon, perhaps these pants were simply too good — too original, too sophisticated in concept and style — for this harsh and unforgiving world. Nevertheless, Norway's loss to Great Britain means we won't see the fabulous trousers again in Sochi, much less on the medal podium.
Great Britain joins China, Canada and Sweden in the Olympic semifinals, but as for Norway's glorious pants, we're left with only memories.
We've collected all those memories right here in photographic form. Read on for a full recap of Norway's sartorial domination in Sochi, as well as our fashion grades for each look.
Norway wore these pants vs. Team USA on Feb. 10.
Norway wore these pants vs. Great Britain on Feb. 16.
Norway wore these pants vs. Germany on Feb. 12.
Norway wore these pants vs. Sweden on Feb. 13.
Norway wore these pants vs. Canada on Feb. 14.
Norway wore these pants vs. China on Feb. 14.
Norway wore these pants vs. Denmark on Feb. 17.
Norway wore these pants vs. Great Britain on Feb. 18.