Olympic fashion has been a dazzling affair for years, with iconic designers like Ralph Lauren, Armani and Dior taking the spotlight with their National Olympic Committee uniforms, and this year’s Olympic Games are no exception. For displaying the hottest coutures, all runaways lead to Paris. As the fashion capital of the world, Paris, is set to elevate the spectacle even further. With luxury powerhouse LVMH as one of the Games’ premium sponsors, expect a sartorial extravaganza.
From blending traditional national symbols and colours with the latest sportswear trends to setting new high-fashion standards, the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics 2024 is all set to become a global runway. Here are the top 10 countries that have best managed to balance style, tradition, sportswear and high fashion at the Olympic Games!
1. India: Tarun Tahilani
The ceremonial dress for the Indian Olympic Team is a masterpiece crafted by Tarun Tahiliani in collaboration with TASVA and the Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Group. This elegant ensemble celebrates India’s rich heritage while embracing modernity, seamlessly blending classic Indian style with a contemporary, athletic touch. Carefully designed from natural fabrics, the kurta-bundi set and the saree aim to represent India’s past and future, ensuring athletes feel both elegant and comfortable.
2. Republic of Korea: Musinsa Standard
The Republic of Korea has elevated sophistication with a clean, lightweight belted suit setup from Musinsa Standard. The design features a subtle shade of Byeok Cheong, symbolising the East and embodying youthful vigour and progressive spirit. Crafted from summer wool fabric, the tops and bottoms are perfect for the hot weather in Paris during the Olympics. The blazer lining showcases a design inspired by Korea’s blue and white porcelain, highlighting traditional Korean beauty. Additionally, a stylish belt was specially created, reinterpreting the traditional Korean court dress belt.
3. Mongolia: Michel and Amazonka
Sisters Michel and Amazonka are making waves with their stunning Olympic uniforms for Mongolia. These outfits, inspired by traditional Mongolian deels, are a heartfelt tribute to their heritage. The intricate embroidery isn’t just for show—each design element has a story. Birds symbolise freedom, mountains honour the athletes’ hard work, and the golden thread signifies their dreams of winning gold. Plus, the national colours of blue, red, and white proudly flaunt their Mongolian identity. Talk about fashion with a purpose.
4. France: Berluti
Berluti, the famous French luxury brand founded in 1895, was chosen to make the Olympic outfits. ‘Artisans of all victories’ are the words embroidered in gold lettering on labels sewn into each piece from the collection and the athletes will be dressed in a uniquely Berluti white shirt and midnight-blue tuxedo jacket with a burnished lapel in the colours of the French flag. Men will wear matching plain pants with sneakers, while women will have the additional option of a wrap skirt complete with a pair of patent moccasins.
5. USA: Ralph Lauren
No one does jeans like America, and Ralph Lauren is living up to that reputation with Team USA’s Olympic uniforms. The 14-piece custom collection is an ode to the signature red, white and blue colours of the American flag while also paying homage to the dynamic and vibrant host city. For the opening ceremony, the team will sport tailored navy blazers over blue-and-white striped Oxford shirts, paired with classic blue jeans. And for the closing ceremony, keep an eye out for the show-stopping biker jacket.
6. Sierra Leone: Adidas x Labrum
In collaboration with Adidas, Labrum founder Foday Dumbuya has crafted a kit that honours Sierra Leone’s rich heritage with symbols of wealth and prestige from African history. The design features a striking white typeface against a bold backdrop, highlighting the curves of the cowrie shell along with the Adidas logo and the Sierra Leonean flag. The blue and white colour scheme not only enhances the athletes’ appearance but also fosters a sense of unity and connection from the pitch to the podium.
7. Canada: Lululemon
Inclusivity and adaptability will come to mind when you take a look at the uniforms of the Canadian Team for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony. These innovative outfits let athletes adjust to the varying weather conditions along the Seine. They can add a poncho if it rains or remove the bomber jacket in the heat, with straps that allow the jacket to hang comfortably behind them. Beyond Canada’s iconic colour, the tone-on-tone print pays homage to the country, featuring symbols referencing the art and architecture.
8. Haiti: Stella Jean
Italian fashion designer Stella Jean has crafted Team Haiti’s Paris 2024 collection, blending her Haitian heritage with contemporary style. In collaboration with Haitian artist Philippe Dodard, Jean has incorporated his artwork from “Passage” into the uniforms. Female athletes will wear full skirts featuring this artwork, paired with light blue chambray shirts made from Haiti’s traditional blue cotton and sleeveless blazers crafted from recycled fabric, adorned with the Olympic emblem. Male athletes will sport striped shirts, printed scarves, and jackets inspired by traditional Guayabera shirts.
9. Australia
Asics, Sportscraft, and Speedo have blended Australia’s national colours and Indigenous heritage to design the athletes’ uniforms. The look features a classic green jacket paired with a white t-shirt trimmed in gold and green. Male athletes will wear beige shorts, while female athletes can choose between beige shorts or a pleated skirt with a green, yellow, and white gradient. The pocket square and scarf showcase artwork by Aboriginal artists. Additionally, Asics, as the official partner, will supply sportswear and gear for athletes, coaches, and team members throughout the games.
10. Turkey: Vakko
The Turkish national team will be wearing outfits designed by 90-year-old luxury brand Vakko. With 2024 marking the 100th anniversary of the country’s first participation in the Games, the outfits for the athletes are in the country’s red and white flag colours, with a touch of sky blue meant to represent peace.
Cover Credits: Michel and Amazonka
