Paris is already used to serving looks. From the architectural grandeur of the Louvre to the effortlessly chic Parisians strolling down Rue Saint-Honoré, and the countless fashion weeks all year round. But this summer, Paris is taking its sartorial prowess to a whole new level. 2024 is quickly letting us know that the Olympics are no longer just about athletic competition; they’ve become a breeding ground for audacious fashion statements, blurring the lines between podium and runway. These Olympians are rewriting the rules, one perfectly-coordinated ensemble at a time. With designers drawing inspiration from national heritage and luxury brands entering the arena with high-concept collaborations, the 2024 Paris Games (Instagram) are poised to be a fashion spectacle unlike any other.
Let’s start with a glimpse into the national confederations uniforms, where the Mongolian offering has clearly won the gold medal. The Mongolian team has already captured the spotlight with their unique uniforms designed by Mongolian fashion house Michel & Amazonka. Inspired by traditional Mongolian garments known as Deel, the uniforms feature intricate embroidery and details that reference the country’s rich cultural heritage. The athletes will wear long white pleated skirts or ivory trousers, paired with blue, red, and white vests adorned with symbols like the moon, sun, and the mythical Gual deer. This fusion of athletic wear and traditional dress promises to be a powerful visual representation of Mongolian national pride on the world stage.
Luxury powerhouse Louis Vuitton has injected Parisian elegance into the 2024 Olympics. Their exquisite craftsmanship is on display with the Torches and Médailles trunks, designed to house the Olympic and Paralympic torches and medals respectively. Drawing inspiration from Louis Vuitton’s heritage, both trunks feature the Damier canvas or Monogram canvas and sleek matte black leather interiors. Beyond these statement pieces, Louis Vuitton has also designed official luggage for the teams and will have employees participate in the Torch Relay, solidifying their presence as a major player in the Games.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, under the LVMH umbrella, transcended the realm of traditional sponsorship, creating a unique makeup line specifically for the Games’ volunteers. This “Fenty Beauty Olympics Kit” wasn’t about enhancing athletic performance. Instead, it offered practical and inclusive essentials – think the brand’s popular Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint for a flawless base, the long-lasting Invisimatte powder for shine control, and the universally flattering Gloss Bomb Lip Luminizer for a touch of effortless glam. This move ensured volunteers from all backgrounds felt confident and radiant throughout the Games, a testament to Fenty Beauty’s commitment to inclusivity and their understanding that beauty transcends the podium.
Nike’s “Nike On Air” event in Paris showcased their latest innovations and athlete collaborations. The event highlighted Nike’s position as a go-to brand for athletes, with cutting-edge technology like the sculpted Air unit in the new Pegasus sneaker. 40 elite athletes participated, unveiling new team kits and co-creating iconic looks. The event culminated with the “A.I.R. — Athlete-Imagined Revolution” project, featuring 13 athletes’ visions of future footwear brought to life through 3D printing and AI exploration. This event marks the beginning of a multi-year innovation cycle for Nike, showcasing their commitment to pushing boundaries and supporting athletes.
New York Liberty’s Nyara Sabally wasn’t just packing her basketball skills for the Paris Olympics. The German-born player, who competes for the WNBA’s New York Liberty alongside her sister Satou, added some serious sparkle to her pre-game prep with a custom-made 14k gold grill. Designed by New York-based jeweler Fine Ass Fronts, the dazzling piece featured the iconic Olympic rings, with tiny coloured gemstones set into a luxurious gold frame. Sabally’s dazzling grill wasn’t just about personal style; it was a reminder that even the smallest details can be a way to celebrate the Olympic spirit.
This isn’t just about individual athletes expressing themselves; it’s a global fashion spectacle in the making. Each competing nation is partnering with domestic brands to create unique uniforms, guaranteeing a diverse display of cultures and styles on the world stage.
As the Games ignite today, July 26th, with 3 billion viewers across the world, one thing’s for sure: the 2024 Olympics promise to be a visual extravaganza for fashion enthusiasts and sports fans alike. Prepare to witness a celebration of athletic prowess, national pride, and cutting-edge design, all wrapped up in a dazzling display of fashion.
For more stories of fashion from around the world, follow our dedicated archives.
