The 2024 Paris Olympics have been a spectacle of not only athletic prowess but also a dazzling showcase of fashion – more than I expected. While much attention has been given to the celebrities on the red carpet and those who performed at the opening ceremony, the athletes themselves made quite the sartorial statement. Here’s a look at some of the standout designs that graced the athletes at the games.
Mongolia
Mongolian sisters Michel and Amazonka Choigaalaa drew inspiration from their homeland’s traditional clothing. They crafted vests embroidered with iconic symbols such as the Eiffel Tower and the Olympic flame, alongside Mongolian symbols like the Soyombo, featured on the national flag, and the mythological Gua-Maral deer. These vests, worn over pleated robes, perfectly blended Mongolian tradition with a contemporary twist, making for a memorable and culturally rich ensemble which many are saying was the highlight of all the looks at the opening ceremony.
Haitian-Italian designer Stella Jean brought vibrant colours and cultural heritage to Team Haiti’s uniforms. The mesmerizing print was inspired by “Passage,” a painting by Haitian artist Philippe Dodard. The look featured blue shirts inspired by the Guayabera, a traditional shirt made using a special Haitian weaving technique, nodding to Stella Jean’s grandfather’s style. With sustainability in mind, the white sleeveless blazers bearing the Olympic emblem were made from recycled fabric, adding an eco-friendly touch to the ensemble.
Sri Lanka
LOVI Ceylon designed Team Sri Lanka’s attire, presenting a modern take on the Nilame (Prince) and Manike (Princess) outfits worn in the royal court of the 1800s. The lotus flower motif symbolises purity of spirit, aligning with Olympic values of encouraging effort, preserving human dignity, and developing harmony. Each piece carried the Olympic rings, the Lion emblem, and the athlete’s name, showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage through intricate hand embroidery and craftsmanship.
South Sudan
South Sudan’s all-black suits, designed by Rwandan label Moshions, were elevated to iconic status with gold hardware, ribbons, and regalia in the colours of the nation’s flag. LeBron James commented on the South Sudan kits, saying, “Them boys was clean AF.” The look was a perfect blend of sophistication and national pride.
Czechia (Czech Republic)
Jan Černý of Jan Société designed Czechia’s attire with deeper meaning. The coat featured a blue ink Rorschach pattern, paying homage to graphic artist and painter Vladimír Boudník, born in 1924, the year the Olympics were last held in Paris. The colour gradients of the polo shirt and trousers were inspired by historical Czech jerseys, creating a modern yet historically resonant look.
France
Designed by Berluti, Team France’s suits were chic, with shawl collars accented by the colours of the French flag. While the design exudes sophistication, I couldn’t help but think they could be repurposed for Air France uniforms after the closing ceremony.
Taiwan
Designer Justin Chou blended eco-friendly materials and cultural heritage in Taiwan’s uniforms. The stretchy, textured material represented Taiwan’s oceans, cities, and mountains, combining sustainability with cultural symbolism.
Canada
Lululemon’s designs for Team Canada prominently featured their logo which arguably overshadowed the national flag. While I love Lululemon’s activewear, the oversized logo has me questioning the balance between brand promotion and national pride. You can now buy Team Canada set on Lululemon Canada. So there’s my answer.
Liberia
Speaking of logos, Liberian-American designer Telfar Clemens ensured the Telfar logo was front and center on Liberia’s overthrows. The neckline, shaped like Africa, and the mesh sleeves added a sporty feel to the traditional look, creating a unique and contemporary uniform. I would wear this in a heartbeat. Especially in this heatwave.
USA
Ralph Lauren continued its long-standing partnership with Team USA delivering classic uniforms, even though my first thought was that the blazers look sunken.
Ireland
Laura Weber of LW Pearl created Team Ireland’s looks, which at first glance appeared suited for a Judo team. Then it gets worse as you take in the random buckles and patches. They should have called Simone Rocha.
Great Britain
Ben Sherman incorporated the UK’s four national flowers: the rose for England, the thistle for Scotland, the daffodil for Wales, and the shamrock for Northern Ireland. However, the uniform of bomber jackets, knitted polo shirts, and blue chino trousers felt underwhelming, and lacking the wow factor.
Netherlands
DENHAM’s design for the Netherlands was infinitely cooler, more contemporary, and modern. The end result were a sleek and stylish looks that balanced individuality with uniformity.
Australia
Australia’s looks were cute, but they evoked a sense of resort representatives or tour guides.
Poland
Polish label Bizuu nailed the summer vibe with sleek ivory suits and floral prints incorporating the colours of the Polish flag. The vibrant and stylish uniforms perfectly balanced national pride with seasonal flair.
Jamaica
Puma’s design for Team Jamaica, while vibrant in colour, left much to be desired. The design felt like a BIG missed opportunity to fully celebrate the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
Brazil
The Brazilian uniforms, featuring Havaianas flip-flops, striped shirts, and embroidered jackets designed by Riachuelo, received criticism from Brazilian singer Anitta. She said, “the look reflects exactly how athletes are treated in the country: no structure, no opportunity, undervalued.” I’ll leave it there.
Sierra Leone
And a final shout out to my mother country, Sierra Leone. British Sierra Leonean designer Foday Dumbuya, under his London-based label Labrum, designed the uniforms in collaboration with adidas, featuring a vibrant blue and white design emblazoned with a reimagined cowrie shell.
The shell, once a coveted currency symbolizing wealth and prestige in African history, has transcended time to become an emblem of strength and resilience.
Credit: Getty, and others I will add in due course.
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