The Olympic Games Are a Fashion Runway
A non-athlete, non-fashionista ranks his favorite Olympic looks & design
All eyes will be on Paris for the Opening Ceremony. The medal count is important, but so is looking good while winning… especially when you’re in the capital of Fashion.
13. France - Active Gear Bomber Jacket
These bomber jackets, part of the active wear for the athletes, were designed by Stephane Ashpool & Le Coq Sportif.
12. Nigeria
Nigeria teamed up with L.A.-based label, Actively Black, for these bold looks. The company, started by former-pro basketball player Lanny Smith, only has three employees. They’re teaming up with workshops in Nigeria to pull off the look. “Part of that Nigeria vibe is you’re going to look nice,” Smith told the NY Times. “I know we have to show up in a way that represents that. As a former athlete, you love that competition, that challenge.”
11. Turkey
10. U.S.A. - Opening Ceremony
Ralph Lauren runs the show for U.S.A.’s Olympic Team. While it’s borderline prep-school, it’s a classic Ralph-goes-to-Paris vibe.
9. Jamaica
8. South Korea
7. Portugal’s Skateboard Look
I don’t know how to skateboard but would like to pretend while wearing this outfit.
6. Poland
5. France’s Opening Ceremony Kit
France’s suits for the Opening Ceremony are designed by Berluti, the fashion house which reportedly paid $164 million to sponsor the games. This look is chic and classic, yet unexpected. The gradient on the shawl, a nod to the French flag adds a pop that will certainly shine at the ceremony.
4. Egypt
The suits, designed by Concrete, are a perfect summer look. Somehow, it’s Egypt meets France. The stripes on the sleeve, the textured jacket body, are wearable yet stand out from the other looks.
BRONZE - France’s Judo Kit
KENZO designed these perfect kits for France’s Judo team.
SILVER - Mongolia
Mongolia’s gorgeous designs have caused a stir online - and deservedly so. It is the perfect mix of heritage and modernity. The shape look a bit like armor - perfect for entering the competitive games. The brilliant colors and the intricate design were brought to life by sisters and the design-duo who lead Ulaanbaatar based Michel & Amazonka. The embroidery took 20 hours for each uniform. Somehow, they were able to design, gather material, and create 120 outfits in just 12 weeks.
GOLD - Haiti
Haitian-Italian designer Stella Jean created these brilliant, modern looks that incorporate different facets of Haitian heritage. The men’s shirts are traditional Guayabera and the women’s will be “blue cotton” woven, a tradition that the designer noted is dying out in Haiti. The pants and skirts feature Philippe Dodard’s painting called “Passage,” which symbolizes resilience and renewal.
The outfits have been made using leftover fabrics. Sustainable in one sense (and a priority for many designers and Olympic organizers this year) but Jean said it’s also a nod to Haitian tradition.
Haiti has been in turmoil for years. Its capitol, Port-au-Prince, has been under a state of emergency for months as brutal gangs took over as the presiding force. There is hunger, violence, and death. Yet, 15 Haitians will march at the opening ceremony and compete in the 2024 games.
Stella Jean says these athletes are “standard bearers of peace.” They have an even more demanding task than arriving to the podium as medal recipients. They are 15 living symbols of rebirth and renewal that extend beyond what is usually shown.”
Following the games, these outfits will be displayed at Haitian National Pantheon Museum. The athletes and the designs are symbols of resilience and renewal, indeed.