By Michelle Crowe
Team USA opening ceremonies uniform by Ralph Lauren.
With the medals to be presented on Louis Vuitton trays, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are set to be the most fashionable in history. Olympic fashion leveled up in 1992 when Issey Miyake designed uniforms for Team Lithuania to wear during the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Barcelona. Lithuania was competing for the first time as an independent nation following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The outfits combined innovative materials and cultural elements while expressing artistry befitting the athletes.
This triumph altered Olympic fashion history. Today, major designers and, of course, sportswear brands, are focused on creating excitement around what the competitors wear, while also pushing the technical capabilities of fabric.
United States
For the ninth time Team USA is dressed by Ralph Lauren for the opening ceremony. The athletes command attention in their classic Ralph Lauren navy wool blazers with red and white accents, striped oxford shirts, knit navy ties, tapered light denim jeans and suede shoes.
The iconic brand has also created a line of Village wear that is less formal than the parade uniforms. The uniforms and Village wear are available for sale at Ralph Lauren stores and on the Ralph Lauren website, where some items can be customized, as well as at the Team USA Shop. Proceeds from the sale of the products will benefit the team.
Team Haiti’s fashion-forward looks.
Haiti
Designer Stella Jean created Team Haiti’s uniforms for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The uniforms featured artwork by Haitian painter Philippe Dodard, specifically his piece “Passage.”
The women’s uniform consists of a full skirt festooned with Philippe Dodard’s artwork, complemented by a chambray shirt made from Haiti’s traditional “blue cotton,” a craft that is slowly fading. Over this, a sleeveless blazer crafted from recycled fabric features the Haitian Olympic emblem.
For the men’s uniform, the pants showcase the motif from Dodard’s painting, paired with a field jacket inspired by the traditional Guayabera shirt worn by local men, which pays homage to Jean’s grandfather. This ensemble is completed with a striped shirt and a printed scarf.
Artistry for Team Mongolia.
Mongolia
Team Mongolia is bringing the fashion heat to opening ceremony. Designed by Michel & Amazonka, the uniforms consist of embroidered vests and caftans resembling Mongolian traditional dress.
Michel & Amazonka created four looks: two for men and two for women. Flag bearers have their own special garb. The pageantry of these looks is extraordinary.
Team USA closing ceremonies uniform by Ralph Lauren.
That’s why we watch the games, to be transported away from the ordinary. From the athletes on the field to the fashion-forward looks at the ceremonies, enjoy all the beautiful moments.
