The Olympics have always been a platform where sports meet culture, and fashion plays a significant role in this intersection. In 1992, Issey Miyake set a new standard by designing the uniforms for Team Lithuania during the opening ceremony of the Barcelona Olympics. Lithuania, competing for the first time as an independent nation following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, wore Miyake's designs, which combined innovative materials with cultural elements. This pivotal moment showcased how sportswear could be an artistic expression, sparking a trend that continues to this day.
Fast forward to 2024, and the relationship between fashion and the Olympics has only strengthened. Luxury conglomerates like LVMH are now major sponsors, with their houses such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Berluti playing significant roles in the Paris games. Designing Olympic uniforms has become a prestigious opportunity for brands, offering unparalleled visibility on an international stage. These uniforms not only enhance performance through advanced materials and technologies but also celebrate cultural heritage through their designs.
Team USA and Ralph Lauren
For the ninth time, Ralph Lauren has crafted the uniforms for Team USA's Olympic and Paralympic athletes. These uniforms will be showcased during the opening and closing ceremonies of the Paris 2024 Olympics. For the opening ceremony, athletes will wear a classic Ralph Lauren navy wool blazer with red and white accents, paired with a striped oxford shirt, a navy knit tie, tapered light denim jeans, and suede shoes. The closing ceremony will see athletes in a sporty moto-style jacket with USA patch detailing, a striped polo shirt, and white denim jeans.
In addition to the formal parade uniforms, Ralph Lauren has designed a line of Villagewear, which is less formal and available for sale. Proceeds from these sales will benefit Team USA, supporting the athletes and their endeavors.
Team France and Berluti
Berluti has taken on the task of designing the uniforms for Team France, presenting tuxedo-inspired outfits for both male and female athletes. Male athletes will don a midnight-blue tuxedo jacket with a patina-effect shawl collar in the colors of the French flag, complemented by matching trousers and Berluti’s signature Shadow trainers. Female athletes can choose between a sleeveless tuxedo jacket paired with trousers or a silk wrap-around skirt. These tuxedos are crafted from a blend of cold wool and lycra, ensuring they remain wrinkle-free and comfortable.
Antoine Arnault, chairman of Berluti, emphasized the significance of this opportunity, noting the immense global viewership of the opening ceremonies and the chance to showcase French fashion on such a prestigious platform.
Team France and Stephane Ashpool
Stephane Ashpool, the artistic director and founder of Pigalle, has designed additional uniforms and village outfits for Team France. Ashpool's designs feature technical fabrics and a white base with gradient colors, symbolizing the diverse and modern France. His aim was to create outfits that are cool, elegant, and modern, reflecting the athletes' desire for stylish and contemporary uniforms.
Team Mongolia and Michel & Amazonka
Team Mongolia has already garnered attention for their striking uniforms designed by Michel & Amazonka. The uniforms include embroidered vests and caftans reminiscent of traditional Mongolian dresses. There are four distinct looks: two for men and two for women, with special attire for the flag bearers, who will wear traditional pointed hats (buryat) and boots (gutals).
Team Canada and Lululemon
Lululemon, the official outfitter of Team Canada, has designed their uniforms for the Paris 2024 Olympics. This marks their second time outfitting Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic teams and their first for a Summer Games. The uniforms feature ultra-lightweight and stretch fabrics, customizable drawcords, and innovative pocket shapes, ensuring optimal performance and comfort.
For the opening ceremony, athletes will wear a jacquard bomber with a unique print celebrating Canadian art, architecture, and nature. The closing ceremony uniforms will feature a design collaboration with Indigenous artist Mason Mashon, inspired by the Aurora Borealis.
Team Ireland and Laura Weber
Laura Weber has designed Team Ireland’s uniforms for the opening and closing ceremonies. Drawing inspiration from ancient Greek traditions, the uniforms are primarily white, symbolizing hope for the future. Each jacket features an embroidered patch representing the athlete’s home country, adding a personal and nationalistic touch to the ensemble.
Team Haiti and Stella Jean
Stella Jean has crafted Team Haiti’s uniforms, incorporating artwork by Haitian painter Philippe Dodard. The women’s uniform includes a full skirt with Dodard’s artwork, a chambray shirt made from Haiti’s traditional “blue cotton,” and a sleeveless blazer from recycled fabric featuring the Haitian Olympic emblem. The men’s uniform showcases Dodard’s motifs on the pants, paired with a field jacket inspired by the traditional Guayabera shirt, paying homage to Jean’s grandfather.
Team Spain and Joma
Joma, a Spanish sportswear brand, has designed Team Spain’s uniforms with inspiration from the carnation flower, a symbol deeply rooted in Spanish culture. The uniforms blend tradition and modernity, prominently featuring the red and yellow colors of the Spanish flag. This patriotic color scheme is evident in both the podium outfits and the ceremonial looks.
Team Great Britain and Ben Sherman
British brand Ben Sherman will dress the Great Britain team for the opening and closing ceremonies, marking the 20th anniversary of their first collaboration at the Athens 2004 Olympics. The designs reflect the evolving landscape of British fashion and cultural identity, featuring vibrant patterns, intricate detailing, and a renewed energy. The collection includes motifs such as a deconstructed Union Jack and symbolic flowers from the UK’s four nations.
Team Sierra Leone and Labrum
Adidas and Labrum have collaborated to design the official team kit for Sierra Leone. This partnership highlights the heritage of Labrum’s founder, Foday Dumbuya. The collection features elements celebrating Dumbuya’s cultural background, including windbreakers with a white and cobalt blue print inspired by cowrie shells, symbolizing wealth and prestige in African culture.
Team Australia and Sportscraft
Sportscraft has created the official uniforms for Team Australia, featuring an ombre green and gold print reminiscent of a warm sunset. Men will wear a single-breasted blazer over a cotton T-shirt with gold and green ribbing, paired with knee-length beige chino shorts. Women have the option of a double-breasted blazer that can be worn with beige shorts or a pleated skirt. Each blazer includes the Australian Olympians’ Oath and the names of all 301 Australian Olympic champions embroidered on the lining. Indigenous artwork by Olympic boxer Paul Fleming and Torres Strait Island artist David Bosun is featured on accessories, including scarves.
Team Australia and Speedo
Speedo, the official swimwear supplier for Team Australia, has designed high-performance suits for various aquatic sports. The swimwear is engineered to enhance performance in swimming, artistic swimming, water polo, surfing, and diving, featuring Australia’s iconic green and gold colors.
The Paris 2024 Olympics is set to be a remarkable showcase of fashion and athleticism. Designers and brands from around the world have brought their unique cultural perspectives and innovative techniques to create uniforms that are not only functional but also deeply symbolic. From Ralph Lauren’s classic American styles for Team USA to Michel & Amazonka’s culturally rich designs for Team Mongolia, the Olympic uniforms for Paris 2024 will highlight the powerful connection between fashion, culture, and sports. This convergence not only enhances the athletes’ performance but also celebrates the rich cultural heritage of each participating nation, making the Olympics a truly global and unifying event.
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