HOW THE OLYMPICS ARE THE ULTIMATE PLATFORM FOR DIVERSITY IN FASHION
By: Hillary LeBlanc
Paris is certainly familiar with being in the global spotlight, particularly for its highly exclusive fashion week that happens bi-annually. This year however, all eyes are on the City of Lights for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games,
Everyone is eager to show patriotism during Olympics to cheer on athletes representing their country. While millions of eyes are watching, viewers don’t only critique the athletic performances but also the uniforms. Watching to see how each country brings forth their culture through fashion is a big part of the Olympic experience.
Particularly for the opening ceremonies, some viewers may not know the cultural significance embedded into the kits worn during the Parade of Nations. Each nation’s athletes are proudly wearing outfits that are visually and symbolically nodding to their home countries. Often countries partner with a fellow notable brand or designer who fully understand how to represent sport, culture, tradition and modern style in the kits worn during this epic event. From show-stopping gowns to modern athleisurewear, Paris was uniting the world through sport and fashion.
Credit: Luca Dugaro / @lucadgr
Drawing in nearly 30 million viewers, the opening ceremonies bring forward an opportunity for countries tot have visibility on a global platform.
Mongolia’s kits have gone viral for their ethereal and classic look. Designed by fashion label and sister duo Michel & Amazonka, the kits have red, blue and white to signal the national colors, while hints of gold embroidery embody their team’s desire to win.
The Brand Berluti has designed France’s national uniform, going for a more sleek and tailored suiting look. While their look does not scream their nationality, naturally France would bring their fashion A-game.
For the second year in a row, lululemon has designed Canada’s kits. The B.C.-based retailer was selected to be Team Canada’s official clothing partner making sure athletes would be sporting vibrant red and whites. The kits also have a flora and fauna pattern built into the fabric as a nod to the luscious Canadian naturescape.
The United States of America have worked with Ralph Lauren again for the ninth year. Channeling the Polo brand, the opening ceremony kits consist of blazers and pinstripe shirts, with red and white piping along the blazers - a nod to the American flag.
Team Haiti’s kits were created by designer Stella Jean and decorated with graffiti-style artwork by Haitian artist Phillippe Dodard. The best hidden element of Haiti, the Haitian blue-cotton used to create the garments!
Georgio Armani is the designer behind team Italy’s kits with a bold ‘ITALIA’ across the chest. There’s no mistaking which country they are from with these kits!
Czechia’s designs, made by Alpine Pro have taken inspiration from what the country’s team wore 100 years ago at the Paris Olympics of 1924. As some athletes wore white with the national flag, some wore black and some ditched the suits for a more comfortable tracksuit, they aimed to combine functionality with design and national color this year.
For Egypt, the brand Concrete has opted for kits made from premium Egyptian cotton. The monochrome collection features nods to the Egyptian flag and colors as a symbol of pride, passion and determination to win.
The brand Vakko created kits for Türkiye that reflect on the 100 year anniversary since the country participated in the olympics as a republic. The kits take the nation’s deep red and pair it with sky blue, the colour of peace, to create a stylish collection.
Australia’s kits, designed by Asics, use Indigenous art work on every piece making it the largest ever integration of Indigenous artwork on athlete uniforms in Australian Olympic history.
As we watch all competing athletes, we will continue to see how fashion plays a role in sport / costume design. We will also see more of this cultural celebration as we countdown to the closing ceremonies on August 11th ahead of the Paralympic games!