Before the XXXIII Olympiad commenced, the list of firsts was impressive: the first Olympics in Paris in a century, the first with equal gender participation, the first open-air opening ceremony, and the first sponsored by a global luxury giant. This Olympics also marked a significant integration of fashion into the host country’s identity.
The opening ceremony was not only about the traditional parade but also featured a full-scale runway show amidst scenes highlighting French history and spirit, including the French Revolution and the reconstruction of Notre Dame. With iconic Parisian landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais, and the Place de la Concorde as the backdrop, fashion took center stage.
With LVMH as a premium partner, the aim was to showcase French craftsmanship. The Games’ artistic director, Thomas Jolly, highlighted French savoir-faire through a blend of cabaret, heavy metal, dance, acrobats, and 1,800 outfits from both emerging and established brands. From the start, it was evident that the fashion stakes were high for all participating teams.
Team USA and the Fashion Show
At the opening ceremony, Team USA, led by flag bearer LeBron James, showcased a blend of traditional and contemporary styles. Instead of the usual blazers and chinos or the typical athleisure warm-up suits with sneakers, many teams chose to make bold fashion statements. As the Olympic cauldron rose beneath a hot-air balloon, and Celine Dion performed despite the rain, the most memorable outfits were those that embraced unique fashion elements.
Haiti
Stella Jean, a prominent Haitian-Italian designer, incorporated the work of local Haitian artist Philippe Dodard into Team Haiti’s attire. The designs featured Dodard’s art on skirts and pants, combined with traditional chambray shirts, all made from deadstock materials, avoiding clichéd patriotism.
South Sudan
South Sudan paid homage to Parisian chic with black double-breasted suits, adorned with gold buttons and graphic details. Similarly, Team Liberia, designed by Telfar Clemens, mixed traditional silhouettes with modern streetwear elements.
Mexico
Mexico opted for a streetwear look with white jean-style jackets from Men’s Fashion, featuring bright pink collars and doodles referencing cities like Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende.
Czech Republic
Despite the rain, the Czech Republic stood out with white plastic trenches by Jan Černý of Jan Societe and Alpine Pro. The coats, inspired by traditional Czech designs, featured artistic water blotches, perfectly fitting the rainy conditions.
Mongolia
Mongolia’s uniforms, designed by Michel and Amazonka Choigaalaa, blended traditional and contemporary elements. They faced competition from Sri Lanka’s embroidered white silk looks and the Philippines’ Sinag barong shirts by Francis Libiran.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo
Before the ceremony, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo set the tone by arriving in character-themed satin dresses. Erivo wore an emerald green Louis Vuitton dress, while Grande donned a powder-puff pink Thom Browne outfit.
Dior
Dior played a significant role in the opening ceremony, dressing stars like Lady Gaga, Aya Nakamura, and Celine Dion. The brand expertly navigated the line between costume and couture, creating stunning looks for each performer.
Young French Designers
Fifteen young French designers were chosen to dress the performers, showcasing the future of the French fashion industry. Designers like Jeanne Friot, who created an armored look inspired by Joan of Arc, emphasized the importance of highlighting emerging talent alongside established heritage brands.
The opening ceremony served as a starting point for the fashion games, setting a high bar for creativity and style in the Olympics.
