Hey there! So, the Paris’ Olympics have finally arrived, and you know what that means: it’s time to spill the tea on the opening ceremony outfits.
The Olympics is a moment of inspiration that gives us hope for our own dreams. We see how hard work and dedication truly pay off when we witness these incredible athletes in action. They’ve put in some serious work to make it to this stage.
But let’s not forget why we’re here: the fashion! The opening ceremony is like a fashion show on steroids, showcasing the unique styles and designs of each country. For me, a great Olympics opening ceremony outfit is all about representing the traditions and heritage of your country with a touch of originality, elegance, and a modern twist.
MY FAVOURITE LOOKS
1. Haiti by Stella Jean
The opening outfits from Haiti are truly amazing. They were designed by Stella Jean, an Italian-Haitian designer. For these outfits, she collaborated with Philippe Dodard, a Haitian painter, to create a print used in both the skirt and trousers. Because of her origins, Stella always placed inclusivity at the heart of her brand.
What I love about the designs for this event is that she was able to represent the story of Haiti true the garments. Not only did she use the color of the flag in an elegant way, but she also includes a light blue jacket reminiscent of the traditional guayabera shirt worn in the Caribbean, along with vibrant trousers inspired by Naïve folk art.
I particularly admire the design of the women’s blazer. It exudes couture, originality, and style. For me, the cuts, along with the durable fabric of the blazer, remind me of the resilience of Haiti. It evokes endurance, strength, and determination.
It is important to note that with everything happening in Haiti, it was not easy for the designer to create the uniforms. Due to embargos, some materials such as chambray are very difficult to obtain. As a solution, Jean used one of her grandmother’s dresses as material.
Stella Jean found it important to provide Haiti with a great representation at this ceremony. She wanted to present a positive, colorful image despite Haiti’s struggles because she knows the heart of the country and desires to share it with the world.
2. Mongolia by Michel & Amazonka
Just one word: WOW! The Mongolian uniform during the opening ceremony is simply magnificent. The local brand Michel & Amazonka was responsible for designing the clothing. It was a collaborative effort by the three sisters, Michel, Amazonka, and Munkhjargal Choigaalaa.
I like that the designs are minimalist yet detailed. The designers clearly put in a lot of effort to add intricate details, which is impressive. The earrings and bags designed are just splendid. It’s not common for designers to think about the practicality of women needing to carry their belongings at the Olympics ceremony, and it’s thoughtful that they considered this aspect.
Once again, the designers have successfully showcased their cultural heritage with elegance and modernity. Drawing from traditional “deels,” pointed “buryat” hats, and “gutals” boots, each ensemble involved more than twenty hours of work. They all showcase the colors of the Mongolian flag – red, gold, and blue – and include various national symbols. For example, we can see on various designs adorned with golden embroidery. For instance, there are nine white banners, symbolizing the beginning of our Naadam. “Naadam is like our Olympics and represents unity”, Munkhjargal explained in many interviews.
3. South Sudan by Moshions
South Sudan is killing it! They are so stylish. Designed by Moshions, the Rwandan fashion house, the South Sudan basketball team was rocking the opening ceremony. The all-black uniform included double-breasted blazers, shiny gold hardware, and decorations in the colors of the nation’s flag.
MY LEAST FAVOURITES
1. U.S.A. by Ralph Lauren
The uniform designed by Ralph Lauren represents the USA greatly with the colors of the flag. But for me, it is too preppy and a little basic. They are not ugly, but just not my style. However, the USA has some other amazing looks for their sports uniforms, like the golf uniform for women and other sport garments.
2. Australia by Sportscraft
First, let’s talk about the skirt – the ombre effect gives it a childish appearance, the pressed crease adds a kitschy touch, and the cut of the skirt is unflattering. Additionally, the men’s uniform looks too preppy. Personally, I find these uniforms to be lacking originality and creativity in their design, cut, and the overall aesthetic.
However, I love the fact that they have included Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander artworks on the accessories, such as the scarves and pocket squares for men. The artwork featured on these accessories is called Walking Together and was created by the Aboriginal artist and Olympic boxer, Paul Fleming.
3. Bermuda by Courtney Clay, Channing Dill, and Alana Wade
Bermuda’s opening uniforms were designed by local fashion designers Courtney Clay, Channing Dill, and Alana Wade. In my opinion, their uniform resembles more of a flight attendant’s uniform, which feels too dull for an Olympics opening. Additionally, the high knee socks for the men do not complement the outfit well, making it unappealing to the eye. Don’t get me wrong, I love high socks in an outfit, but in this case, the color blocking effect with the blue and pink make it unflattering.
