Celebrating the Olympics: Opening Ceremony Fashion
The Opening Ceremonies for the 2024 Summer Olympics took place on July 26th and the athletes did not let the weather stop them from shining. The 2024 Summer Olympics are taking place in Paris, France. Unfortunately, the Opening Ceremonies, which took place on boats on the River Seine, were met with rain, but that didn’t stop the Olympians from rocking their fashionable and patriotic Opening Ceremony outfits.
Team USA
Ralph Lauren created a 14-piece custom collection for Team USA. Ralph Lauren has been the official outfitter for Team USA since 2008. Olympians like Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky, and LeBron James rocked preppy blue blazers, pin-striped button-downs, and jeans for the Opening Ceremony. For the Closing Ceremony, a race-car style jacket will be worn by athletes. The color scheme for the outfits were red, white, and blue. The outfits were crafted in America, and fabrics, including the wool for the blue blazers, were sourced throughout the United States.
Team Mongolia
Mongolian couture label, Michel & Amazonka, designed the uniforms for Team Mongolian. Sisters Michel and Amazonka Choigaalaa created the brand in 2015. Embroidery depicting birds, mountains, gold and silver accents, and Mongolian national colors; blue, red, and white, all showcase their national pride and identity for their Opening Ceremony outfits. This craftsmanship continues throughout the rest of the Mongolian team’s elegant outfits.
Team Philippines
Filipino designer Francis Libiran created the looks for Team Philippines for the Opening Ceremony. Libiran created contemporary barongs called “SINAG”, which is a traditional formal shirt, made with piña-jusi. The design incorporates an embroidered detachable sling decorated with sun rays and designs inspired by Pintados warriors. The detachable sling uses the Philippines’ national colors and was designs to represent protective armor.
Team Ireland
Dublin-born New York-based designer Laura Weber designed the Opening Ceremony looks for Team Ireland with her brand LW Pearl. (Laura Weber is known for her embroidery of Dr. Jill Biden’s inauguration coat and dress, and for dressing the likes of Rihanna, Kaia Gerber, and more.) The bespoke outfits blend tradition and contemporary design that comprises two blazers, a shirt, and trousers. The outfit options incorporate the county patch of each Olympian in beads, sequins, and stones, and four shamrocks in different embellishing techniques to present Ireland’s four provinces. The outfits were made from sustainable fabrics made from recycled plastics.
The Opening Ceremonies is only the beginning of the incredible fashion we know we’ll see on show by the Olympians, whether they’re at celebrations or being dominant in their field on the court, pool, balance beam, and so much more!
