Paris 2024: Fashion Hits and Misses at the Olympic Opening Ceremony

Paris, the world’s fashion capital, is making headlines for a new reason this year: the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, held from July 26 to August 11. The Opening Ceremony will turn into a global fashion parade, where each country's uniforms are a chance to highlight their style.

China is off to a good start with its uniforms designed by Justin Chou. The two-piece suits are inspired by Taiwanese artist Paul Chiang’s “Mountain Range of Taiwan” and are decorated with blue waves that symbolize the island's natural beauty. The lapel pins, made from Taiwan’s national flowers, and belts and shoe uppers crafted from banana fibre show a nice touch of tradition. Chou even added an optical illusion print that cleverly transforms “Chinese Taipei” into “Cheer On.” These outfits are cool, combining modern design with cultural elements.

Mongolia has nailed it with their uniforms designed by Michel & Amazonka. The ivory tunics, inspired by the traditional Mongolian deal, feature billowing sleeves, pleated skirts, and embroidered vests. The intricate gold stitching on the vests highlights symbols like the moon, the sun, and a mythical deer. These uniforms are the best of the bunch, making a powerful statement about Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage.

Haiti’s uniforms, created by Haitian-Italian designer Stella Jean, are a vibrant celebration of the country’s culture. The bold, colourful prints from local artist Philippe Dodard’s painting “Passage” are stunning. Women’s skirts paired with woven chambray shirts and belted, sleeveless blazers made from recycled materials are both stylish and eco-friendly. Men’s field jackets, inspired by the traditional Haitian Guayabera shirt, bear the Haitian Olympic Emblem. Jean’s designs beautifully blend fashion with a poignant narrative, displaying the resilience and creativity of Haitian culture.

Canada’s uniforms, designed by Lululemon, are a mixed bag. The red-and-white jacquard bomber jackets feature traditional Canadian maple-leaf motifs and have a sporty yet fashionable vibe. The four-way stretch fabric, customizable drawcords, and SenseKnit technology ensure these uniforms enhance athletic performance while maintaining thermal comfort. But honestly, they look like something you would wear to a high school pep rally rather than an international event.

The United States is dressed by Ralph Lauren, and the outfits scream “preppy American.” Navy blazers with red and white trimming, striped Oxford shirts, and light-wash denim jeans are classic but boring. They are made from recycled polyester and Oregon-grown Responsible Standard wool, so at least they are sustainable. Still, they look like Team USA is trying to cosplay as Team GB with their tailored, classic style.

Speaking of Team GB, their uniforms by Ben Sherman are also trying too hard. The white bomber jacket with navy sleeves and floral design on the back is paired with knitted polo and oxford trousers. The design incorporates symbols from the four nations that make up the United Kingdom, but the overall look feels like they are borrowing from the American playbook. It is like Team GB and Team USA decided to swap wardrobes this year.

Sierra Leone’s uniforms, a collaboration between Adidas and Labrum, are a vibrant tribute to the country’s cultural heritage. The windbreakers, adorned with a distinctive white and blueprint inspired by cowrie shells, are eye-catching. Labrum founder Foday Dumbuya’s design celebrates Sierra Leonean culture, creating a unified and dynamic visual identity. These outfits are unique and stylish, making a bold statement.

France, as the host country, will be donning custom-tailored tuxedos by Berluti. The midnight-blue wool tuxedos with blue and red lapels are elegant and sophisticated, fitting for the host nation. But the suits, made from fabric scraps and cotton-silk blend shirts, feel a bit too corporate. They look like something you’d wear to a fancy office party rather than an Olympic ceremony.

The Netherlands’ uniforms, designed by The New Originals, feature slouchy, orange tracksuits that are both relaxed and tailored. The white piping detailing and stiff collar give the tracksuits a sharp edge, while the nod to the Dutch royal colour from the House of Orange is a nice touch. However, they look more like something you would wear to lounge around the house rather than represent your country on the world stage.

Australia’s uniforms, designed by Sportscraft, are the worst of the bunch. The green blazers with gold buttons, green-and-gold ombre skirts for women, and khaki shorts for men are uninspired and bland. Even the incorporation of Indigenous artwork cannot save these outfits. They look like they belong at a golf club, not the Olympics. Australia missed the mark here.

The opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will be a fashion show like no other. While some countries like Mongolia and Chinese Taipei have nailed it with their stylish and meaningful outfits, others like Australia and even the usually reliable Ralph Lauren for the USA have missed the mark. Whether they are hits or misses, these uniforms will be a talking point during the Games.