The upcoming Olympics in Paris, known as the City of Light and a global fashion capital, promise to be a spectacular showcase of style. Renowned designers worldwide are crafting uniforms for national teams, readying them for their unique spotlight on the global stage. From opening ceremonies to competitions, the influence of Parisian fashion is set to elevate Olympic attire to new heights.

Haiti: Vibrant and Meaningful Designs

Stella Jean, an Italian-Haitian designer based in Rome, will personally style Haiti’s dozen or so athletes. Jean sees the opening ceremony as a critical moment to make a lasting impression. “For these athletes, it’s a victory just to be here,” says Jean, whose vivid and colorful designs highlight the Caribbean nation’s cultural vitality. Collaborating with Haitian artist Philippe Dodard, Jean’s designs incorporate vibrant paintings into ceremonial uniforms. Constructed from leftover fabric, these outfits reflect sustainability out of necessity and tradition. Jean emphasizes that these athletes are not just competitors but ambassadors of Haiti’s spirit and resilience.

USA: Iconic American Cool

On the other end of the size and budget spectrum, Ralph Lauren will outfit hundreds of US athletes for the ninth time. Known for his casual American style, Lauren is introducing blue jeans and blazers for the opening and closing ceremonies. David Lauren, the brand’s chief branding and innovation officer, states, “Nothing says America like blue jeans, especially when we’re in Paris.” The tailored navy blazers and blue-and-white striped Oxford shirts for the opening ceremony, followed by white jeans and matching jackets in red, white, and blue for the closing ceremony, aim to blend comfort with iconic American style.

Canada: Inclusive and Adaptive Fashion

Canada’s athletes will be outfitted by Lululemon for the second time, with a focus on inclusivity and adaptability. Audrey Reilly, creative director for Team Canada at Lululemon, emphasizes the importance of athletes feeling comfortable in their attire. A notable innovation is the “seated carpenter pant,” designed for Paralympian Alison Levine, who previously had to train in medical scrubs. The collection covers all aspects of the athletes’ journey, emphasizing ventilation and wicking to combat Paris’s heat. For the opening ceremony, a “tapestry of pride” featuring hand-drawn animals representing Canada’s provinces and France will be showcased.

India: Blending Tradition with Modernity

Indian designer Tarun Tahiliani, known for his ability to meld traditional elements with modern sensibilities, will style India’s Olympic team. Inspired by the tricolor hues of saffron, white, and green, Tahiliani’s designs include a kurta and Bundi for men and a sari for women. These outfits aim to empower athletes to represent India with pride and confidence. The incorporation of saffron and green embroidery symbolizes the nation’s heritage and unity.

Italy: Elegance and Practicality

Italian athletes will don Emporio Armani uniforms, as they have since 2012. Giorgio Armani, who turned 90 recently, continues to seek new solutions that blend elegance with practicality. The podium tracksuit, emblazoned with “W Italia,” symbolizes national pride. The athletes’ tracksuits in Armani blue reflect the designer’s personal style, with the national anthem’s first verse printed inside the jackets. These designs aim to inspire and unify the Italian team.

Britain: Unity and Diversity

British brand Ben Sherman, creating Britain’s Olympic uniforms for the third time, emphasizes the unity and diversity of the UK. The floral motif, featuring a rose, thistle, daffodil, and shamrock, represents the unique identities of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Creative director Mark Williams stresses that the motif is not purely decorative but sends a message of collaboration and unity. The design, appearing on polo shirts and bomber jackets, aims to remind the world of Britain’s rich and diverse heritage.

South Korea: National Symbols and Harmony

South Korea’s uniforms, inspired by the national “taegeuk” symbol, reflect harmony between cosmic forces. The North Face-branded uniforms incorporate motifs from the flag, symbolizing water. Medal ceremony jackets depict the indigo blue waters of the east coast in an ink-wash painting style. Musinsa Standard, a private-label brand, designed the opening and closing ceremony uniforms. These light blue blazers with porcelain designs and traditional belts represent South Korea’s cultural heritage and modern elegance.

As the Olympics head to Paris, the convergence of sports and fashion promises a visually stunning celebration. Designers from around the world are not only showcasing their creativity but also emphasizing messages of unity, sustainability, and national pride. The 2024 Olympics will be a testament to the power of fashion in bringing the world together.