While Paris is famously known as the City of Light, it’s also a global fashion capital, influential for centuries, dating back to the reign of Louis XIV. As the Olympic Games approach, designers worldwide are preparing their national team uniforms for a moment in the spotlight. When it comes to high-end Olympic fashion, all runways lead to Paris.
Stella Jean, an Italian-Haitian designer based in Rome, will personally style each of Haiti’s athletes for the opening ceremony. Jean acknowledges the significance of the moment, noting that she has just two seconds to make a lasting impression on the world—an impression that could resonate for years.
“For these athletes, it’s a victory just to be here,” Jean said. Her vibrant and colorful designs aim to highlight the cultural vitality of the Caribbean nation.
On the other end of the size and budget spectrum is Ralph Lauren, outfitting hundreds of U.S. athletes for the opening and closing ceremonies for the ninth time. Lauren, presenting a casual look of blue jeans and blazers, is among the world’s wealthiest designers, alongside Giorgio Armani, who has been designing Italy’s uniforms since 2012.
Countless other designers are involved, including more young, indie labels eager to make a splash. This is also an opportunity to emphasize qualities like sustainability in fashion and adaptability, particularly for the Paralympics.
“Designers and manufacturers now realize this can be a huge platform for them,” says Alison Brown, co-host of the podcast “Keep the Flame Alive.” “Sustainability is a huge buzzword now for this whole Olympics,” she adds.
Some emerging details on various uniform designs:
Canada: A focus on inclusivity and adaptability
Outfitting Canada’s athletes for the second time, Lululemon emphasised listening to athletes about how they felt in the clothes. “When you feel your best, you perform your best,” says Audrey Reilly, creative director for Team Canada. For the opening ceremonies, designers created a “tapestry of pride,” featuring hand-drawn elements, including 10 animals representing Canada’s provinces and France.
Haiti: “They know their bodies are a flag”
Stella Jean’s designs for Haiti’s team focus on messaging rather than mere aesthetics. “This will be the first good news coming out of Haiti in at least the last three years,” she says. Collaborating with Haitian artist Philippe Dodard, the ceremonial uniforms incorporate vibrant paintings on skirts for women and pants for men, paired with traditional chambray shirts. The designs use leftover fabric, emphasizing sustainability rooted in tradition and necessity in Haiti.
USA: Nothing says America like blue jeans
For the last Summer Games in Tokyo, Ralph Lauren introduced cooling technology in the uniforms. For Paris, he’s embracing classic American blue jeans. “Nothing says America like blue jeans, especially when we’re in Paris,” said David Lauren, the label’s chief branding and innovation officer. The opening ceremony attire features tailored navy blazers, blue-and-white striped Oxford shirts, and blue jeans.
Italy: A mix of elegance and tradition
Italian athletes will be dressed in Emporio Armani uniforms, as they have been for every Olympics since 2012. The podium tracksuit features “W Italia,” shorthand for “Eviva Italia” or “Long live Italy.” The motto extends to designer Giorgio Armani, who turned 90 on July 11.