We might have expected some eye-catching style statements at the Paris 2024 Olympics, but singer Celine Dion dazzling in her silver, bead-embroidered sequined gown at the opening ceremony was a hint that we were in for the biggest fashion showdown of the year!
With LVMH as the Olympics’ premium partner, even non-LVMH fashion powerhouses like Ralph Lauren and Armani showed why they’re the best in the game. Alongside them, promising up-and-coming labels carved out a new trend.
Style has long been part of sports. Remember when tennis legend Maria Sharapova rocked a $600 Swarovski-studded dress at the 2017 US Open? But this is the Olympics we’re talking about.
This year, athletes competed for gold not just with grit, but with glamour. Here are the most iconic fashion moments from the Olympics that took our breath away, and probably yours too.
1. Team Haiti or Team Genius?
The Paris 2024 Olympics is a huge deal, and so are the uniforms. We’re all about fashion that tells a story, and Team Haiti’s uniforms, designed by Haitian-Italian designer Stella Jean, just did that. These uniforms for the 15-athlete team showcased Haiti’s rich culture and artisanship, shining a light on the beauty that often gets overshadowed by political issues and natural disasters.
Ms. Jean teamed up with Haitian painter Philippe Dodard for this project. Mr. Dodard’s artwork, Passage, is splashed across the uniforms, making a bold statement.
Women athletes sported full skirts featuring his art, paired with chambray shirts and sleeveless blazers made from recycled fabric, with the Haitian emblem on them. For men, Ms. Jean designed pants featuring Mr. Dodard’s artwork and paired them with field jackets inspired by the classic Haitian Guayabera shirt, a staple for local Haitian men.
These uniforms were a tribute to Haiti’s vibrant culture and resilience.
2. Team USA Gymnastics shined brighter than diamonds!
After scoring silver in Tokyo 2020, Team USA came into the Paris 2024 Olympics as heavy favorites. With powerhouses like Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Sunisa Lee, it’s no surprise they walked away with the gold medals in the team finals. While these athletes brought their A-game in athleticism and artistry, they also dazzled in custom-made leotards by GK Elite, dripping with 10,000 Swarovski crystals. Yes,10,000 crystals of various shapes and colors!
It took four years for the designer to craft the idea, and about 50 people brought these star-spangled leotards to life. What makes this so special is jewel supervisor Kira Feick hand-placing most of those shiny gems. These leotards looked amazing, showing the patriotic red, white, blue, and starry stripes, and expertly designed to be a second skin, allowing the athletes to show their peak performance comfortably.
GK Elite has been crafting Olympic leotards for three decades. Jeanne Diaz, GK Elite’s design director, put it perfectly how these leotards were crafted keeping the athletes in mind. It was also a homage to the first 1996 Gymnastics team which was the first Women’s National to win the gold.
3. American rapper Snoop Dogg breaks the internet in style!
How could A-list celebrities resist joining the Olympic fun, especially when they might score netizens’ adoration if not a gold medal? American rapper Snoop Dogg was seen having a blast at the Games, cheering on Team USA. The Drop It Like It’s Hot rapper is common for his trendsetting fashion. This time, he went viral for rocking an equestrian-inspired outfit at the Dressage Team Grand Prix Special.
He turned heads in white breeches and a black tailcoat, topped off with a helmet and sunglasses. His Givenchy aviators, embellished with stars, and a gold S-shaped brooch added a touch of bling to his already stellar look.
The rapper has a fear of horses, but take note, that didn’t stop him. He had some fierce competition, though.
4. Aya Nakamura reborn as a golden phoenix
French pop star Aya Nakamura’s golden moment at the Olympics is nothing short of spectacular! The singer lit up the Opening Ceremony in a stunning gold Dior couture dress that was truly worthy of a fashion gold medal. She wanted her outfit to resemble a phoenix reborn, rising from its ashes. It was to reinforce the message that talent transcends racial boundaries.
And for such a powerful performance, Dior pulled out all the stops with an equally striking outfit. Ms. Nakamura’s gold silk asymmetrical minidress was adorned with golden feathers and featured a bold one-shoulder design which is “light and exceptional” as designer Maria Grazia Chiuri said. It harked back to Dior’s Couture Autumn-Winter 2024-25 collection.
To top it all off, she wore Dior gladiator-style shoes that perfectly complemented her look. She wowed the crowd by performing her hits Pookie and Djadja. Both Ms. Nakamura and her dancers were decked out in Dior, and even Lady Gaga, who took the stage, opted for Dior Haute Couture. It was a complete fashion feast. And yes, we’ve saved the best for last.
5. Team Mongolia understood the assignment!
This was certainly the biggest fashion moment at the Olympics parade, sending netizens into a frenzy of awe. Team Mongolia’s outfits drew on traditional motifs, sending a wave of pride, not just among the players, but also the entire country. For the women athletes, the ensemble featured a pleated skirt and blouse, beautifully complemented by a vest adorned with golden embroidery. The cuffs and collars were also embroidered. The men’s uniforms included pants, Mandarin collar shirts, vests, and sneakers, all detailed with the same intricate embroidery.
The male flag bearer made a striking impression in a traditional Mongolian cotton robe, paired with a similarly embroidered vest, boots, and belt. Meanwhile, the female flag bearer dazzled in a robe dress known as a deel, a garment still worn in Mongolia today.
The mastermind behind these show-stopping uniforms is the Mongolian fashion label Michel & Amazonka. Founded in 2015 by two sisters, this brand is celebrated for its innovative blend of traditional Mongolian elements with contemporary silhouettes.
Whether it’s Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour making a statement in her Marni dress with hand-painted pink florals or Sha’Carri Richardson flaunting her patriotic nail art, this year’s Olympics has been nothing short of iconic. And let’s not forget 51-year-old Turkish pistol shooter Yusuf Dikec who went viral for his surprisingly simple T-shirt look and stunning talent, winning a silver medal without using any ear defender or blinder.
Let’s be real, the fashion game at the 2024 Olympics has set a new standard for celebrity style at the Olympics. We’re already counting down the days until the next Games to see what fashion gems will appear next!
