Fashion Meets Sports At The Paris Olympics

Paris is known as the fashion capital of the world. As the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympic Games continues, the excitement and fervour around ‘fashion meets sports’ has reached its crescendo. All eyes are on the international fashion labels and ace designers like Ralph Lauren, Stephane Ashpool, Adidas, Puma, Asics, and Tasva with designer Tarun Tahiliani to name a few who have packed a sporty punch in the opening and closing ceremony uniform kits. While uniform kits of some nations are still under wraps, most countries have proudly displayed their 2024 Summer Olympics attire.

Host country France was the first to make a splash with their wavey uniforms. Young designer Stephane Ashpool cleverly integrated the French flag’s red-white-and-blue colours in the uniform in the casual, yet chic Parisian style. This year, the designs are particularly significant as the focus is on ‘inclusivity’, ‘diversity’, ‘sustainability’, modern aesthetics, and each nation's unique identity.

Legendary American fashion designer Ralph Lauren for the ninth time designed stylish Olympic ceremony outfits for Team USA in the characteristic red-white-and-blue colours. The fashion brand even issued a statement saying: “The looks embrace a patriotic spirit reflected in a signature palette of red, white and blue.” Lauren introduced outfits that emphasise sustainability, with recycled materials and advanced cooling technology.

Desi-Global Touch

Given India’s growing prominence in the international sports arena, the ceremonial outfits by Tasva, designed by ace designer Tarun Tahilani met everybody’s expectations. From the textile to texture everything was kept top-notch. The kurta bundi set was crafted from lightweight moss cotton and the saree features a viscose crepe for a natural drape and maximum comfort. The revelation of these designs has somehow caused an uproar amongst fans to see what the track and field uniforms will look like and whether they will also cater for style and comfort the same way the ceremonial outfits do. Indian Olympics Association President, Dr PT Usha unveiled the details of Team India’s official ceremonial dress code. Tahiliani has brilliantly incorporated India’s tricolour in Banarasi brocade. The ceremonial dress is a blend of traditional aesthetics and contemporary comfort. “We worked closely with the IOA to create an attire that tells a story about India. This is our dream — to see our traditions celebrated and honoured around the world,” explains Tahiliani, chief design officer, Tasva at the unveiling ceremony.

Fashion & Sports

Olympian, Arjuna Awardee and world gold medallist, Dutee Chand, a professional sprinter and current national champion in the women's 100-meter says, “During Olympics men are given trousers to wear and women are given their usual sarees or salwars. I want the uniforms to be like that around this time too because it represents India and Indian culture. I also expect to see some tribal art in the uniform. To represent even our tribal community would be such a proud moment for the country.”

The unveiling of Olympic uniforms is always a highly anticipated event, offering a first-time glimpse into the national pride and cultural heritage each country will showcase. Japan’s uniforms, designed by ASICS, draw inspiration from traditional Japanese motifs, while Australia’s uniforms, by Sportscraft and Volley, highlight their green and gold colours, embodying the nation’s vibrant and sunny disposition. These designs not only reflect the unique identities of each nation but also incorporate the latest advancements in sportswear to enhance athlete performance. Samant Chauhan, an Indian Fashion Designer and Fashion House opines that it would be amazing to have unique Indian textiles represented because many Indian trends are going global now. Samant adds, “And what would be a better chance than this to highlight our various textiles? Something that shows our rich heritage.” While designers and fashion critics niff and naff about the uniforms, the world can’t wait to see the most fashionable Olympics ever!