As the world’s most fashionable city prepares to host the Olympics, the opening ceremony is a competition in itself. Athletes from all over the world are donning uniforms that rival Parisian runways: Berluti for Team France, Ralph Lauren for Team USA, Giorgio Armani for Team Italy, and more. But it is the uniforms from Asian countries that steal the spotlight, mixing tradition and innovation in their designs. Here is a stylish sprint through the most eye-catching uniforms at Paris 2024:
Michel & Amazonka for Team Mongolia
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The gold medal for best dressed Olympic team goes to Mongolia! Ulaanbaatar-based fashion label Michel & Amazonka took the internet by storm when they revealed their Olympic uniform designs. The viral uniforms pay homage to Mongolian culture with striking silhouettes inspired by the traditional Mongolian deel, a long robe designed for horseback riding. Further nods to Mongolian national symbols can be found in the ornate vests adorned with intricate embroidery of traditional folklore, scenes of nature, and the Olympic torch and rings. Michel & Amazonka revealed that uniforms were tailored to each athlete’s body measurements and each uniform took an average of 20 hours to complete.
Musinsa Standard for Team South Korea
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Team Korea goes powder blue in a refreshingly retro take on the Olympic uniforms. The blazer and slacks ensemble was designed by Musinsa Standard, a private-label brand run by Korean online fashion store Musinsa. The star of the show lies in the lining of the blazers, which feature white and blue porcelain designs. A reinterpretation of the traditional sash worn with ceremonial attire has been specially crafted as a belt to cinch the blazer.
Francis Libiran for Team Philippines
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Filipino designer Francis Libiran has transformed the Philippines flag into a striking Olympics uniform. Reimagining the country’s sinag barong, he incorporated a removable sling-style “armour” tinted with flag colours and embroidered with sun rays in a homage to the Pintados warriors. Given that the opening ceremony will be held on the Seine River, Libiran opted for the most vibrant shades to ensure that the uniforms would shine even when viewed from a distance.
Grand Sport for Team Thailand
Thai sportswear brand Grand Sport blends sports with sustainability by using carbon-neutral fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles for their Olympic uniforms. The designs feature a dark blue zip-up jacket and matching pants with bold vertical red stripes, bringing a youthful, energetic look to the outfit. The swirling patterns on the jacket are inspired by Ban Chiang pottery designs, a nod to Thailand’s cultural heritage.
Tasva for Team India
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When designing the Olympic uniforms, Tasva, an Indian menswear brand, aimed to bridge Indian tradition with contemporary aesthetics. The resulting ensemble was a lightweight moss cotton kurta bundi set for men and a viscose crepe saree for women, designed to keep athletes cool and comfortable in the Parisian heat. The traditional garments were updated with sporty safari pockets and stylish roll-up sleeves to add functionality and flair. The light ivory colour symbolises freshness and serenity, while the design also celebrates the country’s rich textile heritage with Banaras brocade weaving.
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