The 2024 Paris Olympic Games kicked off on July 26 with a grand opening ceremony that showcased world fashion houses designing team gear and avant-garde promotional costumes in support of the talented world athletes. The world event continues to inspire the values of excellence, performance, and creativity that unify world cultures in all aspects. Fashion houses such as Ralph Lauren and Giorgio Armani honored those values by representing Team USA and Italy in opening ceremony designs. Thom Browne launched a promotional ad with superstar Beyoncé to honor the Team USA athletes.
26 July 2024, France, Paris: Olympia, Paris 2024, opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics, Coco Gauff and Lebron James from the USA as flag bearers for their team. Photo: Sina Schuldt/dpa (Photo by Sina Schuldt/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Ralph Lauren Designs Classic Unity for Team USA
Ralph Lauren unveiled Team USA’s opening and closing parade uniforms on July 18. The 2024 Olympics will mark the fashion house’s ninth year designing as the official outfitter for Team USA and dress the nation’s best athletes. Ralph Lauren’s Team USA uniforms celebrate classic styles that bring together heritage of sporting elegance into the modern era.
“Ralph Lauren has once again created designs that not only capture the essence of American style but also embody the spirit and pride of Team USA,” said Sarah Hirshland, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee CEO. “As Team USA athletes prepare to represent the United States at the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games, this iconic apparel serves as a symbol of unity and inspiration for both our team and the millions of fans who will be cheering them on.”
PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 26: Lebron James, Flagbearer of Team United States, looks on prior to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
This year’s Team USA uniforms were inspired by the dynamic vibrancy inside the host city, Paris, and the classic heritage found at the Olympic games that are intended to embrace the patriotic spirit reflected in a signature palette of red, white, and blue. The opening ceremony uniforms took on a distinctively modern take on a tailored look, featuring a classic tailored single-breasted wool blazer with red and white tipping. Underneath the jacket, the athletes wore a striped oxford shirt, paired with a tapered jean that breaths the classic American style. With the mass production of uniforms Ralph Lauren was creating for the athletes this project led to the house’s first-ever 100% Recycled Cotton Polo Shirt, which utilizes NFW CLARUS® technology and recycled polyester and wool.
Giorgio Armani Gears Team Italy for Success
GIORGIO ARMANI DRESSED THE ITALIAN TEAM FOR THE PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES CREDITS BIZZI CONI
Italian Fashion House, Giorgio Armani, debuted Team Italy’s opening ceremony wear for the celebrated athletes as their official outfitters. The team set sail on the Seine wearing a special EA7 Emporio Armani design. The tracksuits are embroidered with EA7 and Coni logos that are made of neoprene in Armani blue. The top half of the suit features two front zips, a hood with tricolor lining, and large pixel-effect ‘Italy’ lettering on the back. A special feature inside the jacket sparks the spirit of patriotism for the Italian athletes as the entire first verse of the Italian National Anthem is printed on the left side by the heart in its original version. The Giorgio Armani Team Italy tracksuit perfectly blends the house’s elegance, sporting functionality, and national values.
Thom Browne Invites Celebrities to Support Team USA at the 2024 Olympics
Thom Browne ignited excitement with Team USA’s new promotional video that featured global superstar Beyoncé and USA Olympic athletes. Inside the video, Beyoncé is wearing a custom-made Thom Browne silk taffeta varsity opera coat in red, white, and navy paired with a USA leotard. The announcement video coincided perfectly with the singer’s new album, “Cowboy Carter,” which featured one of the album’s top hit songs, YA YA. Thom Browne showcased a light-hearted yet supportive and memorable introduction for this year’s Team USA’s athletes.
Beyoncè for Thom Brown, Courtesy of Thom Brown
Continuing the fashion house’s enthusiasm for Team USA’s Olympic athletes, Thom Browne designed an opening ceremony ensemble for actress and singer, Ariana Grande. Grande was seen wearing a custom-made pink duchess silk satin dress that dropped down at the waist with bow detailing features. The look was accessorized with a matching hair bow and white silk gloves.
Arianna Grande in Thom Brown at The 2024 Paris Olympic Opening Ceremony, Courtesy of Thom Brown
