THE OLYMPICS OF FASHION
words by EMMANUELLE PLANTIER
What were probably the most avant-garde and spectacular Olympic Games in history officially came to an end. This edition took the internet by storm with some viral and highly mediatized instants. Between chocolate muffin memes and Olympic shooters straight out of action movies, we lived through the athletes, holding our breath at every jump, swing and set. But more than just sport, these Olympics put French culture, and its immense heritage under the spotlight for the world to see. And there is no way we can talk about French culture without mentioning fashion. From the Opening to the Closing Ceremony, iconic fashion moments followed one another. Take a closer look at the up-and-coming French fashion designers that animated the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with their mastered savoir faire and endless imagination, to offer us a true Olympic experience.
The Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was one of the longest, and definitely the most innovative ceremonies of any Olympics. The creative team behind it abandoned the traditional stadium setting and let the countries’ delegation navigate down the Seine, enjoying a romanesque view of the city. Not even the pouring rain could stop them from proudly carrying their national colours. Special shoutout to the Mongolian team, who wore amazing modern takes on Mongolian traditional clothing, honouring their culture and inscribing themselves in the grand Olympic tradition. The Ceremony was a never-seen-before kind of spectacle with multiple scenes telling key moments of French history unveiled in a symphony of dance, music and joy. A highlight of the show was the scene named “Amour”, where a lover trio stride in a library, head to toe dressed in Charles de Vilmorin. The designer’s maximalist and colourful approach to fashion perfectly matched this unapologetic and raw take on love, fully realising one’s identity and desires. The garments sported huge hearts and lines, in tons of red, blue, yellow and green. The act was followed by a group of acrobats perched on huge sticks and swinging on a bridge, also wearing Charles de Vimorin’s creations high in colours – a proof that love is fickle and turns heads.
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The show later unveiled a superb scene where drag queens met ballet and hip-hop dancers on a catwalk, strutting and dancing together to the energic rhythm of DJ Barbara Butch. Numerous designers participated in the confection of the costumes, but we especially appreciated Alphonse de Maître Pierre magnificent pink dress for Farida Khelfa, one of Jean-Paul Gauliter’s muse. The creation adorned with cut-in flowers evoked the blossoming of a new self, loud and proud, annunciator of a new dawn. Kevin Germanier also dressed models in the scene (which happens to be the most controversial one of the Opening Ceremony, iykyk), with a sequined catsuit paired with a long feathered boa falling like a cascade alongside the body. Paralympic Italian fencer Beatrice Maria Via Grandis also walked the Olympic runway in Germanier, embodying the designer’s values of tolerance and self-acceptance. But his master move happened during the closing ceremony, when the mysterious humanoid figure dressed head to toe in Germanier took over the show, enigmatically hovering and shining above the stadium. A constructed golden catsuit and matching mask were inspired by the Golden Records, one of the highest consecrations in the music industry.
via instagram @alphonsemaitrepierre
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via thegoodgoods.com
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via instagram @kevingermanier
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Last but certainly not least, the enigmatic horse rider who brought the Olympic flag at the Eiffel Tower’s feet was dressed by none other than Jeanne Friot herself, the French queen of genderless clothing with a particular affinity for leather and belts. The metallic outfit was a wink to Joan of Arc, an emblematic figure of French history and feminism, who showed centuries ago the strength and power of women. The outfit was composed of a shining pleated hood, a top made of silver belts embracing the body, acting as a modern (and kind of punk) take on mediaeval armors. Paired with matching thigh-high boots, this character surprised the whole world by its grace, dare and mystery. If only we could dress like that to work now (thank you Jeanne Friot).
via instagram @jeannefriot
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games left us with unmatched memories and excited for what is to come in four years in Los Angeles, USA, And we can all say a big ‘thank you’ to Daphné Burki, the mind and muscles behind the Costume Direction for both of the Ceremony. We will be forever grateful for such a beautiful show where fashion took the centre stage, and for the endless inspiration it brought us.
