Olympic Fashion: Ralph Lauren, Berluti, Debut Medal-Worthy Looks for Athletes
These major fashion houses scored victories of their own with their impressive uniforms and capsule collections created for their nation's teams
With the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games just around the corner, it’s not just athletics that will be on display. Major fashion houses from across the globe have created impressive uniforms and capsule collections in support of their nation’s team. From the Team France Opening Ceremony outfits designed by Berluti, to Ralph Lauren’s patriotic Team USA collection, the Olympic stage might as well be a runway. Here are the most exciting fashion collaborations.
Berluti
The historic fashion house Berluti has designed 1,500 outfits for Team France for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Established in 1895, Berluti has been known for impeccably crafted shoes for creatives such as Jean Cocteau and Andy Warhol. Traditionally a menswear brand, this is the first time Berluti is outfitting women. French athletes will be sporting custom tuxedo-inspired looks accompanied by navy blue Berluti Shadow trainers or the brand’s Lorenzo leather loafer. Using fabrics sourced exclusively within Europe, the outfits are cut from a midnight-blue wool and have a shawl collar with a French Flag-inspired patina effect.
Ben Sherman
For the third consecutive Olympic Games, Ben Sherman will create the looks for Team GB for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Alongside the games, Ben Sherman has unveiled its retail capsule collection. The four-nation floral motif of the rose, thistle, daffodil, and shamrock is embroidered on bomber jackets and shirts as well as oxford trousers with a Union Flag tape waistband. The cheerful outfits have an added flair with an exclusive collection of six colorfully patterned Happy Socks.
Michel & Amazonka
Ulaanbaatar-based couture house, Michel & Amazonka has created intricate garments for Team Mongolia. The brand, which launched in 2015 by sister duo Michel and Amazonka Choigaalaa, had just three months to dream up the elegant designs that put a modern spin to the traditional Mongolian deel—adding ornate embroideries including symbols of peace, freedom, and beauty and billowing silhouettes to the kit.
Ralph Lauren
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams will be in head-to-toe Ralph Lauren for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. The Opening Ceremony outfits feature a classic single-breasted wool blazer with red and white tipping, while the Closing Ceremony outfits are comprised of a moto-style jacket, white denim and a Polo shirt from the brand’s custom Create Your Own program. Ralph Lauren designed a collection of Villagewear for the Paris 2024 Games, with an incredible roster of brand ambassadors including swimmers Bobby Finke and Katie Ledecky, fencer Daryl Homer, gymnast Shilese Jones, and breaker Jeffery Louis. All the garments manufactured in the U.S. utilize sustainable materials, launching the brand’s first 100% Recycled Cotton Polo Shirt. If you’re in Paris for the big Games, make sure to stop by Ralph’s restaurant which will be reimagined with bespoke Team USA tablescapes.
Stella Jean
Italian-Haitian fashion designer Stella Jean, a former Galerie Creative Mind, devised uniforms for Team Haiti, which is among the smallest delegations at this year’s games, with just seven competitors. The color scheme of reds, whites, and blues pays homage to the Caribbean nation’s flag—and for an artful touch, the bold trouser and skirt fabric was conjured by Haitian painter Philippe Dodard.