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Courtesy Christian Dior
Chaumet Goes For Gold (And Silver And Bronze)
Courtesy Chaumet
This year marks the first time that a jeweller, in this case Chaumet, will design and create the Olympic medals. From its central Paris HQ, the design team set about creating medals that celebrate creativity and passion, looking to its own design legacy and that of its home town. The resulting design is classic yet contemporary and embraces the same focus and attention to detail that is needed to win such a prize.
Dior Spotlights Sport’s Stars
CHRISTIAN DIOR
As one of LVMH’s biggest brands, it was inevitable that Christian Dior would throw its hat in the Olympic ring. Its engagement centres around a curation of international athletes as ambassadors ‘who embody ultimate audacity and are driven by a desire to surpass oneself,’ the house says in a statement. Those chosen include Team Jamaica sprinter Elaine Thompson Herah, French boxer Estelle Mossely and long-time friend of Dior, Italian Paralympic fencer Bebe Vio. ‘More than ever, these passionate alliances shine with the excellence and unique values cherished by Dior, driving the world of sport and design alike,’ Dior says.
It’s Red, White And Blue (Britain’s version)
Adidas
Our Brits across the pond are keeping things classic this year with a red, white and blue kit designed by long-standing partner Adidas. With a focus on comfort for each Olympian and Paralympian wearing it from pitch to podium, the kit embraces 100 years of Britain’s sporting legacy with a font inspired by that worn by Team GB at the 1924 games. Show your support by wearing your own version, available now at Adidas.com.
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Labrum Dresses Team Sierra Leone
Adidas
A kit a little jazzier than Britain’s is Sierra Leone’s. The African nation and Adidas challenged London-based Labrum designer, Foday Dumbuya, to dream up the design for the kit in reference to his proud Sierra Leonean heritage. ‘Our Olympic team kit design is more than just sportswear; it embodies the spirit of triumph and resilience. Inspired by the captivating journey of Sierra Leonean athletes who have conquered adversity and inspired the next generation, this collection pays homage to their incredible stories of perseverance and success,’ Dumbuya says of his design. The kit centres around a reimagined cowrie shell, once a signifier of wealth and prestige that is now ‘an emblem of strength and resilience.’
It’s Omega Time
TIM CHARLES
As official timekeeper of the Olympic Games, few brands play a more pivotal role than Omega when it comes to all 32 sports on display. For the 2024 games, it promises to bring its role into the future with the most advanced technologies it has ever delivered. Not in Paris? No worries, those of us in London can visit its takeover at Selfridges’ Corner Shop until August 8, while in Paris it will open the Omega House to host special events with its global ambassadors. Those wanting to take it a step further could consider buying its limited-edition Seamaster.
Louis Vuitton Holds The Medal — Literally
Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
At the Games, Louis Vuitton holds the title of ‘the artisan of all victories’ and having created a bespoke trunk to protect the Olympic flame, the house steps up to the podium in designing the medal trays which will host the gold, silver and bronze prizes before being given to the winning athletes. These unique pieces have been crafted by expert Louis Vuitton artisans at the Beaulieu-sur-Layon workshop in the Maine-et-Loire region and are covered in the historic and recognisable Damier canvas.
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Kenzo Enters The Fight
Courtesy of Kenzo
Kenzo’s artistic director Nigo has designed kits for the French judo team to wear during its summer of competitions, including the Olympic games. The suits bring together the house’s Japanese origins with a Kimono-inspired suit that was first unveiled during the AW23 show.
Team Ireland Embraces Craft
Team Ireland
The 133 Irish athletes will arrive at the opening and closing ceremonies in custom designs by New York-based Irish designer Laura Weber, known for her work with Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler and Thom Browne. Her modern suits for the athletes come complete with an embroidered county crest specific to each athlete’s home county, as well as four shamrocks in differing embellishment techniques and flag-coloured piping down the legs.
Italy Gets Dressed In Armani
Courtesy of Giorgio Armani
Revealed in June at the Emporio Armani show in Milan, Giorgio Armani is the man behind Italy’s sleek kits blending its red, white and green flag colours with classic Armani navy. ‘My partnership with CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee) and CIP (Italian Paralympic Committee) dates back to 2012. ‘Seeking new solutions for the athlete’s kit, which must blend elegance with practicality, is always an exciting challenge for me,’ Armani says. ‘For Team Italy in Paris, I have created functional yet stylish garments, designed to catch the eye and foster a powerful sense of belonging in our athletes.’
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Selfridges Gets Sporty
David Parry
The Oxford Street behemoth proves you don’t have to be in Paris to get on the inside sporting track. In typical all-in fashion, the store’s spaces have been transformed into a sporting venue that speaks to our summer of sport. Head to Selfridges London or Birmingham to take on a 40ft climbing wall by PLAYLAB, enjoy appearances from a range of superstars including David Beckham and Ellie Simmonds, while the landmark windows embrace the team spirit by showcasing sport through an all-new creative lens. Plus, there’s really great merchandise on offer, which will take on sportswear from the likes of Lacoste, Champion and Nike. Talk about winning.
Mongolia’s Viral Costumes
Michel & Amazonka
Even before the games began, Team Mongolia asserted itself as being winners in the style stakes. Designers Michel & Amazonka have created a stunning set of Opening Ceremony looks for the country’s athletes taking on traditional design and adding in more glitzy details to captivate magpies from across the globe. The pieces have rightly garnered worldwide appreciation since their reveal. One to watch out for on the Seine come Friday night.