A Celebration of Style

Olympic Opening Ceremony Fashion

Paris, the epicenter of fashion, lived up to its reputation during the 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony. Despite the rain, the event dazzled with homegrown fashion, showcasing both iconic fashion houses and emerging Paris-based designers.

  

A Symphony of High Fashion

With LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton as a premium partner, luxury brands like Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Berluti took centre stage. For the first time, the ceremony was held outside a stadium, with the Seine, the Eiffel Tower, and Notre-Dame de Paris providing a stunning backdrop.

Alongside these iconic brands, the ceremony highlighted independent designers like Jeanne Friot, Charles de Vilmorin, and Kevin Germanier, who infused their unique style into the event, capturing the essence of contemporary Parisian fashion.

Iconic Performances and Show-Stopping Ensembles

Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior's artistic director of womenswear, dressed performers such as Lady Gaga and Celine Dion. Dion's return was marked by a performance of Édith Piaf’s “Hymne à l’amour” on the Eiffel Tower, wearing a fringed white silk gown adorned with thousands of silver beads, symbolizing her triumphant comeback.

Lady Gaga honored French cabaret performer Zizi Jeanmaire in a black feather jacket and embroidered skirt, while French-Malian singer Aya Nakamura wore a gold feathered dress, making a statement about race and representation in French fashion.

A Tribute to Heritage and Innovation

The ceremony paid homage to French history and innovation. Axelle Saint-Cirel performed the French national anthem in a Dior dress merging with the French flag, accompanied by a choir of women in modernized peplos. The "Sororité" tableau celebrated influential women, including Simone Veil, highlighting fashion's role in conveying powerful messages.

The Intersection of Fashion and Sport

Pharrell Williams, Louis Vuitton's menswear artistic director, joined the Olympic torch relay, symbolizing the fusion of fashion and sports. This largest TV production in history featured 18,000 participants, with artistic director Thomas Jolly infusing theatrical flair into the event.

Celebrating Diversity and Creativity

The ceremony spotlighted smaller designers, with Charles de Vilmorin’s rainbow-colored skirts and Jeanne Friot’s Joan of Arc-inspired costume delivering visual impact. The Passerelle Debilly fashion show, featuring icons like Farida Khelfa, was a testament to Paris as the heart of fashion innovation.

The 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony was a vibrant celebration of fashion and culture, showcasing French creativity's rich tapestry. From legendary fashion houses to emerging talents, the event captured the spirit of unity and diversity, reinforcing Paris's status as a global fashion capital. As athletes and artists gathered on this world stage, the ceremony reminded us of fashion's unparalleled ability to inspire and connect people globally.