The 2024 Olympics opening ceremony could not have been further from the usual drill. Organized on the Seine, it marked the first time an Olympic opening ceremony was held outside a stadium. Organized on the Seine, it marked the first time an Olympic opening ceremony was held outside a stadium. Organized on the Seine, it marked the first time an Olympic opening ceremony was held outside a stadium. The 2024 Olympics are also the first ever to be sponsored by a global luxury behemoth (LVMH) – a fitting choice considering France’s heritage and the role of fashion therein.
Naturally, fashion is at the heart of the Paris Olympics with LVMH brands like Louis Vuitton, Chopard, Berluti, and Dior at the forefront. The French fashion heritage shone at the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony. While LVMH had already given us a glimpse into the Louis Vuitton trunks that bear the torches and the Chopard medals, and the Berluti uniforms for the French athletes, Dior turned the surprise dressmaker for Lady Gaga, Aya Nakamura, and Celine Dion.
Designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri and brought to life by the talented hands of Lemarié artisans, Nakamura’s ensemble was nothing short of spectacular. Her outfit featured a striking corset beneath an asymmetrical dress adorned with golden feathers. Each feather was meticulously hand-applied, creating a fiery, phoenix-like effect that captivated everyone watching. The look was completed with a sheer cape that added a touch of romantic elegance to the bold dress.
At the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony, Lady Gaga stole the show with a dazzling performance that paid homage to French cabaret. Her outfit, a vibrant tribute to Zizi Jeanmaire and Roland Petit, was a masterpiece designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri for Dior Couture. This stunning ensemble included a corseted bustier, a jacket, and a voluminous skirt, all adorned with feathers. Each feather was meticulously applied, creating a striking gradient of deep black and pink that flowed gracefully to the hem.
At the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony, the legendary Celine Dion made a stunning comeback, performing high atop the Eiffel Tower. Draped in an exquisite silk georgette gown by Dior Couture, designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dion stunned the audience with her rendition of “Hymne à l’amour.” The gown, adorned with shimmering sequins and intricate embroidery, sparkled brilliantly with every note she sang. The dress featured over 500 meters of fringed detailing, meticulously studded with thousands of silver beads, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of Dior’s ateliers. The singer was glammed up by none other than Sofia Tilbury, ensuring she looks fabulous as she performed.
While the performers raised the sartorial bar high, famous attendees didn’t hold back either. We spotted Ariana Grande in a soft pink Thom Browne dropwaist pleated dress, while Cynthia Erivo posed in a forest green Louis Vuitton number, channeling the characters from their upcoming movie Wicked.
Palestinian boxer Wasim Abu Sal wore a shirt embroidered with missiles and scenes of war at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. The shirt depicted an image of planes dropping ammunition on innocent children playing football. The backside of the shirt featured a keffiyeh design.
Palestinian swimmer Valerie Tarazi wore an outfit that paid homage to her Gazan family. Both the ensembles were designed by Ibrahim Salem and Maie Salameh.
The Kuwaiti female team was dressed in stunning blue and gold kaftans by Muhra.
Apart from luxury giants, emerging French designers were also entrusted with significant tasks. Jeanne Friot, a 29-year-old designer who founded her genderless brand four years ago, was given the job to design the armored outfit inspired by Joan of Arc, worn by the rider who galloped across the Seine to present the Olympic flag.
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