Paris bid farewell to the 2024 Olympic Games with a closing ceremony that was as much a fashion statement as it was a spectacular event. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Stade de France transformed into a spectacular stage where athleticism met artistry, and at the heart of it all was Swiss designer Kevin Germanier. Known for his avant-garde approach to fashion and a commitment to sustainability, Germanier brought his A-game to the Olympics finale.
Tasked with creating over 120 looks for the ceremony, he turned to the past to craft the future. In an era where fashion is being called to account for its environmental impact, Germanier’s creations were a masterclass in upcycling. He didn’t just source his materials from the usual places; he raided his mother’s basement, resurrecting old VHS tapes—filled with Pokémon cartoons no less—and spun them into something entirely new.
In one of the most breathtaking moments of the 2024 Olympics closing ceremony, pianist Alain Roche took center stage—literally suspended in the air—while playing the piano vertically. His performance was a marvel in itself, but what made it even more extraordinary was the outfit he wore: a masterpiece created by Kevin Germanier from 167 old VHS tapes.
As Roche floated above the audience, his fingers dancing across the keys, the outfit’s reflective ribbons caught the stadium lights, creating a fascinating effect. The black VHS tape ribbons, transformed into a fluid, shimmering fabric, fluttered with his movements, making him appear almost otherworldly. The outfit was not only a triumph of sustainable fashion but also a perfect complement to the ethereal nature of Roche’s aerial performance.
Germanier’s choice of VHS tapes, a nod to nostalgia and the past, paired beautifully with the futuristic concept of a vertical piano performance. The tapes, once holding hours of entertainment, now reimagined as couture, underscored the theme of reinvention and innovation that ran through the entire ceremony. Roche’s vertical piano act, combined with the outfit’s striking visuals, created a moment of pure magic, leaving the audience in awe.
