Each country has its own way of telling its story through Olympic uniforms.
Do you remember when fashion enthusiasts went wild for Telfar Clemens designing the Olympic uniforms for the Liberian team in 2021? Or when Issey Miyake was chosen by Lithuania to design their uniforms in 1992? This year is no exception, with top designers collaborating with prominent global competitors such as Michel & Amazonka, who designed the Mongolian team’s uniforms, and Dior, who created the uniforms for the French team.
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Each country has its own unique way of telling its story through Olympic uniforms. Some nations delicately incorporate traditional culture into their designs, while others push boundaries with new technologies and materials. Collaborations with top designers are also a popular choice, aiming to create uniforms that are both iconic and fashionable. The common goal is to serve as a spiritual representative and promote the country’s image to the world.
Olympic uniforms are more than just competition attire; they represent the spirit of each nation. In Asia, with its rich cultural and historical background, Olympic uniform designs become even more special and captivating. Many Asian countries skillfully integrate traditional patterns and colors into their uniform designs. This reflects respect for cultural heritage and creates a unique identity for each nation. Many details on the uniforms carry profound symbolic meanings, representing the dreams, aspirations, and goals of the country.
Mongolia Olympic
The ceremonial uniforms of the Mongolian team at the Paris 2024 Olympics, designed by Michel & Amazonka, are a splendid symphony of tradition and modernity. The image of Mongolians in the Naadam festival, dressed in Deel and vests, has been creatively reimagined, offering a fresh look while retaining national identity. A special highlight is the archer’s sleeve, a detail rich in historical significance, combining high functionality with a symbol of strength and resilience.
Intricate details such as the Nine White Flags, the Olympic torch, and images of the sun, moon, and Gua-Maral are meticulously embroidered with gold thread, honoring Mongolian culture and embodying the Olympic spirit. On the vest, the design features the Nine White Flags, the Olympic torch, along with floral and mountain patterns. Naadam begins when the Nine White Flags enter the stadium, symbolizing peace and unity. The Olympic Games also commence with the lighting of the torch, representing a new beginning. The brand uses bird motifs to symbolize freedom and aspiration, which can be embroidered on the shoulders or along the edges of the garment. The Mongolian fashion house subtly incorporates mountain and sky patterns, representing the vast landscape and natural beauty throughout the design. The mountain embroidery symbolizes the athletes’ quest for gold medals, akin to climbers conquering Everest, reflecting the diligence and endurance of the competitors. Additionally, Michel & Amazonka use Mongolia’s national colors—blue, red, and white—along with gold or silver thread for embroidery to enhance the elegance and prominence of the uniforms.
Korea
The South Korean team will debut a completely new look at the Paris 2024 Olympics, thanks to the unique uniform design by Musinsa Standard.
Featuring a soothing light blue color, which symbolizes youth and a “dare to dream” spirit, the uniform not only provides a sophisticated appearance but also conveys a message of harmony and vibrant energy. Notably, the traditional blue and white porcelain pattern is skillfully incorporated into the coat lining, creating a refined touch that celebrates Korean culture. The specially designed belt, inspired by traditional attire, adds a classic and elegant touch to the uniform. The lightweight wool fabric, along with practical details like T-shirts and versatile sneakers, ensures athletes remain comfortable and confident during competitions. The “Team Korea” logo is delicately embroidered, reflecting unity and national pride.
Philippines Olympic
On their journey to conquer the heights of the Paris 2024 Olympics, Philippine athletes proudly wear uniforms designed by adidas Philippines. In the centennial year of their participation in the Games, adidas Philippines has continuously innovated, creating uniforms that are both comfortable and empowering for athletes to showcase themselves on the international stage. From unique fonts to intricate patterns and details, every aspect is meticulously crafted to create a harmonious and impressive overall design.
The presence of top sports stars like Carlos Yulo, Nesthy Petecio, and Samantha Catantan in the promotional campaign has further enhanced the appeal of the collection. They are not only outstanding athletes but also fashion icons, inspiring the younger generation.
Ngoài ra, đồng phục tham dự lễ khai mạc của đội tuyển Philippines cũng thu hút nhiều sự chú ý. Khi thiết kế barong cho đội tuyển quốc gia Philippines, Francis Libiran lấy cảm hứng từ những anh hùng và chiến binh. Vì vậy, không có gì ngạc nhiên khi bộ đồng phục nghi lễ trông giống như áo giáp của chiến binh, barong màu trắng đục được hoàn thiện bằng một “dây đeo” bằng lụa organdy có thể tháo rời. Dây đeo màu xanh lam và đỏ tươi được trang trí bằng họa tiết Sinag (tia nắng mặt trời) và chiến binh cùng với đường viền ba màu dọc theo viền và dây đeo để tôn vinh thành phố chủ nhà, Paris.
Taiwan Olympic
With a design by NTK Justin Chou from the brand JUST IN XX, the Taiwanese team’s vest successfully blends traditional and modern elements. Featuring a unisex design, the outfit includes floral details and a sports zippered jacket with embedded lettering, giving Taiwan’s opening ceremony uniforms a fresh fashion vibe for Paris. The environmentally friendly material, combined with intricate handcrafted patterns, creates a uniform that reflects Taiwan’s cultural identity while meeting high standards of international sports fashion. The upper part of the shoes, made from banana silk fabric, and the delicately embroidered plum blossoms and canola flowers create a unique highlight, celebrating the beauty of Taiwan’s national flower. Notably, the repeated cross pattern with the words “Taiwan” and “Jiayou” (keep going) conveys a meaningful message, showcasing the spirit of unity and encouragement from the local people.
Kazakhstan Olympic
Traditional Kazakh attire embodies deep cultural values. Each pattern and detail carries its own symbolic meaning. Familiar motifs such as muyiz (horn), kos muyiz (double horn), and kaz moiyn (goose neck) are not just decorative elements but also tell stories of strength, resilience, and intelligence of the steppe people. The image of the golden eagle, a symbol of the Kazakh nation, adds a majestic and nationalistic beauty to the uniform. When athletes wear this attire, they carry with them the history and culture of their people.