PARIS, France — It's the city of love and lights and is known as the fashion capital of the world.
As the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony is getting underway Friday, many have flocked to social media raving about the stylish outfits of several teams competing this year.
Designers are gracing the city with their most creative fabrics as they enter the spotlight under the city known for its iconic fashion with several monumental designers gracing the Paris runways.
TikTokers have taken to the social media platform to make a list of what they feel are the best of the best Olympic uniforms.
Here are arguably some of the most stylish and aesthetically pleasing uniforms that will be gracing the Paris streets on Friday:
Haiti
There's a story behind the brightly colored skirt and pants surrounding Haiti's uniforms.
Stella Jean, an Italian Haitian fashion designer, describes herself as a "bridge builder." She sees her work as a "cultural distillate" and not just for the aesthetics.
"I believe that these athletes have already won the most important medal by their very own presence in Paris," the designer said in a post.
Jean collaborated with Haitian painter Phillipe Dodard, whose paintings have inspired other fashion designers.
"Haiti exists and wants to live standing up on HER feet," Jean continued.
Jean said that the uniform is a tribute to Haiti, the flag, and the culture of political turmoil in the country, leading her to put out a powerful message for the Olympians and the world to remember during the competition.
“This will be the first good news coming out of Haiti in at least the last three years,” she says in an Associated Press report. "The athletes' appearance is a counter-message to news about political turmoil, poverty or natural disasters. So, I felt the responsibility to say as much as I can about the country."
Mongolia
There's some culturally significant history surrounding Mongolia's uniform, rooting cultural pride into each woven fabric.
Michel & Amazonka created a textile as a nod to pride in strength, agility and triumph. This is not the first time the designer will be gracing the Olympic stage with their textiles. They were present during the 2022 Winter Olympics.
The uniform has more of a ceremonial touch with historical Mongolian patterns.
In a post on Instagram, the designer spoke about the comparison of the Olympic Games to the National Naadam Festival in Mongolia.
According to the designer, the two events parallel "cultural richness" and metaphors for all of the country's heritage, resilience and identity.
Nigeria
Nigeria is taking a more athletic approach in its uniforms, outlining the flag's green color, which symbolizes wealth and agricultural richness within the country.
Actively Black is a small Black-owned business that was created by former professional basketball player Lanny Smith. The company has a vision and mission to "uplift and re-invest in the Black community."
In one of the photos, the men's uniform features an all-white tracksuit with Nigerian flag green details and a black-and-green jacket with a diamond design on it.
Women's uniforms feature a romper and a two-piece set with a green diamond pattern on it.
Canada
Lululemon contributed to the stunning pattern for Team Canada, featuring the country's flag colors.
The country featured Paralympians in its uniforms, adding that they wanted to show their inclusivity.
“For Paris 2024, we had the opportunity to deepen our partnership with the Olympians and Paralympians who represent Canada on the global stage,” said Calvin McDonald, CEO of Lululemon. “We took an innovation-first approach to design a collection driven by athlete insights, so they can feel and perform their best in Paris. All of us at lululemon are honoured to support these athletes, both as individuals and a team, as they represent their country this summer.”
According to Lululemon, the company has gained notoriety and popularity over the years, the company completed several feedback sessions with Canada's Olympians to better support the athlete's unique needs.
The design highlights include adaptability, thermal comfort, fit and functionality, and national pride.
“Our partnership with lululemon has been transformational for Team Canada athletes,” said David Shoemaker, the CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee. “We are thrilled to be working with an outfitter that truly understands our mission and shares our values, and has worked so hard to create a team kit that can make us all proud. Not only are Team Canada athletes going to shine on the field of play – they’re going to turn heads wherever they show up in Paris.”
USA
Lastly, the United States went with a classic look, including blue jeans.
Ralph Lauren created the navy blazers with notes of red and white stripes. Olympians also wore striped shirts underneath the blazers.
“Nothing says America like blue jeans, especially when we’re in Paris,” said David Lauren, the label’s chief branding and innovation officer and the founder’s son.
According to an Associated Press report, Lauren called the closing ceremony looks “more graphic, more fun, a little more exciting.”
Material from the Associated Press contributed to this report.
