It’s here. It’s finally here. The eagerly anticipated 2024 Olympics is making headway, and viewers are glued to the screen with anticipation.
While some watchers are members of the gymnastics cult following and others excitedly sit on the edge of their seats for track and swim, others are just here for the fashion. Who could blame them? The Olympics has long been a melting pot of glorious and groundbreaking fashion—and this year, it ups the ante, positioned in the heart of the world’s fashion capital, Paris, France.
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A Look Back at Eye-Catching Fashion Debuts
This year’s Olympics isn’t the first time we’ll see innovative or interesting fashion combinations. Many women from past Olympics have shown their unique styles, which have taken the world by storm. These ladies are memorable not just for their impressive skills and talents but also for their mesmerizing fashion.
Florence Griffith Joyner
We couldn’t talk about Olympic fashion without featuring Florence Griffith Joyner, so fondly named the fastest woman in the world. Her speed wasn’t the only thing that caught viewers by surprise, though – it was also her engrossing fashion choices. From her one-legged tracksuit, which Flo-Jo deemed the “one legger,” to her six-inch long manicures featuring intricate details, this powerful woman proved that she could compete – and win – while showcasing a style all her own.
Venus Williams
It’s no secret that Venus Williams took the tennis world by storm – and her fashion and style sense was quite unconventional yet appealing. The four Olympic gold medalist has been seen in it all, including jaw-dropping color-blocked ‘fits to USA-themed apparel, setting the stage for her EleVen brand, which focuses on styles that are the idyllic blend of functional and fashionable. She also carved the way for future Black women athletes to wear their hair however they pleased, being the first on the tennis court to feature braided styles with beads.
Ibtihaj Muhammad
Ibtihaj Muhammad is a memorable name in the realm of Olympic fashion, being the first American to wear a hijab to the Olympics – and win. She helped her saber fencing team earn the 2016 Olympic bronze medal, an innovational moment that would carve the path for future Muslim Americans to wear their hijab with pride. The influential woman remains a true advocate for women everywhere and even released her own line, coined Louella, featuring classy, conservative, and fashionable pieces that include but are not limited to hijabs, dresses, and jumpsuits.
Game-Changing Collaborations: U.S. Brands and the 2024 Olympics
All eyes may be set on the athletes, but that doesn’t mean that brands aren’t trying to position themselves strategically to get a view or two, too. What does that mean for viewers? We’re planning to see some new and creative collaboration methods to help certain brands stand out from the crowd.
For example, notable apparel brand Chubbies has recently collaborated with Team USA. They’re gearing up to create a capsule series of clothing celebrating America’s Olympics from the past, present, and future. Their first capsule will debut present-day styles, including polos and tanks, with the second featuring an 80s theme and the final taking a deep dive into the future.
For something new and never seen before, Figs has taken the approach of draping healthcare professionals in Team USA with their red, white, and blue scup tops and bottoms. There is also a fascinating collection of gorgeous Team USA jumpsuits and must-have tools, such as stethoscopes and compression socks, to complete one’s USA-themed wardrobe.
Unsurprisingly, fan-favorite brand Nike returns for an Olympic collab with Jacquemus for a ten-piece collection that combines American and French references for something genuinely statement-making. Whether indulging in sportswear, sneakers, or accessories, you can enjoy a charming collection of colors featuring both country flags.
Nike isn’t the only front-runner brand celebrating Team USA in the 2024 Olympics. Many other iconic fashion companies are teaming up with Team USA with gold-medal-deserving pieces fashionistas won’t want to miss. Some of the crowd favorites? GAP’s 90s-inspired collection, Skims’ modern, functional, and adorable sets, and Kith’s partnership with the USA basketball team with striking silhouettes.
Fashion Icons of the 2024 Olympics: Our Selection of Olympians to Watch
While you’re busy being enraptured by the remarkable talents of gymnasts, runners, skateboarders, and more, don’t forget to keep an eye out for trendsetting fashion statements. We believe that these Olympians are geared up to not only win the medal but also win the hearts of fashionistas across the globe.
Simone Biles
It’s hard to say the word “gymnastics” without Simone Biles coming to mind. The seven-time Olympic medalist (and winner of 30 World Championship medals) is touted as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. But she’s not just revered for her unmatched talent – her bedazzled leotards also make headlines. She’s also an absolute diva off the mat, proven by her sparkly Met Gala 2021 look and body-hugging cutout piece for the InStyle Awards 2021. We can’t wait to see how much pizazz her 2024 leos will sport!
Sha’Carri Richardson
If you create a shortlist of women who aren’t afraid to push the boundaries to promote self-expression, Sha’Carri Richardson might be at the top. The track and field sprinter is known for her lengthy lashes, gorgeous long nails, and hair colors across the paint palette, embracing her true self and proving that being an award-winning athlete doesn’t have to mean fitting into a specific “mold.” With her exciting looks lovingly coined as “extra” (in the best way), we’re on the edge of our seats to see what she’ll put on next.
Naomi Osaka
Tenacious tennis player and statement-making fashion guru? It’s a “yes” when it comes to Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion who has continuously wowed us with her looks on and off the court. From her bold prints and patterns on the court to her deals with moguls like Nike and Louis Vuitton, it’s evident that we should keep Naomi Osaka on our fashion radars in 2024.
Claressa Shields
Although Claressa Shields might not be the number one fashionista of the group, she’s still someone worth checking out – both for her gorgeous attire and sensational boxing skills. Shields, a two-time gold medal winner in the women’s middleweight division, uniquely combines functionality with fashion-forward ideas. She typically intertwines her personal detailing, including embellishments and patterns, into her looks, creating a standout style that’s trendy and interesting.
The 2024 Paris Olympics: More Than a Game – a Fashion Moment
The results are in: the Olympics are more than just a spotlight on incredible athleticism; it’s a chance for groundbreaking and influential fashion choices to hit center stage. It all started with iconic Black Olympians like Venus Williams and Florence Griffith Joyner, and the tradition will continue through the likes of Simone Biles, Sha’Carri Richardson, and more. Their fashion choices are not only a testament to their personal style and heritage but also innovation that will transform the future of fashion beyond the stadium.
If you’re eager to watch these powerful, remarkable, and fashion-forward Black Olympians in the Paris 2024 Olympics, turn your television to streaming channels like NBC Olympics or Peacock between July 26, 2024, and August 11, 2024. Don’t forget to come back here to discuss all of the noteworthy fashion statements with other fashion-obsessed individuals like you!
