FASHION HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PARIS 2024 OLYMPICS

Getty Images / Pascal Le Segretain

In a groundbreaking departure from tradition, the opening ceremony unfolded along the iconic River Seine, marking the first time the event has taken place outside the confines of a stadium. The picturesque setting provided a stunning backdrop for a night of unparalleled glamour and sporting pride.

With luxury conglomerate LVMH as a principal sponsor, the ceremony exuded an air of haute couture elegance. The involvement of prestigious brands such as Louis Vuitton, Moët & Chandon, and Dior elevated the event to new heights of sophistication. As the world watched, a parade of stars and athletes showcased a dazzling array of fashion-forward ensembles.

LADY GAGA: A VISION IN DIOR

The incomparable Lady Gaga made a grand entrance that left spectators awestruck. Descending a golden staircase, she emerged in a breathtaking ostrich feather coat that seemed to float on air. As she serenaded the crowd in flawless French, her custom Dior ensemble, masterminded by Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri in collaboration with milliner Stephen Jones, was revealed. A satin corset, paired with opera gloves and an intricate headpiece, paid homage to Parisian haute couture. Gaga's performance, accompanied by dancers wielding oversized pink poufs on loan from the legendary Le Lido cabaret, was a visual feast that set the tone for the evening's extravaganza.

TEAM FRANCE: BERLUTI'S PATRIOTIC ELEGANCE

The host nation's athletes made a striking impression in uniforms created by Berluti, under the expert styling guidance of fashion icon Carine Roitfeld. The 1,500 ensembles, designed for both Olympic and Paralympic competitors, featured navy jackets with gradient lapels that cleverly evoked the French tricolor. Berluti's commitment to excellence was evident in every detail, from the cut of the jackets to the quality of the fabrics, embodying the essence of French savoir-faire.

AYA NAKAMURA: GOLDEN GLAMOUR

French singing sensation Aya Nakamura dazzled in another Dior creation, this time inspired by the brand's Fall 2024 couture collection. Her golden, feather-embellished dress, which ingeniously combined shorts with a corset silhouette, was a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The hand-stitched feathers caught the light, creating a mesmerizing effect as Nakamura performed. Her gold gladiator sandals added a classical touch, subtly nodding to the Olympic Games' Greek heritage.

TEAM LIBERIA: TELFAR'S SLEEK STREETWEAR

American-Liberian designer Telfar Clemens returned to outfit Liberia's Olympic team, following his successful debut at the 2020 Tokyo Games. The team's entrance was a testament to modern sportswear design, with athletes donning floor-length black and white jerseys featuring mesh sleeves. The bold Telfar logo and country name stood out prominently, merging national pride with contemporary street style.

FASHION SHOW SEGMENT: EMERGING FRENCH TALENT

In a celebration of France's vibrant fashion scene, up-and-coming designers including Kevin Germanier, ASQUIN, Weinsanto, and Vincent Frederic-Colombo's C.R.E.O.L.E presented a dynamic runway show. The front row was graced by personalities such as DJ Barbara Butch and Drag Race France host Nicky Doll. Models, including Italian fencing champion Beatrice Maria Vio Grandis (Bebe Vio) and transgender activist Raya Martigny, showcased the designers' innovative creations, offering a fresh counterpoint to the established luxury brands dominating the Games.

ARIANA GRANDE: THOM BROWNE'S TIMELESS ELEGANCE

While in Paris to promote her upcoming film "Wicked," Ariana Grande made a surprise appearance at the ceremony. Dressed in a custom Thom Browne gown, she channeled old Hollywood glamour with a modern twist. The powder pink creation, complete with matching gloves, paid homage to Audrey Hepburn's iconic 1955 Givenchy dress, blending nostalgia with contemporary couture.

JOAN OF ARC REIMAGINED: JEANNE FRIOT'S FUTURISTIC VISION

In a nod to France's rich history, a figure representing Joan of Arc made a dramatic entrance atop a mechanical horse. Parisian genderless brand Jeanne Friot reimagined the warrior's iconic armor as a futuristic, metallic hooded ensemble, complete with avant-garde buckle details. This innovative interpretation bridged centuries of French culture and design.

CELINE DION: A TRIUMPHANT RETURN IN DIOR

The ceremony reached its emotional zenith with the appearance of Celine Dion, marking her return to the stage following her diagnosis with Stiff Person Syndrome. Performing Edith Piaf's "L'Hymne à l'amour" from atop the Eiffel Tower, Dion wore a Dior gown that epitomized couture craftsmanship. The dress, adorned with 500 meters of fringing and thousands of pearls and silver beads, sparkled against the Parisian night sky. Her powerful performance, enhanced by the visual splendor of her attire, provided a fitting finale to an unforgettable evening that seamlessly blended sport, fashion, and French culture.