It’s no longer a march, it’s now a fashion show.

As the world eagerly anticipates the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, one of the most captivating aspects of the Opening Ceremony is the parade of nations, where each country takes the opportunity to showcase its unique cultural heritage through meticulously designed uniforms. This year, the countries of Asia have stepped onto the global stage with a blend of fashion, heritage, and sportsmanship, each bringing their distinct identity to the heart of Paris. Here, we explore the inspiration and stories behind the uniforms from the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Chinese Taipei, and Mongolia.

The Philippines: Of Sun and Hope

The Philippines’ uniforms for Paris 2024, known as the Sinag Barong, reflect a blend of resilience and elegance, inspired by the traditional Barong Tagalog. Designed by renowned Filipino designer Francis Libiran, “Sinag,” which means the rays of the sun, is a symbol of hope and optimism meant to reflect the Filipino spirit, Libiran explained. The uniforms feature colors of the Philippine flag that serve as inspiration for the barong, with a detachable silk organdy blue and red sling covering the left shoulder and upper arm, draping around the torso, and an intricate yellow sun ray pattern decorating the chest. The barongs are made from piña-jusi fabric and the outfit as a whole has patterns inspired by the Pintados warriors.

Indonesia: Inspiration from a Painter

Indonesia’s opening ceremony uniform designed by Didit Hediprasetyo takes on an inspiration from a Javanese painter Raden Saleh. Cues from the traditional Javanese clothes – the Kebaya Kutubaru for the ladies, and Beskap for the men. The red Kebaya is made of two types of fabric material, velvet and jersey; whilst the Beskap is made out of washed out denim fabric. Both are paired with white trousers. Additional accessories include a black leather Blangkon (Javanese cap) and matching slippers that create an edgy impression on the men’s appearance.

Malaysia: Chasing for the Gold

Malaysia’s opening ceremony uniform takes on earthy and humble tones for the contigents’ ensemble. Designed by Rizman Ruzaini, the opening ceremony uniform, named The Malaya, features a songket pattern for the Baju Kurung paired with a kelubung for the women, and Baju Melayu Teluk Belanga for the men. The colour hues of olive green and brown with gold motifs to symbolise their hope for the athletes to bring home gold medals for Malaysia.

Chinese Taipei: The Art of Nature

Justin Chou, founder of the avant-garde streetwear brand JUST IN XX, returns as the official outfitter for Team Chinese Taipei, the official Olympic name for Taiwan. The tailored two-piece suits for the athletes during the Opening Ceremony seamlessly blend sustainability with local craftsmanship. Chou transformed the artwork “Mountain Range of Taiwan” by Taiwanese artist Paul Chiang into a stunning printed fabric, with blue waves representing Taiwan’s natural beauty.

The uniforms are adorned with lapel pins crafted by flower-weaving artisan Lin Pei-Ying, featuring Taiwan’s national flowers, the plum and canola blossoms, as traditional tokens of good luck. Additionally, the belts and shoe uppers are made by artisan Yan Yu-Ying from banana fiber woven fabric, an ancient Taiwanese textile tradition.

Mongolia: The Showstopper

Saving the best for last. Mongolia’s uniforms for Paris 2024 has shaken the world with their chic and edgy uniforms, and has changed the game for uniforms. Inspired by the traditional Deel, a garment worn by nomads for centuries. 

Designer brand Michel & Amazonka, let by three sisters has combine aspects of the traditional Mongolian history with contemporary sportswear. The uniform includes lots of accessories: pouch bags, sash belts, dangling earrings, pointed buryat hats, and gutal boots. The elaborate patterns and vivid colors used in the artwork are an expression of Mongolia’s vast landscapes and nomadic past. Designs incorporate the national colors of blue, red, and white, as well as various traditional patterns and motifs, including the “Soyombo” symbol that appears in the country’s flag. Motifs associated with Paris and the Games, namely the Eiffel Tower and the Olympic flame also feature.

The uniforms for the Opening Ceremony of Paris 2024 transcend mere athletic wear; they embody a sophisticated fusion of fashion, heritage, and sportsmanship. Each design narrates a unique story, capturing the essence of the nations they represent and the culture of their people. As athletes from around the globe step onto the Olympic stage, they do so adorned in garments that reflect their rich cultural legacies, uniting the world in a celebration of diversity and shared humanity.