If the Olympics is one of the world’s biggest sporting events, its opening ceremony is its crowning glory. The 2024 Paris edition is taking things up more than a few notches. The first Games to have the curtain raiser outside a stadium, it will see almost 100 boats carrying an estimated 10,500 athletes down the Seine.
The quays will become spectator stands while the sun reflects off famous Parisian landmarks. And with all eyes on the global fashion capital, everyone is a fashion critic. Dressing any national contingent for the occasion is a flex.
Top designers, luxury houses and sportswear brands vie for the honour. 2024’s lineup of uniform-makers include Ralph Lauren for the United States, Berluti for France, Emporio Armani for Italy, and Lululemon for Canada, among others. For the 117 athletes of Team India, it is Tarun Tahiliani, the New Delhi-based couturier, via Tasva, the premium affordable menswear label launched by him and ABFRL (Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd.
). India has not had the most shining track record when it comes to dressing up for the ceremony — the team relies on traditional dressing with little designer flair or major crafts showcase. With Tasva taking on a sponsorship role, this edition is the first time that a designer created the ceremonial uniforms.
The bandi is the hero silhouette layered over a kurta set. Part of the first generation of Indian fashion, Tahiliani has underpinned his nearly 30-year career with experiments in a distinctive .