Best, worst dressed: Who impressed at Paris Olympics opening ceremony

Team USA were Yankee Doodle dazzling, the Aussies awash with smiles and style and hosts France simply stunning. Check out who stole the show at the Olympics Opening Ceremony.

Team United States athletes wave flags on the team boat along the River Seine. Picture: Getty Images

Fashion is at the epicentre of Paris and it wasn’t missing as the world’s greatest athletes floated down the Seine style at the Opening Ceremony in style.

Check out our take on the who dressed to impress — and who left us wanting more — during the opening ceremony.

THUMBS UP: TEAM BELGIUM

Ponchos almost overshadowed this style but there was much to like. Dressage rider and designer Alexa Fairchild, who is also the granddaughter of legendary WWD chairman and editorial director John B. Fairchild, designed the uniforms. Central to the silk pant suit collection is the “embrace” concept of entwined ribbons in the black, yellow and red colours of the Belgian flag.

There was much to like about Team Belgium’s opening ceremony outfits. Picture: Getty Images

THUMBS DOWN: TEAM CANADA

The team has turned heads with an all red ensemble from official outfitter lululemon, however there wasn’t too much wow factor. The tone-on-tone print is both elegant and pays homage to the country on many fronts.

Team Canada athletes wave their flags on the team boat along the River Seine. Picture: AFP

Gallery: Paris puts on a show to open Games

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THUMBS UP: TEAM HAITI

Bravo to Stella Jean for her head turning designs. The uniforms for the 15 athlete team featured artwork by Haitian painter Philippe Dodard, specifically his piece called passage. We particularly loved the women’s full skirt complemented by a chambray shirt made from Haiti’s traditional blue cotton, as well as the men’s pant showcasing the motif from Dodard’s painting, paired with a field jacket inspired by the traditional Guayabera shirt worn by local men, which pays homage to Jean’s grandfather.

Team Haiti athletes are seen cruising along the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Picture: Getty Images

THUMBS UP: TEAM BRAZIL

These uniforms created by fast-fashion retailer Riachuelo were at the centre of much debate, dividing many opinions. But we thought they looked classy — featuring a striped shirt and an embroidered jacket with the colour palette including shades of green, blue and yellow, alluding to the Brazilian flag. The designs incorporate references to Brazilian biodiversity, featuring fauna and flora elements. Havaianas flip-flops completed the look.

Members from Brazil's delegation greet other boats as they sail along the river Seine. Picture: AFP

THUMBS DOWN: TEAM IRELAND

Praised by many, these uniforms by Dublin-born, New York designer, Laura Weber, used intricate embroidery on an all-white ensemble for both the male and female athletes. Every competitor was dressed in a double-button jacket with a clover brooch and gold detailing. We appreciate the sentiment and detail but not convinced it worked.

Ireland's outfits lacked wow factor. Picture: AFP

THUMBS UP: TEAM AUSTRALIA

The only team to completely brave the rain without protection, our excited stars shone in Sportscraft linen and cotton T-shirts. The gold buttons are inspired by the ‘city of lights’ and the shade of green verges on teal, to set it apart from previous Olympic Games. The pleated ombre skirt is inspired by the Parisian sunset and pays homage to Sportscraft’s heritage. When founder Wolf Bardas emigrated to Australia from Russia he brought over the first ever pleating machine, so the label has been producing skirts like this since its first began in 1914. The linework on the skirt is inspired by the Eiffel Tower and The Louvre.

Team Australia were dressed to impress for the Olympics opening ceremony.

THUMBS UP: TEAM USA

The sight of superstar and flag bearer LeBron James in a white Ralph Lauren blazer was the epitome of icon meeting icon. There is nothing more all-American than the pony set against red, white and blue. The rest of the team wore blue single breasted blazers. Paris marks the ninth time Ralph Lauren has outfitted the team and they have bold, dynamic and patriotic style downpat.

LeBron James in a white Ralph Lauren blazer was the epitome of icon meeting icon. Picture: Getty Images

THUMBS UP: TEAM ITALY

Designed by EA7 Giorgio Armani, a line from the wider Giorgio Armani brand, these uniforms were dedicated to sport style. They were chic and minimal and channelled trademark Italian elegance. The Italian tricolore on the collar of the polo was a casual but still classy way of incorporating the country’s colours.

Athletes from Italy's delegation wave flags as they sail along the river Seine. Picture: AFP

THUMBS UP: TEAM MONGOLIA

This was one of the most anticipated opening ceremony outfits having already won over fashion critics and gone viral online. It came courtesy of two sisters behind Mongolian fashion Michel & Amazonka. The boxy, embroidered pieces were sharp and ultra-detailed and perfectly blended Mongolian heritage with modernism.

Members of Mongolia's delegation pose on the Iena Bridge during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Picture: AFP

THUMBS UP: TEAM FRANCE

Paris Olympic premium partner LVMH tapped heritage brand Berluti with impressive results. Usually associated with menswear and smaller collections, the brand which was founded in 1895 was briefed with producing a uniform that was equal part elegant and high performance. Berluti incorporated their trademark burnished-look into the collection and used the same craftspeople and workshops as their luxury in-store products.

Athletes from France's delegation sail in a boat along the river Seine during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Picture: Getty Images

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Originally published as Best, worst dressed: Who impressed at Paris Olympics opening ceremony