Paris Olympics 24: Château de Versailles the fashion place to be
This is the most aristocratic venue at the Games, and the equestrian set dress up to match. JACKIE EPSTEIN and JESSICA MONTAGUE cast their regal eye over the palace fashion
confidential
Don't miss out on the headlines from confidential. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Palace of Versailles has hosted prestigious events over the centuries – classical musical concerts, art exhibitions and even major fashion shows, but its role as the host venue for the equestrian this Olympics may be its crowning glory.
Just a stone’s throw from Le Petit Trianon, the private chateau of Marie Antoinette made famous for its sherbet-shaded walls in Sophia Coppola’s 2006 film, it’s the most breathtaking Games venue ever.
In the past week it has hosted the kings and queens of dressage, jumping and eventing and on Friday, at the team show jumping final, it was all things fashionable that took centre stage.
Inside the arena, the eight showjumping teams navigated 14 obstacles that each paid tribute to an icon in French culture and history.
Horses lept over a replica Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre, and navigated rails decorated with perfume bottles, couture fashion and macarons fit for Marie Antoinette herself.
Capping off the thrill of the final, won by Great Britain, was Kendall Jenner – one of the world’s most famous horse-girls – sitting front row. She last held court at Versailles a year ago when she starred in the spring-summer 24 show of French it-brand Jacquemus and currently stars not only on the cover of US Vogue’s summer issue but the August edition of Vogue France.
Outside the arena in the leafy grounds of Versailles, the most chic sporting crowd in Paris was on show. The blaring memorabilia seen at other venues was replaced with the best in French luxury, with brands like Hermes, Chanel and Saint Laurent teamed with vintage accessories and breezy linens. It was summer dressing, with careful effort and thought, at its best.
Yunjin from South Korea fashioned an Hermes scarf into a halter top. The link between the French luxury brand and equestrian goes back to 1837 when the founder started producing harnesses.
“I love equestrian sport and I thought today should be about dressing with class, so I wanted to put some thought into what I was wearing,” she said.
Ana from Romania, injected French savoir-faire into her look by teaming Chanel and Hermes with a local Romanian designer. The result she described as “simple, clean and white. A bit airy, a bit French”.
Nicholas and his friend Valentine knew members of the Mexican team and dressed for the occasion. “What inspired our outfits was we wanted them to be earthy and beautiful to be in the sun, but also very fashionable,” he said.
Elsewhere it was all about wearing national colours with pride, but also style.
Friends Nika and Alexandra, who between them were wearing Chanel – vintage and new – Gucci and Australian designer Zimmermann, dressed to support Britain.
“We wanted something very summery and breathable but also using the colours of red, white and blue, so when we are next to each other, we look like the flag,” Alexandra explained.
More Coverage
Originally published as Paris Olympics 24: Château de Versailles the fashion place to be
Snoop Dogg wins the Olympics: Our celeb awards from Paris Games
After two weeks of star spotting and the best celebrity turnout at an Olympics ever, Paris Confidential recaps the good, the bad and the best of the 2024 Games.
Where’s Bruce? Channel 9 turns Olympics into a gibberfest
With all the Aussie gold it’s a shame Nine’s coverage is over-bloated windbaggery. Where is Bruce McAvaney when you need him.