Are the Mongolian team’s 2024 Paris Olympics uniforms the most culturally significant yet? – Times of India

National Olympic uniforms have traditionally been utilitarian, designed solely to make their teams look sporty and cohesive. However, the designers behind the Mongolian team‘s uniform for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Michel&Amazonka, have redefined this notion with their visionary approach. Unveiled in a grand ceremony earlier this month, their creation features four sets of uniforms, each a contemporary take on the traditional Mongolian deel, a calf-length gown with a high collar and long sleeves.

The Mongolian National Olympic Committee shared that Michel&Amazonka dedicated around three months to complete the looks, with each uniform requiring an average of 20 hours to perfect. These uniforms debuted during the opening ceremony in Paris on July 26, showcasing not just athletic prowess but also the rich cultural heritage of Mongolia.
Each design is a vibrant display of Mongolia’s national colours—blue, red, and white—interwoven with traditional Mongolian patterns and motifs. The uniforms prominently feature the Soyombo symbol, which appears on the country’s flag, alongside iconic representations of the Eiffel Tower and the Olympic flame. This thoughtful incorporation of national symbols and international elements creates a unique fusion that celebrates both Mongolian heritage and the spirit of the Olympics.
“We took detailed measurements of each athlete’s body and crafted the uniforms individually in our workshop,” the designers shared in a social media post. “It is an elaborate creation that involved the labor of 42 Mongolians for more than three months. Each set took an average of 20 hours and six steps to complete.”

The collection includes four distinct sets: uniforms for female athletes, male athletes, female flag bearers, and male flag bearers. Each set, while unique, maintains a consistent thread of Mongolian tradition, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship and cultural pride of the designers.
Owned by sisters Michel and Amazonka Choigaalaa, the Ulaanbaatar-based label aims to “express the essence of Mongolian tradition and culture” through contemporary design. Their previous work includes designing the Mongolian team’s official outfits for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, consistently delivering garments that resonate with both heritage and modernity.

Mongolia’s Olympic uniform for the 2024 Paris Olympics stands out not just for its aesthetic appeal but for its deep cultural significance and the dedicated craftsmanship behind it. This blend of tradition and contemporary fashion makes it one of the best Olympic uniforms this year, embodying a sense of pride and identity that resonates far beyond the sporting arena.