Ralph Lauren’s Legacy: A Decade of Olympic Style Continues with Iconic American Fashion in Paris
Since 2008, Ralph Lauren has curated Team USA’s attire for nine consecutive Olympics and Paralympics, crafting ceremonial uniforms and a versatile capsule wardrobe. This summer in Paris, the brand channels its classic Americana and preppy athleisure aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the city’s vibrancy. The collection, rooted in patriotic hues of red, white, and blue, embodies both style and national pride.
Ralph Lauren Embraces Role as Team USA’s Cultural Ambassador at Olympics
David Lauren, Chief Branding and Innovation Officer of Ralph Lauren, expressed pride in dressing Team USA, emphasizing collaboration with athletes and the Olympic Committee to craft a collection that reflects American values. He highlighted the brand’s ability to capture the essence of American culture, leadership, and sportsmanship on a global stage.
“At the opening ceremony in Paris, Team USA athletes will don iconic navy Ralph Lauren blazers adorned with red and white accents,” Lauren explained. Paired with a striped Oxford shirt, navy knit tie, and tapered light denim jeans, these outfits embody American fashion excellence.”
David Lauren on Ralph Lauren’s Team USA Collection: A Tribute to American Culture and Sportsmanship
In an interview with CNN, David Lauren, Ralph Lauren’s Chief Branding and Innovation Officer, expressed immense pride in outfitting Team USA for the Olympics. He emphasized the close collaboration with athletes and the Olympic Committee to create a collection that embodies the essence of America.
“We want our athletes to represent American culture, leadership, and sportsmanship on the global stage,” Lauren remarked. He credited Ralph Lauren’s ability to translate this ethos into the designs, calling it a realization of the American dream for both the brand and its audience.
Championing American Fashion on the Global Stage
At the Paris opening ceremony, Team USA athletes will make a stylish entrance as they glide down the River Seine towards Trocadéro. They’ll be sporting classic navy Ralph Lauren blazers detailed with red and white, paired elegantly with striped Oxford shirts, navy knit ties, and tapered light denim jeans, embodying a blend of American heritage and contemporary fashion on the global stage.
BMX racer Kamren Larsen told CNN the uniforms are “a bit of a change” from his usual attire — and racing gear — but “make me feel super dapper.” Richard Phibbs/Courtesy Ralph Lauren
Four-time Olympian (and winner of 10 medals — seven gold, three silver — across her previous Games) swimmer Katie Ledecky poses in the opening ceremony look. Steven Pan/Courtesy Ralph Lauren
Denim Takes Center Stage in Ralph Lauren’s Closing Ceremony Attire
Ralph Lauren has crafted distinctive ensembles for Team USA’s closing ceremony, featuring a racecar-style jacket adorned with USA patches, complemented by a classic striped polo and crisp white jeans. Paralympic swimmer Jamal Hill, a bronze medalist from the 2020 Tokyo Games, praised the collection for blending classic American style with a contemporary edge. Hill humorously remarked on wearing the ensemble to an ‘all-white party,’ expressing regret that the fashion season for such attire will be ending soon after returning home.
With three Games under his belt already, fencer Daryl Homer told CNN he still treasures pieces from his Olympic debut in 2012. Richard Phibbs/Courtesy Ralph Lauren
Gymnast Shilese Jones — one of Ralph Lauren’s brand ambassadors at the 2024 Games — is pictured in the closing ceremony look. Richard Phibbs/Courtesy Ralph Lauren
Team USA’s Flag Bearers to Shine in Custom Ralph Lauren Looks at Olympics
Selected flag bearers for Team USA at the opening and closing ceremonies will sport specially designed versions of Ralph Lauren’s iconic ensembles, tailored in unique colorways for visibility. In addition to these ceremonial outfits, athletes will receive pieces from a commemorative ‘Villagewear’ collection inspired by the Athletes’ Village. This lineup includes classic Ralph Lauren staples like jackets, sweaters, rugby shirts, knits, joggers, and color-blocked tees, alongside a pioneering ‘100% recycled’ polo shirt. Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee, praised Ralph Lauren’s designs for capturing American style while fostering unity and inspiring pride among Team USA members and their global fan base.
Bronze medal-winning Paralympic triathlete Melissa Stockwell also wears pieces from the Villagewear line. John Guerrero/Courtesy Ralph Lauren
Kiteboarder Daniela Moroz, making her Team USA debut at the Paris Games (as is her sport, in fact). John Guerrero/Courtesy Ralph Lauren