The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are set to be a global showcase for sport, culture and fashion. While the spotlight will often be on the athletes, designers working behind the scenes will also play a key role in shaping the Olympic Games’ visual identity.
This year has seen a rise in the presence of black fashion designers, whose creative talents have been celebrated on the world’s biggest stage.
Telfar, Active Black and Beyond
Four companies are pioneering the bringing of Black design to the Olympics: Telfar, Actively Black, Philip Mimms’ HMN ALNS and Stella Jean.
Telfar is making waves by supplying the Liberian Olympic team with custom Opening Ceremony uniforms, and the brand’s inclusive, boundary-pushing aesthetic is a perfect fit with the Olympic spirit.
Founded by Lanny Smith, Actively Black is proud to outfit the Nigerian National Team. Their designs celebrate Nigerian tradition while incorporating contemporary elements to create a strong, visually striking look.
Philip Mimms’ HMN ALNS label adds a touch of personal style to the games, with Olympic hurdler Aleisha Johnson proudly wearing his creations, showcasing the intersection of fashion and sport.
Haitian-Italian fashion designer Stella Jean made a huge impact by designing the uniforms for Haiti’s Olympic team. Known for fusing Haitian and Italian aesthetics, her brand brought a vibrant, culturally rich dimension to the world’s biggest sporting stage.
These designers are breaking new ground and inspiring a new generation of creatives, and their inclusion in the Olympics is a major step forward in recognising talent and diversity in the fashion industry.
A bigger platform for black designers
While the contributions of Telfar, Actively Black, and Phillip Mims are commendable, it’s important to acknowledge there is still room for improvement. The Olympics provide a unique opportunity to amplify the voices of Black designers on a global scale. It’s time to see more representation in all aspects of the games, from uniforms to merchandise.
Historically, the Olympic fashion world has been dominated by a limited number of designers, often excluding Black talent. This exclusion is a symptom of a larger systemic problem in the fashion industry, where the barriers to entry for Black designers are significantly higher. Factors such as limited access to funding, mentorship, and industry connections have hindered the advancement of many talented Black designers.
To address these disparities, organizations like Harlem’s Fashion Row and Pensol Lewis College of Design have emerged as advocates for Black designers. These platforms provide invaluable resources, mentorship, and opportunities to help Black creators realize their full potential. By building a supportive ecosystem, these organizations are breaking down barriers and helping to build a more inclusive fashion industry.
The progress seen at the Paris 2024 Olympics is a testament to the incredible talent and tenacity of Black designers. Let’s celebrate these achievements and work to promote even greater inclusivity and representation at future events, ensuring the world stage truly reflects the diversity of its participants.
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