The Opening Ceremony for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan featured athletes from 93 countries parading in a variety of stylish outfits, blending sport with high fashion. Team USA’s aerialists, including Connor Curran, expressed enthusiasm about their attire, with Curran stating, “We’re going to look awesome. We definitely have the best outfits, in my opinion.”
This ceremony marks the tenth consecutive Olympics in which Ralph Lauren has designed the opening and closing kits for Team USA. The athletes donned tailored winter white wool coats, complemented by retro wooden toggles. Co-flag bearer Erin Jackson will stand out in navy, while fellow teammate Quinn Dehlinger remarked, “The opening ceremony is very formal, and I think we all look very dapper.”
Milan also hosted an Olympic fashion showcase, highlighting various teams’ unique styles. Team New Zealand sported an all-black look featuring a hidden QR code that connects athletes to supportive messages from fellow Kiwis. Meanwhile, Team Australia’s coat is notable for including the Olympic oath and the names of every Australian athlete who has competed in the Winter Olympics.
Mongolia, with a small delegation of only three athletes, is expected to steal the spotlight with their distinctive outfits. Curran commented, “I know Mongolia has got some cool outfits for the ceremonies and other countries do, but ours are pretty cool too.”
The Italian team made a strong impression by wearing designs from Armani, further emphasizing the intersection of athletics and fashion at these Games. The event not only showcases athletic prowess but also highlights the cultural significance of national uniforms, as athletes take to the stage in a celebration of both their countries and their sports.
As the world prepares for the Winter Olympics, the fusion of athletics and fashion at the opening ceremony sets the tone for an event that promises to be both competitive and visually stunning.
