Mongolia's Olympic Uniforms Are Unbeatable
In the lead-up to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, it's not the athletes that are generating headlines — it's Mongolia's ultra-stylish uniforms.
Designed by Ulaanbaatar-based label Michel&Amazonka, Mongolia's opening and closing ceremony outfits began circulating on social media last week, and quickly went viral for their ultra-luxe detailing.
The uniforms are inspired by the deel, a traditional Mongolian garment that resembles a belted, collared caftan. Michel & Amazonka referenced the silhouette with embroidered vests worn over long tunics and trousers.
Stitched in gold thread, the vests bear Mongolia's national symbol, the Soyombo, and the Olympic torch and rings. Trim and detailing like buttons pay homage to colors of the Mongolian flag.
Michel&Amazonka even created a matching drawstring purse — also detailed with rich, gold embroidered — to accompany the outfits.
According to WWD, this isn't Michel&Amazonka's first time designing for the Olympics — the label previously crafted Team Mongolia's uniforms at the 2020 Toyko Summer Olympics and the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
Michel&Amazonka was founded in 2015 by sisters Michel and Amazonka Choigaalaa. "The collections express the essence of Mongolian tradition and culture in the contemporary light," the brand's website reads. Currently, the company operates three stores in Mongolia's capital city of Ulaanbaatar.
Team USA's Ralph Lauren uniforms and France's Stéphane Ashpool-designed 'fits have also generated headlines, but the buzz surrounding Mongolia's uniforms has far outstripped those of any other country.
"They just won the Olympics before they even started," fashion content creator Ryan Yip said of Michel&Amazonka's creations. "The level of detail is mindblowing! A piece of art!" another onlooker commented on the brand's official Instagram account.
The have been some pretty memorable uniforms in the history of the Olympics, from Levi's Western-inspired Team USA getup (1984) to Telfar's Team Liberia running gear (2020).
It's safe to say that Michel&Amazonka's work will join the Games' sartorial hall of fame.
