Sri Lankan Olympics opening ceremony attire garners top ranking and global praise
Source:FT
- Sports Illustrated ranks country’s Olympics opening ceremony outfits among top three globally
- Elle Canada features Sri Lanka among “All of the Most Stylish Olympic Team Outfits from Paris 2024 so far”
- Experts in fashion industry hails it as a key example of leveraging Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage in creative economy, elevating country’s profile in global exports
In a testament to Sri Lanka’s cultural and sartorial finesse, Sports Illustrated (SI) has ranked the country’s Olympics opening ceremony outfits among the top three globally, whilst Elle Canada has featured it among “All of the Most Stylish Olympic Team Outfits from Paris 2024 so far”.
LOVI Ceylon, a prominent modern Sri Lankan fashion brand, took pride in dressing the Sri Lankan Olympians for this prestigious occasion.
According to an article by Josh Sanchez of SI, Sri Lankan athletes’ attire secured the third spot, following Mongolia in first place and Mexico in second.
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Out of the estimated 10,500 athletes representing 206 National Olympic Committees, SI selected Sri Lanka’s outfits as one of the standouts looks for the 2024 Paris Olympics which marked the first-ever outdoor opening ceremony, set against the iconic backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, symbolising a convergence of diverse global cultures.
“Remember what I said about tradition? The Sri Lanka Opening Ceremony fits are inspired by the look of the 19th-centuray royal court, and the details are hand embroidered,” SI explained. (https://www.si.com/onsi/athlete-lifestyle/fashion-feed-page/posts/best-paris-olympics-2024-opening-ceremony-outfits)
Elle Canada described Sri Lanka’s Olympics looks were among the most elegant and intricate, designed by LOVI to be a modern take on the Nilame (Prince) and Manike (Princess) outfits worn in the royal court. (https://www.ellecanada.com/fashion/celebrity-style/olympic-team-outfits-paris-2024)
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As per LOVI Ceylon, the Sri Lanka opening ceremony fits were inspired by the traditional attire of the 19th-century royal court, meticulously hand-embroidered with intricate details. The outfits are a contemporary reinterpretation of the Nilame (Prince) and Manike (Princess) attire from Sri Lanka’s rich historical heritage.
“The lotus flower motif, symbolising purity of spirit, aligns perfectly with Olympic values, promoting effort, human dignity and harmony,” explained LOVI Ceylon.
Each garment features elements such as the Olympic rings, the national Lion emblem and personalised athlete details, showcasing Sri Lanka’s craftsmanship and artistic legacy.
Experts in the fashion industry have hailed this as a prime example of leveraging Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage in the creative economy, potentially elevating the country’s profile in global exports.
