As Paris gears up for the Olympics, the city buzzes with construction and anticipation, nowhere more so than at the recent Nike on Air exhibition. Here, amidst a backdrop that tells the story of Nike’s iconic Air technology, the sportswear giant unveiled a groundbreaking collection of Olympic uniforms that blend cutting-edge design with peak performance.
At the heart of the Palais Brongniart, transformed into a runway, 40 athletes including luminaries like Sha’Carri Richardson, A’ja Wilson, and Jordan Chiles showcased the new kits. Designed in close collaboration with the athletes themselves, these uniforms are a testament to Nike’s commitment to innovation. Athletes visited the Nike Sports Research Lab in Beaverton, Oregon, contributing to designs that reflect the precise needs of their sports.
Janett Nichol, Nike’s VP of Apparel Innovation, explained the meticulous process: “We utilize motion capture to track an athlete’s movements, allowing us to tailor everything from ventilation to support.” The result? Nike’s “most athlete-informed, data-driven, visually unified” collection yet, featuring nearly 50 unique pieces for track and field alone, ensuring that athletes have the freedom to select gear that not only performs but also resonates with their personal style.
The line-up includes diverse options from compression shorts to bikini bottoms, the latter sparking debates online for its bold, high-cut design. This variety underscores Nike’s broader ambition to cater to the modern athlete’s every need, both functional and aesthetic.
For sports making their Olympic debut, like skateboarding and breakdancing, Nike has managed to marry performance with street-style flair, maintaining the high standards of their materials while meeting the athletes’ desire for fashion-forward attire.
Nike’s approach to the Olympic designs is not just about functionality but also cultural resonance. The Kenya track and field kit, traditionally black and red, now features green to evoke the country’s outdoor running spaces—a subtle yet profound nod to the athletes’ home environment.
But it’s not just the sports kits that are drawing attention. Nike is pushing boundaries with its lifestyle segment too, unveiling exclusive collaborations that fuse the essence of sport with high fashion. One standout partnership features tennis legend Serena Williams and designer Chitose Abe of Sacai, creating a look that Williams describes as both “powerful and unique.”
British designer Martine Rose brought her distinctive touch to the outfits for British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith and Australian soccer player Sam Kerr. Asher-Smith’s ensemble features a bold leather snakeskin pattern with strategic cut-outs, blending high fashion with high performance. “When the stadium lights go down, I want to glitter, I want to sparkle, I want to be the moment,” says Asher-Smith.
Further exploring the fusion of fashion and function, designer Yoon Ahn of Ambush reimagined the traditional fencing uniform into a more feminine, dress-like form for Italian fencer Bebe Vio, aiming to make her feel like a “goddess” in front of the global audience.
As the Olympics draw near, Nike’s latest offerings promise not only to enhance athletic performance but also to spotlight the personal style and cultural narratives of the athletes wearing them. This bold initiative from Nike not only sets a new standard for sports apparel but also celebrates the spirit and diversity of the global athletic community.
