Sri Lanka won international acclaim for its stunning Olympic opening ceremony outfits, ranked among the top three globally by Sports Illustrated. The team’s attire claimed third spot, following Mongolia and Mexico, and stood out among 10,500 athletes from 206 national Olympic committees.
Elle Canada also featured these outfits as some of the most stylish for Paris 2024.
Modern Sri Lankan fashion brand LOVI Ceylon proudly dressed the nation’s athletes for the occasion. LOVI Ceylon, masters of sarong craftsmanship, added its touch of royal splendour to the ensembles.
The designs drew inspiration from 19th century royal court attire, specifically the nilame (prince) and manike (princess) outfits with intricate hand embroidery.
Each garment featured elements like the Olympic rings, Sri Lanka’s national lion emblem and the lotus flower motif symbolising purity. The ensemble showcased the country’s craftsmanship and artistic heritage.
The Paris 2024 opening ceremony marked a historic moment as it was held outside a stadium for the first time, featuring a vibrant river parade through the heart of the city – instead of the traditional athletes’ march.
Fashion experts celebrated this achievement as a shining example of leveraging Sri Lanka’s rich cultural legacy and promoting the nation on an international stage.