Chino shorts and boxy blazers: Australia’s uniform for Paris Olympics opening ceremony evokes private-school attire

On Wednesday morning in front of Clovelly Surf Life Saving Club in Sydney’s east, Australia’s 2024 Olympic opening ceremony uniforms were revealed.

It’s hard not to overstate this: the French team’s uniforms – a chic navy-blue suit and white shirt – were designed by the former Vogue France editor Carine Roitfeld in collaboration with the biggest luxury conglomerate in the world, LVMH.

Composite: Getty ImagesAt the uniform unveiling, nine athletes who are hoping to represent Australia in Paris modelled the uniforms, including sprinter Torrie Lewis (the newly crowned fastest woman in the country), Matildas striker Michelle Heyman, men’s rugby sevens captain Nick Malouf and Australia’s first Olympian in breaking (AKA breakdancing), Jeff Dunne.

Indigenous artwork by Olympic boxer Paul Fleming titled Walking Together and by Torres Strait Island artist David Bosun called Ngalmun Danalaig is showcased in the scarf and pocket square respectively.

These accessories are the best part of the uniform as they allow athletes a little self-expression: Heyman deftly tied the scarf as a neckerchief, and beach volleyball player Mariafe Artacho del Solar wore one in her hair.

Alix Higgins, PE Nation, Lucy Folk, Song for the Mute, Nagnata and Beare Park (who last year designed an off-pitch formal wear suit for the Matildas) are all adept at capturing our country’s collective energy.