2024 PARIS OLYMPIC OPENING
The Paris 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony was a mixed bag, falling short of the high expectations I had. The choice to use Paris itself as the stage, rather than constructing a temporary structure, was a bold and innovative move. It allowed the city's iconic landmarks and neighborhoods to serve as the backdrop, showcasing Paris in its natural splendor. However, the execution left much to be desired.
For those unfamiliar with Paris, this was an opportunity to see the city’s highlights, its diverse arrondissements, and unique offerings. The ceremony was intended to be a grand homage to French culture and history, but it often felt more like a Non sport related spectacle than a marraige of genuine celebration of the Olympic spirit and anything about the host country . French culture is renowned globally, and while the ceremony touched on this, it didn’t fully engage with the global audience’s anticipation for a more dynamic and sport-focused presentation.
The show had a fresh, Gen Z vibe, with young models taking the runway and athletes sailing along the Seine instead of the traditional parade route. This modern approach was refreshing but seemed to overshadow the Olympic athletes themselves. The appearance of high-profile celebrities like Lady Gaga and Céline Dion added star power, but this also shifted the focus from international athletes.
There was a notable absence of fashion-forward collaborations that could have bridged the gap between sports and high fashion. Brands like Louis Vuitton and Balenciaga could have used this platform to showcase cutting-edge sportswear, combining luxury with athleticism. Demna as we all know has been showing these in the past season . Furthermore, integrating contemporary art that celebrates both the human form and athletic prowess, as well as giving visibility to marginalized LGBTQ Olympians, could have enriched the presentation.
From a business perspective, while the show was undoubtedly entertaining and visually striking, it seemed to prioritize French cultural branding over a progressive marketing strategy that could have leveraged the global stage of the Olympics to appeal to a wider audience. The event missed a chance to blend tradition with innovation, leaving it feeling more like a celebration of French pride than a forward-looking, inclusive Olympic opening.
#olympics #opening #2024parisolympics
Retro but modern. Bravo!