What UX can learn from 2024 Olympics fashion

The 2024 Summer Olympics is finally over, but we can apply contextual design into our practices.

How did so many people come to love the Paris mascot? What is the talk about Mongolia’s outfit? And how is Olympic fashion connected to UX/UI? Let’s dive into the unique world of contextual design

The 2024 Summer Olympics is finally over.

Over the course of 2 weeks, we saw many marvelous feats, such as the USA being the first country to reach the record of obtaining 3,000 Olympic medals, Noah Lyles being the fastest man in the world with 9.784 seconds, Leon Marchand’s extraordinary win of 4-times gold medals, and the theatrics from skateboarding and breakdancing by Japan’s champions.

Despite pouring rain, the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics was an event to remember, with dazzling performances from top performers like Celine Dion (top) and Lady Gaga (bottom), done in the same fashion as top athletes. (image source: Harper’s Bazaar)

Even the opening and closing ceremonies were executed with finesse, albeit with some controversy over a skewed interpretation of the Lord’s Supper. But with a stellar performance by Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, and many other artists, as well as the dazzling fireworks and laser projections, one might conclude that the Paris Olympics 2024 is a resounding success.

The best of Paris — Fashion

Despite the tremendous effort and cost it takes to set up an Olympic, it wasn’t really hard not to be successful. After all, Paris is best known for many things: architecture, arts, food, music, and theatre, to name a few. It is seen as the pioneering city in the arts and sciences and is often referred to as the city of love, not just for romance but for individuals who are fuelling their passion in the pursuit of excellence. And one particular niche, particularly in Paris, is the art of exclusive fashion and high sewing, also known as Haute Couture.

Charles Frederick Worth is noted to be the father of haute couture, or high exclusive fashion (image source: the Tatler)

Dating back to 1858, when Charles Frederick Worth, an Englishman, founded the first genuine couture house in Paris, haute couture now holds strict criteria for any brand to retain the prestigious label. For example, designs must be made to order for private clients. They must present a collection of at least 25 original designs twice a year at Paris Couture Week. Think catwalks with fashion models in…