The Design Game at the Paris Olympics

Nisha Singhania, CEO and Managing Partner, Infectious Advertising, writes on the design & symbolism of the Olympics logo, medal and attire

by Team PITCH
Published - July 31, 2024
3 minutes To Read
The Design Game at the Paris Olympics

The Logo

The Paris 2024 Olympic logo brilliantly captures the essence of the upcoming games with its innovative design and profound symbolism. Combining the face of Marianne, a national emblem representing liberty, equality, and fraternity, with the iconic Olympic flame and a gold medal, the logo encapsulates the spirit of both France and the Olympics. The elegant gold hue signifies excellence and victory, while the modern, stylized typography adds a touch of contemporary sophistication.

This minimalist yet powerful design resonates with Paris’s cultural heritage and progressive values, promoting inclusivity and empowerment. Versatile and visually striking, the logo serves as a beacon of unity and passion, inspiring athletes, and audiences worldwide. The logo stands out as a perfect emblem of tradition meeting modernity, celebrating the shared global enthusiasm for sports and the enduring values of the Olympic movement.

The Medal

The Paris 2024 Olympic medals are a true showcase of French craftsmanship and heritage, created by the renowned Maison Chaumet and inspired by Empress Josephine Bonaparte. Each medal contains a hexagonal piece of the Eiffel Tower, symbolizing Paris’s grandeur and national pride. Presented on luxurious Louis Vuitton trays, these medals ooze elegance.

Crafted by the French Mint, which also made the 1924 Paris medals, they feature ‘Marianne,’ representing the French Republic. The central hexagon shape mirrors the shape of mainland France, emphasizing national unity. The ribbons from Saint-Étienne are adorned with intricate Eiffel Tower patterns, with the Paralympic version featuring the tower’s original red colour.

One unique feature is on the back of the Paralympic medals, which offers a tactile experience with an embossed Eiffel Tower and ‘Paris 2024’ in Braille, honouring Louis Braille’s legacy. These meticulously designed medals are a testament to French artistry, tradition, and the Olympic spirit, celebrating the timeless connection between sport and culture. As athletes wear these medals, they’ll be carrying a piece of Parisian history and craftsmanship, making the victory even more special.

The Indian Team’s Uniform

Designed by Tarun Tahiliani, there was a lot of expectations from this one. Especially since the Olympics was at the fashion capital of the world. However, the designs are rather underwhelming. While the attempt was to integrate India’s rich cultural motifs into sportswear, the final outcome is rather insipid. Wish there was a modern and sporty take on the traditional styles of the kurta pyjama and sarees. It seems like a last minute, lazy attempt at putting something together.

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not in any way represent the views of pitchonnet.com

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