The flames have flickered out, the medals are counted, and the world is gradually shaking off its Olympic buzz. But before we tuck away the essence of Milano-Cortina 2026, let’s dive into the real showdown that took place before anyone even stepped on the ice:

The Opening Ceremony Fashion.

In a winter event, the struggle is genuine. How do you pull off “high fashion” while practically resembling a human marshmallow? This year, multiple nations didn’t just brave the chill; they completely embraced it. From stunning hand-painted creations to luxurious cashmere designs, here are the ensembles that screamed runway meets rink.

Haiti: Art as Resistance

If there was a “Best Storytelling” accolade, it would surely go t Haiti. Crafted by the talented Stella Jean, these uniforms were far more than mere attire; they were a hand-painted testament to culture.

The Look: A stunning, vibrant tropical scene showcasing a riderless red horse an impactful tribute to Toussaint Louverture’s legacy, especially since the initial design featuring him was flagged by Olympic officials. Why I adore it: It’s the sole hand-painted outfit at the Games. Amidst a sea of mass-produced jackets, Haiti delivered genuine, human creativity to the snowy stage.

Mongolia: The Cashmere Kings

Mongolia captured our hearts in Paris 2024, and they didn’t hold back for the winter games. This time, they teamed up with Goyol Cashmere to honor their “warrior spirit.”

The Look: Rich “Eternal Blue Sky robes that draw inspiration from the classic deel shape, complete with high collars, detailed silk embellishments, and fur-adorned hats that made the athletes resemble contemporary emperors of the steppe. Why I adore it: It effortlessly combined coziness (hello, Mongolian cashmere!) with an elegant, royal shape that turned heads wherever they went.

Brazil: The Grand Unveiling

This was my favourite look this year. While Brazil usually basks in tropical warmth, they definitely brought some sizzle to the Italian Alps by teaming up wit Moncler and designer Oskar Metsavaht.

The Look:At first, the flagbearers dazzled in sharp, white technical puffer capes. The jaw-dropping moment? When they unveiled the capes to showcase an intarsia Brazilian flag lining the inside.

Why I adore it: It was a stunning “surprise and delight” moment—fashion that truly unfolds.

Finland: Lapland Elegance

Finland embraced its roots with an outfit crafted by Luhta. This was more than just a uniform; it was a heartfelt tribute to the

Finnish winter. The Look: A colour scheme that draws inspiration from “dusk in Lapland,” showcasing deep blues and snowy whites, perfectly capturing that enchanting moment when day transitions into night in the Arctic.

Why I love it: It exudes a sense of elegance and simplicity, feeling genuinely “Finnish” cool, calm, and composed.

Honoring the Classics

We can’t wrap up without a nod to the “Big Three” of Olympic fashion:

• USA (Ralph Lauren): Classic Americana at its peak with winter-white wool toggle coats and “Stars and Stripes” intarsia sweaters.
• Canada (Lululemon): A “moody” shift toward deep reds and iceberg blues with topographical map patterns—functional, futuristic, and very Vancouver.
• Great Britain (Ben Sherman): Mod-inspired dogtooth coats paired with oversized scarves (co-designed with diving legend Tom Daley!).

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Which look was your absolute favourite? The Olympic stage is the one place where sports and style collide so spectacularly, and this year’s “Snow-walk” certainly didn’t disappoint.