The Olympics, first conceived in Ancient Greece, have become more than a mere athletic competition; they are a global spectacle of sports and style. As Paris hosts the Summer Olympics again, a century after its first turn, we at HAY-HAY explore the captivating intersection of sport, style, and history.
Olympic Village then and now
Charles Aznavour, during his acting career, starred in “The Games,” a movie portraying a marathon runner preparing for the Olympics. Remarkably, Paris hosted the Summer Olympics in 1924, the year Aznavour was born. As we celebrate his 100th anniversary, Paris is once again the Olympic host, bringing a sense of full-circle completion to the city and the Olympic spirit. The movie, based on Hugh Atkinson’s 1968 novel, follows four marathon runners from different countries as they prepare to compete in the Rome Olympics, capturing the dedication of athletes against a backdrop of global competition.
Charles Aznavour in The Games movie
Honouring a Century of Olympic Style
As we honor the 100th anniversary of the 1924 Olympics, Vogue delves into its archives, tracing the evolution of style through the decades. Vogue explores what graced magazine pages in 1924, highlighting the trends and styles of that era.
The 1932 cover of Vogue by Edward Steichen also captured the essence of athleticism and fashion, featuring model Marion Morehouse in chic sportswear, symbolizing the era's embrace of sports as a fashionable lifestyle.
Vogue covers in 1932
Armenian Statues and Vogue Fame
On the Yerevan-Sevan highway stands "Arshaluys," a magnificent statue by renowned Armenian artist Ara Harutyunyan. This often-overlooked masterpiece gained international fame through a Vogue photoshoot featuring model Jerry Hall.
Vogue photoshoot featuring model Jerry Hall
Captured by Norman Parkinson and later republished in the Sunday Times Magazine, the image immortalized the statue and introduced it to a global audience. The statue's dynamic pose and powerful presence echo the strength and grace of athletes, bridging the worlds of art, sport, and fashion.
Arshaluys statue by artist Ara Harutyunyan
Parisian Runway and Athletic Elegance
The 2024 Paris Olympics has also become a runway for high fashion. Anok Yai made headlines with an unconventional Alaïa dress that paid homage to the French flag, reimagining a classic 1989 design.
Anok Yai in Alaïa dress in Paris
Meanwhile, Serena Williams showcased her tennis prowess with an Ib Kamara for Off-White creation, honoring both her athletic legacy and the late Virgil Abloh. These fashion moments highlight how the Olympics has evolved into a platform for designers to showcase their creativity while celebrating the spirit of the Games.
Photo credit Marc Piasecki /Getty Images for Vogue
Capturing the Athletic Ideal
Vanity Fair’s legendary illustrators have long brought athletes to life on paper, with Miguel Covarrubias’ dynamic tennis player on the August 1932 cover being a prime example.
August 1932 | Vanity Fair
Photography has also captured the raw energy and beauty of sports, from underwater images of water polo in the 1996 Olympics to Annie Leibovitz’s powerful portrayal of greatest tennis players Martina Navratilova.
Annie Leibovitz’s portrait of Martina Navratilova
The Power of Fashion as a Statement
Fashion has served as a powerful statement at the Olympics. The iconic black power salute by Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Mexico City Games, with their raised black-gloved fists and black socks, was a silent protest against racial inequality. This moment, captured in a photograph, became a symbol of the civil rights movement and a reminder of fashion's role in activism.
Photo credit Angelo Cozzi
The Olympics is more than just a sporting event; it's a cultural phenomenon reflecting the zeitgeist of its time. From the silver screen to the fashion runway, the Games have inspired artists, designers, and photographers to capture the essence of athleticism and the human spirit. As the world watches the 2024 Paris Olympics, we eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this enduring love affair between sports and style.