CATCH OLYMPIC FEVER

Show your support for Paris 2024 with summer-friendly pieces from South Coast Plaza boutiques.

BY LAURIE BROOKINS

July 20, 2024

As the 2024 Summer Olympics gets set to kick off in Paris on July 26, the anticipation throughout America is palpable, thanks to some spectacular performances during Team USA trials. At the Minneapolis gymnastics trials in late June, gold medalist Simone Biles thrilled audiences with her latest floor routine — which included music by both Taylor Swift and Beyoncé — while a week earlier at the swimming trials in Indianapolis, 10-time Olympic medalist Katie Ledecky proved once again she’s a force to be reckoned with in Parisian pools.

Referring to the City of Light, one prediction is certain beyond determining the gold medal winner: the Paris 2024 Olympics, officially branded as the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, could be recognized as the most stylish sporting event of both this century and the last. With the Olympics taking place in the French capital for the first time since 1924, it should come as no surprise that high-wattage fashion houses are likewise rallying around the 16-day event. At the top of that list is LVMH, the Paris-based powerhouse conglomerate that counts Louis Vuitton, Dior, Berluti and many other upscale brands under its considerable umbrella; LVMH is among the official sponsors of Paris 2024, and as a result has brought many of its coveted labels into the conversation.

Fold in the American brands that have signed up for Team USA outfitting and collaborations, and the result is a terrific blend of American sportswear influences and Paris heritage houses. Here’s a look at several summer-friendly pieces, each perfect for the party you’ll throw to watch the opening ceremonies, and all available within the chic boutiques of South Coast Plaza.

OMEGA

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SOUTH COAST PLAZA

THE OLYMPICS EDIT

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Paris 2024 Bronze Gold Edition

OMEGA

Gold, silver and bronze medals are the most iconic rewards for sporting success. OMEGA, the Official Timekeeper of Paris 2024, unveils a special watch in recognition of those coveted prizes at the Olympic Games. The OMEGA Paris 2024 Bronze Gold Edition incorporates all of the three legendary materials into one collectible design. This trio includes the 39mm case, crafted in OMEGA’s exclusive Bronze Gold, a radiant dial made from Ag 925 silver, and slender hands in 18K Sedna™ Gold with a special PVD Bronze Gold coating.

Level 2 Carousel Court
714.850.0558

Petite Valise

LOUIS VUITTON

Louis Vuitton was founded in 1854, or exactly 42 years before the first modern Olympic games, which took place in Athens in 1896. Combine the house’s pedigree with the Paris location of the games, and is it any wonder Louis Vuitton will feel front-and-center throughout the event? Olympic medals have been crafted by jeweler Chaumet (another LVMH label), but the medals — and the Olympic torches on their global travels — are housed in Louis Vuitton’s coveted trunks, while TV viewers are sure to often catch sight of the medal trays, likewise designed to mimic the look of those coveted trunks. This Petite Valise handbag also is inspired by the trunks first designed by the House’s founder in the 19^th century, with details that include a leather top handle and stud-accented corners, a motif that showcases Louis Vuitton’s legendary Monogram coated canvas, and a removable, adjustable strap.

Level 2, Nordstrom Wing
714.662.6907

Team USA CLARUS Polo Shirt

RALPH LAUREN

The legendary New York-based designer has been crafting the official uniforms for Team USA since 2008, and this year Ralph Lauren is also leaning into sustainability elements for the limited-edition style available for fans of the athletes and fashion alike. This mesh unisex Polo is made from CLARUS, a proprietary textile crafted of 100-percent recycled cotton. In addition to Lauren’s signature embroidered Pony, this color-blocked shirt also features the official logo of the U.S. Olympic team, with details that include a ribbed collar, two-button placket and moisture-wicking capabilities.

Level 1, Jewel Court
714.556.7656

Re-Nylon Swim Trunks

PRADA

In 2023 Prada announced that they would partner with China’s Women’s National Football Team for Paris 2024, and few details have been released since that moment. But knowing Miuccia Prada’s devotion to modernism and sustainability, those uniforms are sure to make headlines. In the meantime, here’s a piece that likewise checks many boxes: Prada’s Re-Nylon Swim Trunks, a men’s look that’s instantly iconic and sporty. Crafted of the Italian label’s proprietary Re-Nylon, which is regenerated nylon fabric sourced from plastic materials collected from the ocean, these stylish trunks feature the signature Prada logo and angled side pockets; a portion of the proceeds, meanwhile, are donated to Sea Beyond, launched in 2019 by the Prada Group.

Level 2, Jewel Court
714.338.2200

Hooded Anorak

dior

The house founded by Christian Dior has stepped in to put a spotlight on 15 international female athletes as one element of its contribution to the games. In May the sought-after luxury brand released an image campaign highlighting these incredible women — all dressed in stylish Dior gear, of course. That includes skateboarder Louise-Aina Taboulet, wearing the Dior Hooded Anorak seen here. In blue and ecru, this sporty anorak is emblazoned with the House’s iconic Dior Oblique motif, which made its debut in 1969. Crafted in technical taffeta jacquard, this oversized anorak features a zip neckline, two side pockets, button-tab cuffs and a drawstring cord, and can be styled in ways both chic and casual.

Level 1, Nordstrom Wing
714.549.4700

Short Dress with Ruffles

LANVIN

Jeanne Lanvin undeniably was a woman ahead of her time, so it’s little wonder her high-profile house is enjoying some attention as the Olympics approach. This past spring she was among the designers showcased at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in an exhibition devoted to sports influences in style, with Madame Lanvin among those included as the trailblazers who freed women from the constraints of Victorian fashion. That’s true of the latest piece to emerge from one of the House’s signature silhouettes: This short dress — in perfectly named “Pool Blue” — features a high neck, loose fit and lush ruffle to create a look that’s equal parts effortless and eternally chic, especially at a poolside cocktail party. Wear it loose, layered or belted; its versatility is another element Madame Lanvin would have loved.

Level 1, Saks Fifth Avenue Wing
714.706.3240

Formula 1005 Toile Marbeuf Rolling Suitcase

BERLUTI

Perhaps you’re trekking to Paris for the games this year? If so, travel in ultimate style, with luggage designed by the brand that’s also outfitting France’s Olympic teams. Featuring the brand’s iconic Toile Marbeuf print, this leather-trimmed rolling suitcase offers a variety of travel-friendly elements, from elastic straps and multiple interior compartments, including a shoe pouch, to an outer double zip closure, padlock, key holder and leather-trimmed luggage tag.

Level 2, Nordstrom Wing
714.641.3582

Crochet Bralette

j. CREW

In June, iconic American brand J. Crew announced a collaboration with USA Swimming and released a collection that deftly balances a blend of swim and poolside chic. The latter is true of this Crochet Bralette in a Marine-blue stripe that was hand-crocheted in 100-percent cotton and instantly conjures thoughts of the south of France; wear it on the beach or layer it under a jacket or cardigan to exude instant French-girl style.

Level 2, Carousel Court
714.979.2739

KD 17 x Alchemist Sneakers

NIKE

Already a three-time medalist, in Paris Phoenix Suns power forward Kevin Durant will lead Team USA alongside LeBron James and Steph Curry, the trio atop perhaps the best basketball players to assemble for an Olympic games. With that in mind, the time is right to up your sneaker game, starting with Durant’s latest KD 17 collab with Nike, which also pays tribute to Durant’s love of the work of hip-hop producer and rapper The Alchemist. The color palette in purple and violet hues creates a tonal effect that’s designed to evoke the idea of music’s changing nature, while the ALC Records logo on the tongue also honors Durant’s passion for music. Nike Air cushioning and the Nike swoosh in fluorescent green finish a shoe that’s sure to be coveted this summer.

Level 3, Macy’s Home Store Wing
714.436.0203

Women’s Dune Sky Utility Tights

THE NORTH FACE

Based in Denver, The North Face is creating uniforms for the first-ever sports climbing competition at the Paris Olympics — and not only for the U.S., but also for Japan, South Korea and Austria. Known for its professional-level blend of performance fabrics and maximum comfort, The North Face also beautifully suits anyone who favors hiking amid SoCal hillsides. Dubbed Dune Sky Utility Tights, these high-quality leggings are perfect for a hike followed by a stop for coffee, brunch and more, featuring moisture-wicking technology, a contoured waistband, fabric crafted with 79-percent recycled polyester, and user-friendly details that include two side pockets and a mesh-lined pocket on the center-back waistband.

Level 2, Crate and Barrel Wing
714.549.2107

Graphic Skimming Tee

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH

Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or kicking around SoCal, Abercrombie & Fitch has created the perfect T-shirt to convey your Olympics enthusiasm. Crafted of 100-percent cotton, this slim-fit tee is also cropped to flatter as it hits above the hips, while its Olympics-inspired graphic detail is both timeless and unmistakable.