Manufacturing Unwrapped: Olympics 2024 & Berluti's Uniforms

Ahh, take us back to summer. The sky was blue, the sun was warm, and the 2024 Olympics was underway.

When it comes to manufacturing and the Olympics there's plenty to talk about.

From Nike's 3D printed trainers for elite athletes to the process behind creating specialist Olympic equipment, a host of manufacturers are involved in making the event as impactful as it is. 

One such manufacturer is Berluti, the luxury leathermakers that created the distinctive opening ceremony uniforms of team France. 

Manufacturing Digital explored their work, process and the stylish results. 

The Olympics: blending innovation & tradition

One thing we love about the Olympic games is the way it effortlessly blends innovation and tradition.

In this piece we explored the evolution of Olympic uniforms, from the early Greeks who performed nude to the 1908 London Games where national team uniforms were introduced to symbolise national spirit and pride.

Over the years, top fashion manufacturers like Lacoste, Stella McCartney, and Ralph Lauren have gotten involved in designing Olympic uniforms which stand for far more than clothes. 

In both design and materials, they're political statements that speak to the values of nations.

Which is why the way they are made is such a critical consideration.

Berluti's signature technique

The opening ceremony uniforms for Team France, created by the legendary French luxury leather maker Berluti, embodied craftsmanship, national pride and sustainability.

Berluti collaborated with Carine Roitfeld, a renowned fashion designer and Vogue editor-in-chief, to to design a uniform that was both stylish and deeply representative of French elegance.

They started with the colors of the French flag and then added their own distinctive touch.

The most fascinating aspect of the design is Berluti's signature manufacturing technique: burnishing.

Burnishing is an intricate process where leather edges are buffed to a glossy finish, serving both aesthetic and functional purposes.

For the Olympic uniforms, they chose to apply this technique to the jacket lapels, creating a unique shimmering visual effect.

Sustainability was another crucial consideration.

Berluti partnered with Deadstock fabric company Nona Source to minimise waste, repurposing existing materials for textile scarves and pocket handkerchiefs.

Why is this article a favourite?

This article is a favourite because of how it showcases the power and innovation of fashion manufacturing. 

The ways we manufacture and present outfits and uniforms says volumes about our society, and efforts to drive innovation and sustainability in this area should be applauded.

Also it was a great opportunity to highlight Team Mongolia's incredible, intricate uniform design, that went viral.

The Olympic Games continue to capture our imagination, celebrating human potential in all its diverse, innovative glory.

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