A look at some of the highlights from the Opening Ceremony
The two-hour-long Parade of Athletes at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games is as much about fashion as it is about sports. The outfits for each contingent are decided and announced months in advance. For most of the big nations, top designers and labels are involved while contingents of many developing countries wear their traditional outfits. Fashion police immediately descended to dissect the outfits of the 200-odd contingents that walked the parade. A look at some of the highlights from the night:
Argentina brings the party to Tokyo
While most contingents walked gracefully and others waved to officials in the stands, Argentina bucked the trend by dancing in the stadium, clicking group selfies, and jumping and hugging each other throughout
Armani’s Italy outfits labelled ‘worst’ of the night
The Italian contingent walked into the stadium wearing outfits designed by Armani, no less. However, the peculiar design had many online wondering if Pac-Man had been the design inspiration here
Tonga’s shirtless icon is back
Tonga’s taekwondo player Pita Taufatofua first went viral in Rio 2016 for his shirtless appearance in the opening ceremony there. He was back in Tokyo too and immediately became a social media sensation…again
Misia channels a snow cone
Japanese singer Misia performed at the ceremony in a rainbow-coloured gown designed by Tomo Koizumi. To many on the internet, the singer reminded them of snow cones
So near yet so far for the Japanese boxer Tsubata
Japanese boxer Arisa Tsubata, who worked as a nurse during the pandemic, was one of the highlights, appearing as the lone treadmill runner initially. Tragically, because of the cancelled qualifiers amid the pandemic, the 27-year-old won’t actually compete in the Games
Australia’s back-to-school kit raises eyebrows
Australia’s decision to pair white and green outfits with a gold blazer had many experts comparing their outfits to public school uniforms in the country
Vanuatu offers competition to Tonga
However, Taufatofua wasn’t the only oiled-up shirtless flag bearer at the opening ceremony in Tokyo. He got some competition from Rilio Rii, a rower from the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu
Bermuda’s meta outfit
The contingent for Bermuda arrived at the Japan National Stadium in actual Bermuda shorts. Their combo of blazer and shorts earned them spots in many ‘best dressed’ lists around the globe
Brazil’s beach flavour
The Olympics may have moved from Rio to Tokyo but the Brazillian contingent brought back the country’s beach flavour in the opening ceremony, wearing floral printed outfits and slippers
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