The New York Times: Louis-Gabriel Nouchi, of the Paris-based fashion brand LGN, was thrilled when he got the phone call asking him to design the costumes for the Paralympics’ opening ceremony, which was held on Wednesday in Paris, with a procession down the Champs-Élysées that ended at the Place de la Concorde.
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This article was super interesting to me; I hadn’t thought about the design process behind the Paralympics garments before, and it was cool to me that this task was assigned to a clothing designer from Paris. A quote that stuck with me from the article is “The difference between a garment and a costume is functionality,” which the designer said regarding his decision to make the garments out of machine-washable jersey fabric so that they are comfortable and quiet to move around in. I agree that garments and costumes tend to have differences in functionality, and this reminded me of my work at CMU’s Lunar Gala; I’m not a fashion designer and I don’t know much about fashion design, so working closely with designers through LG gave me a new perspective on the world of fashion. It was only during my work on LG that I really realized that fashion is truly art rather than something functional, which made me no longer one of the people who asks “why” when they see fashion garments and instead considers deeper meaning or intention. I also thought the idea that “Nothing is innocent when you’re talking about fashion” was super interesting; I agree that fashion is art and that people are bound to try to inspect art to find deeper meaning, so really making sure that the references tied into the designs were what the designer wanted to convey is important, especially on a stage as large as the Paralympics.
I find this thinking behind patriotism itself to be beautiful in a time where nationalism can be vicious. Nouchi finds unique pride in France, even with his time spent in foreign countries as a designer, through balancing creativity and functionality in fashion - fashion rooted in the French rebellion and societal thinking. This article shows an example of inclusive and equitable fashion, going beyond simply accessibility alone. The example of the wheelchair-using performer was particularly emotional to read. Nouchi is known for his styles on the runway, but he clearly made a profound impact on these individuals’ lives by showing them a genuine sense of belonging. His designer’s eye focusing on an ‘urban sensibility’ feels very down-to-Earth, and I’m sure that added to the connection amongst the performers. I wonder how much time was spent designing each garment to the performer’s specifications, as with any form of fashion.
The fact that this article even exists is so touching to me. Most people, all over the world, do not even know that the paralympics are happening RIGHT NOW. The extreme lack of coverage by sporting networks is so disheartening to all involved or touched by the paralympics. Paralympics athletes have been pushing for a change, and it is so exciting to see fashion designers join in this fight. The detail that Nouchi puts into these outfits is amazing. To create every piece for a specific athlete, one that is accommodating to their ability and functionality, is a beautiful show of support between disabled people and fashion companies. I love that Nouchi, in his own life as a designer, is already looking to make high fashion more inclusive of people with disabilities, as well as just people in general who do not fit the “norm.” Fashion designs are often seen on tall, skinny models– and it is so moving for people outside of that to see their own body type represented. I love to see the paralympics be given that same quality and attention to detail in– what some people may think are small things– outfits. It truly is the first step to a more inclusive and more united world.
I think this article does an incredible job highlighting the needs in accessible clothing and how there are so many different small adjustments that can completely transform an outfit for someone's needs. It was interesting to just think about things that might seem as simple as not having long sleeves may be a necessity for certain performers. The idea of fitting clothes to people's needs was also mentioned through the idea of a costume vs a garment and the idea of functionality. The specification that all the outfits were there to suit the dancers needs and support them in the performance embodied the whole idea of the paralympics and accessibility. Overall I thought this article really represented a great designer who truly focused on the meaning and people behind an outfit rather than a crazy exuberant artistic idea.
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