Sisters Michel & Amazonka discuss tight deadlines, ancient traditions, and the meaning behind their beautiful sports uniforms in this exclusive interview
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for a substantial amount of time, you’re probably aware that next week marks the beginning of the 2024 Olympic Games.
Set to take place across a swathe of Paris arrondissements, the city has been busy prepping for the exciting sporting events for the best part of a year – fishing poo out of the Seine (and subsequently swimming in it to prove its cleanliness), shutting down bridges to make way for spectator stands, and moving homeless people away from the most touristy areas so they can jack up the price of a croque madame to somewhere near your monthly rent.
If you can’t tell, as someone who forged a note for PE for the best part of my five-year high school stretch, I’m not so into sports, so aside from the newly added skateboarding and breakdancing, plus gymnastics I guess, it’s highly likely I’ll be sticking to my usual summer schedule – drinking rosé in an assortment of London beer gardens while it pisses down with rain – rather than running home to stick the games on the TV.
One thing I can really get behind, however, is the crossover between sports and fashion, and, more specifically, the fits. Remember when everyone lost their minds as Telfar Clemens kitted out Team Liberia in 2021? Or the time Issey Miyake was drafted in by Lithuania to create its uniforms in 1992? This year is no exception when it comes to revered designers joining forces with global competitors, with Yohji Yamamoto behind Team Japan’s looks and Dior dressing the French team, thanks in part to 2024 Olympics sponsorship from LVMH.
None are likely to go quite as hard as the official kit worn by Team Mongolia, which went viral this week. Designed by Mongolian couture house Michel & Amazonka, the pieces were inspired by traditional garments, with ancient techniques brought into 2024 through innovative construction and fabrication: not only does Michel & Amazonka make killer clothes, from the outset it has committed itself to becoming one of the first sustainable brands in the region.
Founded by sisters Michel and Amazonka, and headed up by third sibling, CEO Munkhjargal Choigaalaa, we got in touch with the trio to hear more about how the collaboration came together, tiny time frames, and dramatic arrivals.
Hey Michel and Amazonka! First of all, how did the collab with Team Mongolia come about?
Michel & Amazonka: Initially, we were not selected as the official outfitter this year. But suddenly the selected company cancelled its participation, so the Mongolian National Olympic committee chose us to be the official outfitter for the Paris 2024 Olympics. We had to sign our agreement in the beginning of April, and had to complete all the uniforms in just three months.
We had planned to make big collections for ([traditional Mongolian festival] Naadam, but we put it aside to work on the Olympic uniform. Then Amazonka gave birth on April 4, so it was a very hectic and crazy three months for us!
So you’ve designed for the Olympic team before. Can you tell us which ones?
Michel & Amazonka: First, in 2020 we won the competition to design and manufacture Team Mongolian uniforms for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. For the second time it was the Beijing 2022 Olympics, when our flag bearers uniforms were selected for the Olympic Museum. And for the third time, it’s the Paris Olympics.
So tell us about this year’s amazing design. What was the inspiration?
Michel & Amazonka: If you search on Google for Naadam festival, which is the Olympics for all Mongolians, the combination of Deel [traditional Mongolian costume] and vest is a very popular choice for Naadam goers and participants. We made it into a more modern version with traditional elements and symbols. For instance, the flag bearer sleeves are called Mongolian archers sleeves which helps the archer to shoot efficiently and further.
Can you talk us through the details? They look so ornate.
Michel & Amazonka: On the vest, we embroidered the Nine White Banners, the Olympic torch, plus floral patterns and mountains . This expresses the following meanings:
Our Naadam begins when the Nine White Banners enter the stadium, symbolising peace and unity, The World olympics begins when the torch is lit. This represents the beginning.
Birds: We use bird motifs to represent freedom and aspiration, possibly embroidered on the shoulders or along the hems.
Mountain and sky: We incorporate motifs of mountains and the sky, symbolising Mongolia’s vast landscapes and natural beauty subtly throughout the design. The athletes strive to win gold like the mountaineers climbing Everest, which is the meaning of the mountain embroidery. This represents the hard work and resilience of the athletes.
National colours: We use the national colours of Mongolia – blue, red, and white. We incorporate these colours thoughtfully to ensure they are both striking and representative.
Accents: We use gold or silver threads for the embroidery to add a touch of elegance and prominence.
The athletes strive to win gold like the mountaineers climbing Everes, which is the meaning of the mountain embroidery. This represents the hard work and resilience of the athletes.
What did the brief that the team give you say?
Michel & Amazonka: They said to consider comfort, colour, and national pride and identity
Were there any considerations you had to make for garments that you wouldn’t usually?
Michel & Amazonka: We had to consider that Paris will be very hot this year, so materials are lighter than traditional choices. Paris is the capital of fashion, so we wanted our uniforms to stand out by their design, craftsmanship, detailed meaning, heritage and elegance.
What do you think of the response to the kit and how viral it has gone?
Michel & Amazonka: We are still in a state of shock. Every hour new articles and posts pour in with our names and it is incredible to see how many people loved our design worldwide. Like, how did they reach our facebook and instagram to see our uniform? What is happening?
Will you be watching the Olympics from home? Which sport are you most excited about seeing, and what do you think Mongolia stands a good chance in?
Michel & Amazonka: Yes, our team will watch the opening ceremony together. We are particularly excited to watch the Mongolian wrestlers, as wrestling is a traditional sport in Mongolia and our athletes have a strong track record in it. Additionally, the archery events are of great interest, especially given the historical inspiration behind the uniforms. It will be thrilling to see how our athletes perform in these events.
Click through the gallery above for a closer look, and follow Michel & Amazonka here.
