As the 2024 Summer Olympics prepare to make history with the first-ever opening ceremony on the Seine River, a vibrant splash of Caribbean creativity will be centre stage.

Kristin Frazer, a celebrated designer from the British Virgin Islands (BVI), has crafted the uniforms that will represent her homeland on this global platform. Her journey to this prestigious moment is as dynamic and inspiring as her designs.

Frazer’s vision for the 2024 BVI Olympic Team uniforms is deeply rooted in her love for her homeland’s natural beauty. “As this is the first for the Olympics to have the opening ceremony on the Seine River, the thought of this concept sparked my idea to create movement of our BVI waters,” Frazer explained. “I played with our national colours, beach waves and an overall sporty chic style that worked for both the men and women.”

Initially, Frazer’s concept revolved around tye-dye. However, as the design process evolved, so did her vision. “My initial thoughts were more-so using the concept of tye-dye initially but as time passed, it evolved into something more beautiful, an exclusive print/colourway called Paradise Blue that would ensure a ‘stand-out’ moment for our delegation,” she shared.

The designs are a blend of symbolic simplicity and functionality. “There were no specific key elements outside of the standard design elements of a sporty jumper for the females with bell sleeves and sail-type mini cape at the back and the wave concept in a classic button down mandarin collar shirt,” Frazer noted. Despite certain restrictions on what could be incorporated into the uniforms, she ensured that the flags of both the British Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom were prominently displayed, alongside the word “Tortola, BVI”.

Creating a design that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing was no small feat. “I considered the climate, the location and the overall delegation representing through conversation with Chef de Mission Tahesia Harrigan-Scott and simply put, magic was formed!” Frazer said.

Frazer’s designs subtly reflect the BVI’s culture and heritage through the use of national colours and local manufacturing. “The use of our national colours was very important to me along with having the designs being ‘locally made’ were two key factors in the success of these designs. Trèfle is a BVI based brand and naturally, I infused all three with simplicity, print and clean finishes of my designs.”

Collaboration was key in the creation of these uniforms. “During any opening ceremonial games, whether it’s the Olympics, Gold Coast Games or Commonwealth Games, the key is the Chef de Mission and all correspondents went through Mrs. Tahesia Harrigan-Scott,” Frazer explained. “We went through a few designs, concepts, colours and more and narrowed it all down to the final two designs. It was certainly a great experience!”

While sustainability was a consideration, practical constraints shaped the final material choices. “With any opportunity such as this, there will always be a budget. Within the budget, I was able to mix textiles and worked with woven’s and knits along with natural fibres and man-made fibres as well,” said Frazer. “There is room and hope for bigger and better opportunity to be more diverse with being more sustainable and eco-friendly.”

One of the biggest challenges was ensuring the perfect fit for athletes who were not always on-site for measurements. “Most of the athletes are not in the BVI so once their measurements are collected, sometimes when a sample is made, it has to be done a few times to get it right,” Frazer admitted. “Constant and consistent communication allows the time to pass smoothly and before you know it, all challenges become nil.”

For Frazer, designing the Olympic uniforms is a pinnacle achievement. “If you asked me 16 years ago if I ever thought that I would design the opening ceremonial wear for our BVI delegation for the Olympics, I would have probably said ‘I can see it happening in the future’…..and that it did,” she reflected. “I am beyond proud that the BVIOC has recognised the opportunities that this can potentially give for designers that are currently working and operating in the BVI but it’s a testament and a hope for future creatives.”

As the BVI Olympic Team steps onto the Seine River in Frazer’s designs, they will convey a powerful message of unity and national pride. “The BVI Olympic Team has already done my heart glad. They embraced a local designer and gave me an international platform to show my wears,” Frazer said. “When they step out in style on the Seine River, with a smile, adorned in Trèfle, the world would’ve known and I will proudly stand with them from the stands to cheer them on as they pass by. The team would convey that we truly are One BVI!”

As the world watches the opening ceremony, Frazer’s designs will not only represent the athletes but also the vibrant culture and resilient spirit of the British Virgin Islands.