Milan And Cortina Dazzle As Olympics Blend Sport And Style

The world’s eyes are firmly fixed on Italy as the curtain rises on the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, an event already being hailed as the most geographically widespread Winter Games in Olympic history. From the fashion capitals of Milan to the storied slopes of Cortina d’Ampezzo, the spectacle promises to be a dazzling fusion of sport, style, and cultural tradition, with more than 3,500 athletes from over 90 national Olympic committees set to compete across eight sports and 16 Olympic disciplines. The Games, running from February 6 to February 22, 2026, will see 195 medals awarded at 15 competition venues, while the Paralympics will follow from March 6 to March 15.

But what makes this edition of the Winter Olympics truly stand out? For starters, the Games span an astonishing 8,500 square miles—an Olympic record—encompassing not just Milan and Cortina but also Bormio, Livigno, and Antholz, each with its own unique landscape and history. The opening ceremony, titled “Armonia,” will be held at Milan’s iconic San Siro stadium. According to creative lead Marco Balich, “harmony is the ability to transform our values into sounds and emotions. It is a journey into the true colors of Italy—its art, its creativity, its humanity.” And what a journey it promises to be! The star-studded ceremony will feature performances by Mariah Carey, Laura Pausini, and Andrea Bocelli, as well as a heartfelt tribute to the late Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian designer who passed away in September 2025.

Fashion, in fact, is shaping up to be nearly as competitive as the sports themselves. Lorynn Divita, Ph.D., associate professor of apparel design and merchandising at Baylor University, explains, “Olympic fashion has become more, well, fashionable in recent years. If we look back at opening ceremonies from 50 years ago, the athletes looked like they were wearing uniforms similar to flight attendants, or they would be wearing uniforms that had a costume-like appearance. Today, in addition to being comfortable, in many cases the uniforms are indistinguishable from street fashion.”

This year’s Games will see some of the world’s most recognizable designers and brands take center stage. Ralph Lauren is once again outfitting Team USA for the opening ceremony, with athletes donning a white cable knit sweater featuring the classic Polo teddy bear dressed in Team USA regalia. Team USA will also be seen in J. Crew, Skims, Nike, and Kappa, ensuring a blend of American heritage and contemporary flair. Meanwhile, Emporio Armani—under the creative direction of Giorgio Armani until his passing—has crafted the Italian team’s uniforms, a poignant tribute to both the designer and the host nation’s rich fashion legacy. “Our partnership with the Italian Olympic National Team is the natural expression of Armani’s long-standing commitment to sport, elegance and national pride,” said Giuseppe Marsocci, CEO of the Armani Group. “The Olympics represent values that are deeply aligned with our brand—discipline, excellence, and the pursuit of beauty through performance.”

Not to be outdone, Team Mongolia is also drawing attention with uniforms inspired by traditional dress, designed by the Mongolian fashion house Goyol Cashmere. According to Divita, “Team Mongolia is again predicted to win fashion gold with uniforms inspired by the traditional dress and designed by the Mongolian fashion house Goyol Cashmere.” The parade of nations at the opening ceremony is set to be a runway of global culture and creativity, where functionality, aesthetics, and patriotic symbolism merge seamlessly.

Beyond the glitz, the Olympics are deeply rooted in the history and spirit of Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Queen of the Dolomites. On February 3, 2026, just days before the Games, journalist Massimo Nava presented his new book at the Italian Cultural Institute in New York. The 288-page volume, featuring over 150 images, delves into the layered history of the Ampezzo valley, exploring its unique blend of nature, culture, and enduring community traditions. Nava reminded the audience that the Olympics are “the only competition in which every country in the world truly takes part,” underscoring the event’s universal appeal and the sense of passion that unites athletes and spectators alike.

Cortina’s Olympic return, seventy years after hosting the 1956 Games, is more than a sporting milestone. It’s a celebration of the valley’s distinctive identity—a place where the Regole d’Ampezzo, a centuries-old community institution, still manages forests and pastures, and where no major project, not even the Olympics, proceeds without their consent. “Cortina is a community that recognizes itself in its mountains and protects their balance,” Nava notes in his book, highlighting the region’s rural democracy and environmental stewardship.

The Dolomites themselves are a cinematic backdrop, having hosted Hollywood blockbusters and Italian classics alike. From James Bond adventures to Sylvester Stallone’s latest film (despite rumors that the action star “didn’t climb a single meter” due to his unease with heights), the mountains have long attracted the world’s attention. And it’s not just the scenery that dazzles—Cortina’s gastronomy is a fusion of maritime and Alpine traditions, with Michelin-starred chefs embracing hyper-local ingredients and innovative techniques.

Of course, no story about Cortina would be complete without mention of its storied past. The trenches and pathways from World War I, now an open-air museum, serve as a poignant reminder of the area’s resilience. And then there’s the “enrosadira”—the magical phenomenon that bathes the Dolomite peaks in shades of pink and orange at dawn and dusk, a fitting metaphor for a place where past and future meet under rose-tinted skies.

The business side of the Games is also in full swing, with sponsors ranging from Emporio Armani’s EA7 line and Salomon to Omega, P&G, Alibaba, Coca Cola, Samsung, Kiko Milano, Technogym, and Salesforce. The Olympic torch, designed by Carlo Ratti Associati, has journeyed across Italy, carried by notable figures such as Gildo Zegna and Renzo Rosso, symbolizing the link between past, present, and future. For the first time, the Olympic cauldrons will be lit in both Milan and Cortina, a powerful gesture of unity and innovation.

As the Games get underway, Milan and Cortina are abuzz with Olympic fever. The Emporio Armani store in Via Manzoni hosts pop-up installations and multimedia content celebrating the brand’s collaboration with the Italian team since 2012. At the Armani Hotel, themed menus and cocktails await guests, while Casa EA7 in Piazza Duca d’Aosta offers fans a hub for daily highlights, athlete interviews, and lively discussions. Ralph Lauren’s dedication to Team USA is equally meticulous, with over 20 tailors and stylists ensuring every athlete’s uniform is custom-fit for both comfort and style.

With all eyes on Italy, the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are shaping up to be a showcase not just of athletic prowess, but of cultural pride, fashion innovation, and the enduring spirit of the host regions. As the Olympic flame burns brightly in both Milan and Cortina, the world is invited to witness a celebration where style, sport, and tradition converge in spectacular harmony. The action is only just beginning—and if the opening days are any indication, this will be a Winter Games to remember.