Céline Dion’s Olympics Opening Ceremony Dress Took Over 1,000 Hours to Create

Céline Dion’s return to the stage was marked by a long-awaited and remarkable dress.

For her surprise performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, the 56-year-old music icon wore a custom gown that symbolized her comeback after being diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome. The stunning Dior haute couture dress, worn for her emotional rendition of Édith Piaf’s ‘Hymne A L’Amour’ on the Eiffel Tower was a true labour of love, taking over 1,000 hours to create, as reported by Vogue France.

Designed by Italian fashion designer Maria Grazia Chiuri, the gown featured intricate details, including approximately 1,640 feet of beaded fringing. Behind-the-scenes photos from Dior’s ateliers, shared by Vogue France, showed numerous artisans meticulously hand-beading the long-sleeved, mock-neck dress.

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Dion elevated the already exquisite gown with dazzling accessories, including earrings that complemented the fringing. Her signature blonde hair was styled in a sleek low bun, and she sported a bold smoky eye with a nude lip for a polished look.

This opening ceremony performance was Dion’s first since her August 2022 diagnosis, a journey she detailed in her new Prime Video documentary, ‘I Am: Céline Dion’. She reflected on the milestone with an emotional Instagram post. Accompanying a photo of herself gazing out of a window, likely taken in her French hotel room, she wrote, “Wow, what a night.”

“Thanks to everyone at @paris2024, @olympics and @dior who helped make this dream come true,” she continued. “And now, it’s already time to go! I will miss you Paris! – Celine xx…”

Dion also shared a post immediately after the performance, expressing her honour and joy at participating in the event. “I’m honoured to have performed tonight, for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, and so full of joy to be back in one of my very favourite cities!” she wrote on Instagram. She praised the Olympic athletes, celebrating their stories of sacrifice and determination. “All of you have been so focused on your dream, and whether or not you take home a medal, I hope that being here means that it has come true for you!”

“You should all be so proud, we know how hard you have worked to be the best of the best,” she concluded. “Stay focused, keep going, my heart is with you! – Celine xx…”

–Farheen Ali