It is an original and unique partnership which was established between the Nepalese Olympic committee and Valentin Denieul, founder of the young brand specializing in t-shirts.
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A Frenchman to dress Nepal. This is the original project of Valentin Denieul, and his young brand Komorebi, which usually manufactures solid-colored t-shirts, on which the flag of a country chosen by the customer is affixed. But the business leader, who was still working in finance a few years ago, absolutely wanted to participate in the Paris Olympic Games… in his own way. So, he imagines a crazy project for his little clothing brand – which comes from the Japanese expression whichsigns the sunlight filtering through the leaves of the trees -: dress an entire delegation.
And as is often the case, it all starts with a trip and a little nerve. “I was in Nepal with a friend for vacation. I thought why not give the Olympic Committee a call to introduce myself. I came across someone who didn’t speak any English, who directed me to someone who spoke English.”he remembers.
“And, luckily: this person is actually the secretary general of the Nepalese Olympic Committee!”
Valentin Denieulat franceinfo
“I was immediately able to contact the most senior people in the Nepalese delegation, who then offered me a meeting“, he says, not a little proud.
French know-how, Nepalese creation
One meeting, then others that followed… And the idea of a clothing partnership took shape. But, if the French brings his know-how, there is a clear central principle: the outfits will be 100% “Made in Nepal”. A first for the Olympic Committee of this Asian country, between India and Tibet, renowned for its temples and Himalayan mountains. “Often, it is Chinese companies which, for visibility, will put a huge logo on the jogging pants, on the equipment…. The idea was also to standardize the Olympic collection”he points out, noting that until a few months ago for major sporting events, Nepalese athletes presented themselves with jogging pants of different colors or patterns, far from the professionalism and uniformism often required in this type of event. competitions.
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However, recalls Valentin Denieul, Nepalese athletes will not wear these clothes for the Paris 2024 events. In fact, each has a partnership with a sports equipment manufacturer. But, for the opening ceremony and everyday life in Paris, they will wear these official outfits, jogging pants, jackets and other bags that Komorebi will produce. Sky blue or beige clothing, with the Olympic rings at heart level, accompanied by carmine red triangles which recall the color and very specific shape of the flag of Nepal.
“When you’re an entrepreneur, you live for these kinds of small successesslips, not without emotion, the Frenchman. It would be a huge source of pride to see the presentation of the athletes, the Olympic photos… It’s just magnificent!“Little chance, however, of seeing his clothes on a Paris 2024 podium. Nepal has never won an Olympic medal.