Inside the Olympics Opening Ceremony With Vittoria Cerreti and the Giorgio Armani Crowd

Then it was time for the headliner, at least to those watching from and in the U.S.: Mariah Carey. Carey, like me, is from Long Island, New York, and, also like me, she has no Italian heritage, but no problemo! She is pomp and circumstance personified, which is what really matters in moments like these. Plus, she’s highly associated with wintry months thanks to her holiday bangers—I thought for a second she might layer in a lyric or a sample from “All I Want for Christmas,” but no. Call it a missed opportunity. Carey sang the Italian song “Volare,” which was originally composed by Domenico Modugno in 1958. She hybridized that with one of her own: “Nothing Is Impossible.” Whether pre-recorded or not, she also hit a trio of her signature whistle notes, which had the whole stadium screaming. Carey wore a white Roberto Cavalli by Fausto Puglisi dress with a feathered stole. And, importantly: $15 million worth of diamonds from the company Levuma. When she was done, the lights dimmed but she stayed in place. Six handlers then scurried out to escort her away. I wonder if she’s already on a jet home.

One of the ceremony’s most stylish moments occurred soon thereafter during the presentation of the flag to the guard of honor. Sixty models were dressed in Armani pantsuits for this portion, their green, white, and red colors mirroring Italy’s banner. And like Gisele Bundchen before her at the Rio de Janeiro Games, Vittoria Ceretti, another Italian supe, walked out last as the flag bearer. She wore a white Armani Privé gown, made fully custom for the occasion. It felt resonant, especially considering Mr. Armani’s recent passing. He actually had an early hand in designing part of the ceremony.

The Italian delegation.Photo: Courtesy of Armani

At this point, we needed to stretch our legs, so a few of us braved another line for some snacks and more beer. “I think we need 15 of them,” said Boscono. While waiting, I asked her if she’s good at any winter sports. “No, obviously,” she laughed but then added that she loves figure skating, and ski jumping. “The danger of that. It’s a thrill.” After the extreme chaos of ordering 15 beers (and 15 hot dogs) in a crowd of probably a hundred people trying to do the same thing, we made it back to the Parade of Athletes just as Canada was making its lap. I vaguely hoped (desperately wished) Hudson Williams would strut as Shane Hollander, but alas, another missed opportunity.