Like her return to the stage, Céline Dion‘s comeback dress was a long time coming.
The custom gown the music icon, 56, wore for her surprise performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony — part of her comeback following her stiff-person syndrome diagnosis — was a serious labor of love.
The glittering Dior haute couture creation — which Dion wore to sing her emotional rendition of Édith Piaf’s “Hymne A L’Amour” on the Eiffel Tower on Friday, July 26 — took over 1,000 hours to create, according to Vogue France.
Designed by Italian fashion designer Maria Grazia Chiuri, the dress included lots of intricate details, including about 1,640 feet of beaded fringing, per a press release.
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IOC via Getty
Behind-the-scenes photos of the Dior ateliers shared by Vogue France show several individuals working on the long-sleeved, mock-neck gown, using intricate tools to hand-bead the singer’s comeback look.
To take the already incredible gown to the next level, the “My Heart Will Go On” singer accessorized with dazzling jewels, including dangling earrings that perfectly complemented its fringing.
For her glam, the star slicked her signature blonde tresses back into a low bun and rocked a bold smoky eye look with a nude lip.
The opening ceremony performance was Dion’s first since her August 2022 stiff-person syndrome diagnosis, which she opened up about in-depth in her newly released Prime Video documentary, I Am: Céline Dion.
Dion reflected on the milestone and experience with an emotional Instagram post on Saturday, July 27.
Alongside a photo of herself looking out a window, which was seemingly snapped in her French hotel room, the star 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…”
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The singer also shared a post reflecting on the surprise performance — and wishing all of this year’s Olympic athletes luck — immediately after belting the song.
“I’m honored to have performed tonight, for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, and so full of joy to be back in one of my very favorite cities!” Dion wrote on Instagram. “Most of all, I’m so happy to be celebrating these amazing athletes, with all their stories of sacrifice and determination, pain and perseverance. 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 finished. “Stay focused, keep going, my heart is with you! – Celine xx…”
