Off the pitch England's football stars are known for their designer wardrobes, flash cars and gorgeous wives. But it seems they have now been won over by the High Street. The England team, who sported £2,000 official outfits by Armani at last year's World Cup, are to be kitted out in a more modestly priced alternative by British brand Marks & Spencer. Timothy Everest, one of the country's leading designers who works on the company's Autograph range, is behind the new outfit.
England skipper John Terry says: "We are extremely pleased with the outcome, as well as the look and feel of the suits we will be wearing," adding that the players were involved in the choice of High Street store. In the three-year deal M&S will provide all players - including the men's under-21 side and the England women's team - with their official outfits, up to and including the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and pals will wear a navy suit jacket worth £105, trousers, £99, a waistcoat for £39.50 and tie for £19.50. Shoes, by design-duo Jeffery-West are £59.90. Its certainly now more affordable for fans to replicate their heroes' look, with the entire ensemble adding up to £407.
Some eyebrows were raised when Italian fashion maestro Giorgio Armani was picked as official tailor for the team's World Cup suits last year, and it seems there's been a deliberate shift back to a more patriotic and accessible provider. Explaining the team's decision to use the home-grown designs, Football Association spokesman Jonathan Hill says: "We are thrilled to have concluded an agreement with one of this country's most successful retailers and iconic brand names which, like football, has genuinely broad appeal." Accessories such as cufflinks and belts and replica versions of the suits will be available in store nationwide from May 24.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
