Fashion goals: Socceroos trade kit bags for it-bags as they level up off-field style | Fashion
A.Suited and booted, the Socceroos stepped off the bus in Vancouver and brandished several designer bags as they cruised to a 2-0 victory over Türkiye. Tete Yengi and Mo Touré carried a bag that resembled a Goyard, the bag of choice for world-class athletes. Burberry checks and monograms from Louis Vuitton and Dior were also seen.
“They’ve come a long way from the Country Road bag on the sidelines,” said Benjamen Judd, Esquire Australia’s head of content.
The Socceroos’ suits were from Australian tailoring brand MJ Bale, but MJ Bale partnerships and communications manager Susie Thompson said the luxury bags were “their own flair”.
“You see some of the basketball teams overseas and they’re having ‘tunnel moments’ with designer clothes,” Thompson said, referring to the pre-game parade that has become the sport’s catwalk.
“There’s an element of imitation through international sport and having their ‘moment’ come, and I think they’ve accessorised accordingly, which is lovely.
“We are very proud to be there with international luxury brands.”
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Judd said football has recently begun to rival the NBA’s established fashion sense. Players, fans and brands “turned to kids and their bags.”
Over the weekend, Austrian captain David Alaba wore a $70,000 Birkin, while Frenchman Marcus Thuram created a stir with his limited edition emerald green Chanel Speedy model.
Judd doesn’t expect to see the same wealth of Australian players any time soon. While “the two Goyards are nice… orange and blue”, he said several Socceroos’ bags were “really basic”. “One looked like an airline business class bag.”
Judd said Australia’s Jacob Italiano may have been wearing Dior, but he paired it with “a little plastic thing.” “I’m not sure they take this that seriously.
“All the biggest players have stylists… Our boys don’t have stylists.”
Judd said even the Australian team’s official uniform, made from Australian merino wool, was “practical” and “accessible”. “MJ Ballet is Australia’s business district uniform. It’s like you go to Martin Place or… Collins Street and it’s the most convenient.”
Judd said choosing a particular suit label for the Socceroos jersey was “genius”. It touches on Australian athletes’ relationship with fashion more broadly. “There’s generally a little more humility.”
Also realistically, “our football stars are paid significantly less than their international counterparts”.
