Fashion Wire Daily Milan May 19, 2003 - As if England's beefy brood of national soccer players didn't look hot enough in their off time -- and judging by David Beckham, they certainly do -- this genetically gifted group has been granted yet another aesthetic boost: an Armani wardrobe.
Starting today, the rugged appeal that has captivated the country's female population (even while clad in droopy nylon shorts) will be polished up and officially upgraded with a sleek off-time wardrobe designed by fashion icon Giorgio Armani.
The Italian designer, who says he is infinitely inspired by today's soccer studs, flew to London Monday to personally unveil the collection to the team at their Sopwell House headquarters in St. Albans.
Sixteen players -- including captain Beckham in his new Bo Derek-style blonde cornrows -- made like models this afternoon, trying on the formal and casual looks before the discerning eye of their creator. Like any proper maestro, Armani had the requisite edits for his pupils, who still need to learn a thing or two about the proper way to snug up a tie.
The oversized knot, all the rage among caramel loafer-clad Italians and also favored by this British brigade, does not cut it with Giorgio. Going straight for the jugular, the perfectionist designer showed the jocks just who knows what in the wardrobe department, tightening up and re-tying the dark gray iridescent ties which hung over pearl gray button down shirts and classic navy suits.
Sizing up his enormous former poster boy David James, Armani commented, "You've gotten smaller." Towering over the designer at 6'4", James -- the current goalie for London's Hammers -- was handpicked by Armani back in 1995 to be both a runway and advertising face for his label.
With label-loving Beckham serving as both fashion frontman as well as team captain, it's no wonder that Britain's national team got the chance to upgrade from the slightly dodgy Burton brand that had previously provided the team's off-time wardrobe. For the next three years, the players are guaranteed to knock the socks off the press - not to mention the fans sneaking a peek at them while they're traveling. The first public unveiling will be this evening as the squad departs from London's Luton airport for Durban, to play in a historic game against South Africa on May 22.
British soccer isn't Armani's only favorite though. The designer has forged a relationship with many a foot kicker, including Real Madrid's Ronaldo and Luis Figo, as well as Inter Milan's Christian Vieri and Fabio Cannavaro. He has also dressed the Italian national team, Newcastle United and the team in his hometown of Piacenza.
So what's the draw, other than a set of perfectly sculpted shoulder blades on which to hang your wares? "Footballers today are the modern day gladiators," the designer said Monday. "They have become icons both on and off the field."
