Armani Outfits Soccer Players

Posted by Lesley Scott Aug 6, 2007

It’s good to be a member of the Chelsea Football Club in London – especially if you’re a fashionable fellow. After redoing the club’s director’s lounge with Armani Casa, the designer recently overhauled their off-field uniforms. "Chelsea F.C. has become known the world over for the quality of its game and the internationalism of its players who have become sporting icons," Armani recently told WWD (Armani’s Luxe Spin on Soccer, Monday, August 6, 2007).

Lucky fans in the UK can pick up the suits at Emporio Armani for just over $1,200, and know they’re wearing part of the new uniform, which includes:

- a single-breasted suit in navy

- Chelsea club tie

- blue cotton shirt

- polo shirt

- mock croc belt

- brown suede half boots

- matching knee-length cashmere formal coat

- nylon rain coat

This latest endeavor only adds to an ever-expanding empire that now boasts more than $2 billion in sales and includes a couture house, ready to wear, sportswear, shoes, denim, menswear & accessories, home furnishings, cosmetics, and more than 20 licensees (including Luxtottica-produced eyewear) and 250 stores worldwide selling products bearing the Armani name.

After dropping out of medical school and selling his Volkswagen to raise money, Armani launched his menswear line in 1974, followed the next year by womenswear. However, it wasn’t until 1980 that he bubbled up pop culture foodchain with American Gigolo, outfitting a dashing Richard Gere in his sleekly sexy suits. Designing the wedding attire for the TomKat circus last year also provided a huge PR bonanza, as do his periodic spats with Valentino and Donatella Versace.

- via WWD