Back in 2008, I collaborated with Marks & Spencer’s Autograph range to design a suit that the FA Cup players could wear for all their off-pitch appearances. It was a brilliant opportunity, and I was very happy when M&S asked me to design the suits for this year’s World Cup team.
Taking place in South Africa, the World Cup attracts several millions viewers from all over the world, so we had to design a suit for the players, crew and coach Fabio Capello to wear that would look sharp and sophisticated. We proposed our design to the Football Association last year, choosing a grey birdseye cloth for a 3 piece, 2-button suit. The design was snapped up, along with a selection of shirts and ties (lined with the England emblem).
I went to fit the team – including Steven Gerrard, John Terry, Theo Walcott, David Beckham and Fabio Capello – a few months ago.
Here’s a couple of scans from the newspapers showing the team arriving in South Africa – I think they look brilliant! There was a lot of coverage of David Beckham and Fabio wearing the suits too during the matches. Although the final result wasn’t too our liking I think the suit and the players looked great, and M&S have sold over 7000 since May – so the supports must look great in it too! The suit is still available to buy for £199 from M&S and comes without the England emblem on the breast pocket.
Better luck next time boys!
Email Tim: timsblog@timothyeverest.co.uk