Nutmeg Radio » Fashion & Gear

Pablo Aurrecochea, Baddest Goalkeeper in the World, Plays Dress Up During Match … Again

Clive Longbottom-Fellow, Esq. — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:56:07 +0000

Uruguayan goalkeeper Pablo Aurrecochea is a certifiable, bad mother shut-yo-mouth. Last night, Aurrecochea, who plays for Club Guarani of Paraguay, faced off against Argentina’s River Plate in the Copa Sudamericana in this fly Superman goalkeeper jersey. If that doesn’t intimidate the opposition, I don’t know what will. I mean, nothing gets by Superman, right?

Sadly for Aurrecochea, the ball was like kryptonite last night and he wanted nothing to do with it as River Plate put four goals past the Uruguayan on the way to a 4-2 win. Maybe he should have worn his Batman jersey, or his Krusty the Clown jersey, or his Pink Panther jersey, or his Spiderman jersey.

Seriously.

Check Aurrecochea’s other get ups.

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Louis Vuitton Puts a Stranglehold on FIFA World Cup Marketing

The Chairman — Wed, 12 May 2010 06:33:43 +0000

We’ve given you some insight into the levels that some of the world’s best known brands have gone to market to football fans. However, it seems like none compare to the marketing efforts of Louis Vuitton. The luxury brand has taken its affiliation with football a step further with its latest campaign featuring the one name wonders, Pele, Maradona and Zizou. The latest campaign features the three icons of football playing a game of fussball in a bar while they reminisce about their glory days. Check it out here.

If that weren’t enough, Louis Vuitton’s selection as the designer of the official carrying case for the FIFA World Cup Trophy just served notice to all other brands that it means business when it comes to the Beautiful Game. In selecting Louis Vuitton, FIFA said:

The FIFA World Cup Trophy is our most precious asset. It’s the most coveted trophy, not only in the world of football but beyond. It succeeds in uniting fans all around the world in a healthy competition for the final prize. A trophy as precious as the FIFA World Cup Trophy deserves a travel case of the same elegance and prestige. From now on, the trophy will not only travel in safety, but it will also travel in style.

Soccer fans all over the world can now rest easy because the FIFA World Cup Trophy will not only be well guarded, it will also be well accessorized. Once the one of a kind order has been filled, the new man bag will be featured for the first time at this year’s World Cup in South Africa. Somewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo is smiling.

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Nike’s Netherlands Jacket – Supplementing Your World Cup Wardrobe

Clive Longbottom-Fellow, Esq. — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 12:35:34 +0000

If you happen to root for another team outside of the U.S., the Netherlands wouldn’t be a bad choice. They’ve got some decent players, and their color combinations are, well, better than most. If you think about it, style has long been a part of Dutch football. Cruyff, total football, Gullit’s flowing locks, Edgar David’s goggles — all stylish and iconic images that we associate with Dutch football.

It’s good to see that Nike kept it classic with this Netherlands jacket. With all of the horrible out there, the one formula that will always work is simple. This Nike jacket is definitely a cool kid jacket. You don’t need a makeover. You just need to rock something like this over your uncool clothes. That’s the thing about jackets. They’re like Band-Aids. They can cover your fashion bruises.

Check out the Nike jacket over at here. Nike, stay classy … and stay away from dragons.

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Swiss Watchmaker Hublot Partners with The Hand of God

The Chairman — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 16:09:17 +0000

Football great Diego Maradona has been named the latest football ambassador for luxury watchmaker Hublot Genéve. Hublot Genéve, known for Euro-centric football inspired timepieces such as the Red Devil Big Bang (I & II) and the Spain Euro Big Bang, has finally made its way out of Europe and into Latin America with the introduction of the Big Bang Maradona watch.

The combination of these two iconic brands seems like a perfect fit. Diego, a noted watch enthusiast, has been a Hublot customer prior to partnering up with them on the watch bearing his name. Judging by Hublot’s previous partnerships with the Swiss Football Association, EURO 2008, Spanish Football Federation and Manchester United, it is safe to say that they appreciate the synergy between their brand and some of the game’s leading names. So it is no surprise that Diego was included in Hublot’s growing line of Big Bang football timepieces.

Interesting factoids about the Big Bang Maradona:

Limited edition (numbered from 01/250 to 250/250)
Adjustable strap made of Alligator and rubber w/ blue stitching
Microblasted black ceramic bezel with six H-shaped titanium screws
Black dial w/ appliqués in Argentine blue and luminescent white
The dial features the iconic “#10” Diego wore as a player for the Argentine National Team at the 3 o’clock position and a rectangular date window with the Golden Boy’s signature above it at the 6 o’clock position
Mechanical 45 min counter movement, automatic winding
44 mm case with engraved image of Diego, with his arms raised in victory on the back

For a closer look and more detailed information, check out Maradona’s Hublot watch here.

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World Cup Jackets For Your Dogs If You Decide To Let Your Dogs Out

Clive Longbottom-Fellow, Esq. — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 06:13:58 +0000

Who does your dog support? This isn’t a Randy Jackson reference. I don’t do American Idol references. Soft rock references, yes. But never American Idol. Anyway, I’m literally talking about World Cup jackets for your dog, the animal.

Timmie Doggie Outfitters doesn’t want anyone to miss out on the World Cup excitement. Timmie Doggie, a Toronto-based dog boutique, is carrying jackets for dogs supporting Argentina, Brazil, England, Germany, Portugal or Spain. Sorry dogs of Sam’s Army, American Outlaws and the Free Beer Movement, you didn’t make the cut … yet.

Timmie Doggie’s online store is coming soon, but if you find yourself walking the streets of Toronto, stop in to pick up a jacket for your furry companion. That is, of course, if you are a proponent of dressing animals. No word yet on whether matching World Cup doggie pants will be available.

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Louis Vuitton Takes Inspiration From Soccer

The Chairman — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 15:28:07 +0000

Monogram Hexagone Keepall (left); Hexagone Néo Trocadero (right)

It just seems that the collaboration between football and fashion have no bounds. We’ve written about how football impacts fashion design on and off the pitch with articles featuring the works of fashion designers Dirk Bikkembergs and Stephen Wong. In another illustration of how football serves as creative inspiration for fashion designers, we bring you the work of famed fashion house Louis Vuitton.

For the fashion inclined football fan, LVHM has the ultimate travel accessory for you, soccer inspired ravel bags. These LV monogrammed bags were featured in the French fashion house’s Fall/ Winter 2009/2010 Collection. Fancy names aside, these bags provide a creative twist to an old theme with their hexagonal leather pieces and soccer ball stitching.

Whether an ode to the Beautiful Game or a shrewd marketing move, these bags are sure to please many affluent football fashionistas.

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Bergkamp Bags and Double-Entendre Scarves: Nutmeg Radio’s Q & A With Football Designer Stephen Wong

Clive Longbottom-Fellow, Esq. — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 12:52:58 +0000

The U.S. soccer landscape is changing. A new level of sophistication is on the horizon in the U.S. soccer fashion market. We recently wrote a piece about Toronto F.C.’s collaboration with famed designer Dirk Bikkembergs. Well, we may have our own Dirk right here in New York City (a small town on the outskirts of Harrison, NJ). Stephen Wong is the Founder and Creative Director of WONG WONG, a design collective inspired by football and fashion. For us, soccer is so many things: style, fashion, versatility and humor. WONG WONG beautifully captures these elements in its original designs.

We virtually sat down with Stephen to talk about WONG WONG, Bergkamp, and penetration. Racy, I know. Don’t worry, we’re still in the PG-13 sphere. With WONG WONG, Stephen is doing his part to add a bit of sophistication and humor to soccer design. Here are some of the highlights from our conversation.

Clive: I won’t be silly enough to ask you how you came up for the name of the company, Mr. Stephen Wong. But do tell me a little about yourself. What led you into football-inspired design?

Stephen: For the past 12 years I have been working as an Art Director in NYC, mostly in art and fashion. With WONG WONG I wanted to design projects that are inspired by football but make them approachable to everyone and leave each project open to interpretation.

Clive: Let’s talk the Bergkamp tote. What was the inspiration for the bag and its design? And why Bergkamp?

Stephen: I had the idea for the Bergkamp tote while playing pick-up football downtown in NYC. I noticed that a lot of friends were carrying all their gear in one bag and after a match, that meant all their sweaty clothes, dirty boots (and those nasty field turf pellets) were being thrown together with their books, laptops and what not and thought that it would be interesting to find a solution to this.(an alternative to nylon duffel bags or backpacks) So I designed The Bergkamp, which has 2 individual totes, one for your gear and one for your personal things, and everything stays separate and clean. The bridge that holds the two totes together is convenient for carrying jackets, jumpers, etc. And if you don’t play football, well then the tote is useful when shopping at the bodega, taking lunch to work, or a carrying larger items, like a yoga mat.

I named the tote after Bergkamp because I liked the way it sounds and he is one of my favorite players.

Clive: You have good taste in players. I assume you know that Dennis Bergkamp was afraid to fly. Do these bags travel well?

Stephen: I believe it started when he was playing for the Dutch national side and one of his flights was canceled due to a bomb threat or something and from then on he refused to fly. Well, that’s what Wikipedia told me anyways. Luckily the WONG WONG double tote handles air travel very well.

Clive: Now, the scarves. The Backdoor, Double Team, Hump and Run, Movement, Penetration, and Two Man Combo. When did you decide to exclusively focus on Chelsea scarves? No, seriously, what’s up with the provocative scarves?

Stephen: Yes, the scarves are in honor of Ashley Cole……The FFL project is WW’s interpretation of the traditional football scarf. 100% cashmere (vs, acrylic), and each design is paired with football terms that match each club’s style of play. Arsenal play an attacking, flowing style of football so I gave them Penetration, Juventus traditionally play a defensive style of game, like most Italian sides, so I chose Double Team, and so on. For those that don’t follow football (shame) well that’s alright, everyone loves cashmere and haven’t we all had enough with the black, drab outfits already? Everyone could use a little color.

Clive: Well said. How have the scarves been received? What’s the most entertaining reaction you’ve seen/heard?

Stephen: Love, Hate, Indifference. I think that covers it.

Clive: Your designs are what we in “the business” call high end. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you, but you’re selling $125 scarves. What niche are you targeting? What convinced you of the demand?

Stephen: People that love football and people that recognize good design. Oh, a sense of humor helps.

Clive: How do you envision the high end football fashion market unfolding, especially in the United States?

Stephen: Innovation and Collaboration.

Clive: This question is more of a suggestion. What do you think about making scarves for clubs facing financial difficulty? Portsmouth’s would be Brokeback; Manchester United could be the VibGlazer. This is all free my friend. Okay, really, what’s in the pipeline?

Stephen: I think the Red Knights already beat me to that one. The next project will launch in late May, just before that little tournament in South Africa. It’s going to be WONG WONG’S first collaboration, but I can’t say much more about it now.

Clive: Fair enough. Any final thoughts?

Stephen: PLUG: www.wongwong.com

Well plugged, Stephen.

You can pick up a Bergkamp tote or several of Wong Wong’s stylish scarves at their online store (see plug above). We’ll let you know when WONG WONG launches their next project right before the World Cup.

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Buck-Up Hammer Fans: At Least You’ve Got Katy Perry

The Chairman — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 05:54:51 +0000

A Football Partner’s Secret Weapon

Finally, a football gift that men and women can both enjoy. No, it’s not a team mug. Katy Perry, girlfriend of fellow rocker Russell Brand, donned this tribute to her boyfriend’s favorite club, West Ham, at the 2009 MTV Europe Music Awards. Katy’s outfit was made out of three Claret jerseys and was designed by Siobhan Dillon. Surprisingly (or not), Katy’s outfit created quite the buzz. Due to high demand, the Hammers partnered with Dillon to sell a limited number of these get-ups at their stores for a whopping £300. Considering that the Hammers are doing their best to get relegated, this may be the best thing going on in and around Upton Park for some time.

For you non-Hammer fans, don’t fret. I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before your team follows suit.

On the Cutting Edge: Soccer Fans Don’t Need iPads – A Retrospective

Would You Rather Have Commemorative Shoes or Speedos?

Clive Longbottom-Fellow, Esq. — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 05:28:49 +0000

Shoes please.

Looks like Nike might have to go ahead and re-release these again this year. Last year, Nike released these Nike Blazers to commemorate Barcelona’s Champions League victory over Manchester United. Word has it that had United beaten Barcelona at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Nike was going to release some special edition Speedo-like briefs called the Cristianitos, which sounds a bit blasphemous to me. I’d get more use out of the hi tops.

The shoe’s design is based on Barcelona’s 2008/2009 third jersey, which always reminded me of the leftover crayons that no one wanted to use. For Barcelona fans who rushed to buy the shoe, they must have been the type of Barcelona fans who love all things Barcelona or collect Nikes. I’m imagining a fan trying to figure out what items in his closet (these are men’s shoes) go with lime green and turquoise. If you have anything in your closet other than a Barcelona jersey that matches these shoes, then we should talk, although one could probably be relatively safe wearing these shoes with jeans.

Nike seems to have made the right decision releasing these shoes, especially considering Barcelona look to be favorites to win the Champions League again (although Arsenal fans will have something to say about that). Maybe they’ll just re-release these if Barcelona wins again. But at least we know that this year we won’t be getting banana hammocks in June. And for that, I thank you Real Madrid for bowing out of the competition gracefully.

You can still pick up a pair of the FC Barcelona Nike Blazers at Mental Kicks’ online store. However, I hope you wear a Size 9 or can squeeze into one because that’s the only size available. Sorry, 9.5s. It’s better than squeezing into a pair of Cristianitos … so I’ve heard.

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Some Puma Trainers for the Fashionably Inclined

Clive Longbottom-Fellow, Esq. — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 07:32:50 +0000

If you are cool and like soccer, you’ll think these are great looking casual shoes. If you disagree, well, I wish you the best in life. These may not be the shoes for intense training, but they’re definitely a pair of shoes to wear to go watch other people train intensely. I’ll concede that I’m not the coolest of people, so these might not be on my feet. But looking cool is not my most marketable skill set. I’m much better at telling you what’s cool. These shoes? Cool.

If you like them, you can head over to the Puma Shop to pick up a pair. They have other colors as well. If you’re color blind, disregard the previous sentence.

If you don’t like them, don’t go over to the Puma Shop and pick up a pair.

Yes, I am aware that this entire post is centered.